Levi Trumbull Lawsuit Update, Sober Driver Arrested for DUI, Then Charges Dropped, The Levi Trumbull Case

A police accountability journalist named Levi Trumbull was arrested for DUI in Frederick County, Maryland, on March 29, 2025, despite registering 0.00 on a breathalyzer test. All charges were dismissed on May 8, 2025, after the arresting deputy failed to appear in court. As of February 2026, no civil lawsuit has been filed — but the bodycam footage went viral and the clock is still running on Trumbull’s right to sue.

Key Dates

What Happened That Night

On March 29, 2025, in Frederick County, Maryland, Levi Trumbull was pulled over by a local deputy around 9:40 PM near Route 355 and Lowes Lane. The officer claimed Trumbull had run a red light — something Trumbull disputed from the start.

Levi Trumbull is not a typical motorist. He is a content creator who records interactions between police and the public. He knew his rights and he exercised them calmly.

Officers asked Trumbull to perform field sobriety tests — walking in a straight line and following a moving object with his eyes. In Maryland, these tests are voluntary, and Trumbull declined. He then agreed to take a breathalyzer. The result: 0.00. Zero alcohol in his system.

Despite that result, officers arrested Trumbull for DUI anyway. His car was towed, and he was taken into custody.

What the Bodycam Footage Showed

Body camera footage of the entire interaction was released to the public. It recorded the breathalyzer result, the full traffic stop, and the arrest — and it contradicted key claims in the arrest report regarding signs of impairment.

The footage spread rapidly across TikTok, YouTube, and other social platforms. Trending searches included “Levi Trumbull Pulled Over Full Video,” “Levi Trumbull Arrest,” and “Levi Trumbull Final Part Maryland State Police.” The viral response brought national attention to the incident within weeks.

What Happened in Court

On May 8, 2025, Trumbull appeared in court for his traffic citations. The arresting deputy — identified as Deputy Christian Roush of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office — failed to appear at the hearing. The judge dismissed all traffic citations as a result.

The dismissal means the citations are expunged from Trumbull’s record — erased as if they never happened. Because the charges were dismissed and expunged, they generally cannot be refiled for the same incident, particularly given the lack of evidence supporting the original arrest.

The Legal Claims That Could Come Next

No civil lawsuit has been filed as of February 2026. However, the incident raises specific legal claims that Trumbull could potentially pursue. This section explains what those claims involve — as general legal education only.

False Arrest / False Imprisonment

A false arrest claim argues that law enforcement detained someone without legal justification. The central question if Trumbull files suit would be whether the deputy had valid legal grounds — called “probable cause” — to make the DUI arrest when the breathalyzer showed 0.00.

The Sheriff’s Office would likely argue that the deputy had probable cause based on Trumbull’s refusal to perform voluntary field sobriety tests and alleged signs of impairment at the scene — despite the zero breathalyzer reading. Courts would weigh all of the evidence, including the bodycam footage, to decide whether that justification holds up.

Civil Rights Violation — Section 1983

Under a federal law called 42 U.S.C. § 1983, individuals can sue government officials for violating their constitutional rights. A Fourth Amendment claim would argue that Trumbull’s right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures was violated when he was arrested without sufficient cause.

First Amendment Retaliation

Some supporters of Trumbull have speculated that the arrest may have been connected to his police accountability journalism work, suggesting officers may have targeted him as a way of sending a message. A First Amendment retaliation claim would require evidence showing that protected activity — such as his journalism — was a motivating factor in the arrest. As of the public record, no direct evidence of retaliation has been confirmed.

What the Sheriff’s Office Has Said

No official public statement from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office specifically addressing Trumbull’s case has been confirmed in public reporting as of February 2026. Deputy Roush did not appear at the May 8 hearing, which resulted in automatic dismissal.

Analysis of the case from local observers has suggested this appears to be a training issue rather than willful misconduct, pointing to gaps in how deputies are trained on Maryland’s DUI laws and arrest procedures when breathalyzer results show zero alcohol.

Where Things Stand Right Now

There is currently no public record of a civil lawsuit filed by Levi Trumbull against Frederick County, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, or Deputy Roush.

Maryland’s statute of limitations for civil rights claims is generally three years, which means Trumbull has until approximately March 2028 to file a federal civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983 or related state law claims.

Trumbull has filed a public records complaint requesting that the local law enforcement agency make information about the incident publicly available. At this stage, the focus is on transparency rather than compensation.

Possible Outcomes If a Lawsuit Is Filed

This section presents general possibilities for educational purposes only. No outcome can be predicted.

The case could be dismissed early. If a court finds the arresting deputy had arguable legal justification for the stop, a lawsuit could be dismissed before reaching a jury — particularly if the deputy claims qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that protects government officials unless the law they violated was “clearly established.”

The case could settle. Many civil rights cases involving municipalities resolve privately through settlement negotiations before trial. Terms of any settlement would likely remain confidential.

The case could go to a jury trial. If filed and not dismissed, a jury would evaluate the bodycam footage, the arrest report, and testimony from both sides to decide whether a constitutional violation occurred and whether Trumbull is owed damages.

No lawsuit may ever be filed. Trumbull has made no public announcement of an intent to sue. Having charges dismissed and expunged may be the resolution he seeks.

What This Means More Broadly

This case has sparked conversations about proper DUI arrest procedures, the importance of following legal protocols, adequate training on Maryland DUI laws, and the role of bodycam footage in ensuring police accountability.

The Trumbull incident highlights one thing clearly: bodycam footage is now central evidence in disputes between citizens and police. When that footage contradicts an arrest report, courts and the public both take notice.

This is not a class action, and no other individuals can join this case. Anyone who believes they have experienced a similar false arrest or civil rights violation should consult a qualified attorney about their specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Levi Trumbull filed a lawsuit? 

No. As of February 2026, no civil lawsuit has been filed in public court records against Frederick County, the Sheriff’s Office, or Deputy Roush.

How long does Trumbull have to file a lawsuit? 

Maryland’s statute of limitations for civil rights claims is typically three years, giving Trumbull until March 2028 to file a federal civil rights claim under Section 1983 or related state claims.

Why were Trumbull’s charges dismissed? 

Deputy Roush failed to appear at the scheduled May 8, 2025 court hearing, resulting in automatic dismissal of all traffic citations under Maryland court rules. The citations were then expunged from Trumbull’s record.

Can the charges ever be refiled? 

Since the charges were dismissed and expunged, they generally cannot be refiled for the same incident, especially given the procedural dismissal and the lack of evidence supporting the original arrest.

What is probable cause and why does it matter here? 

Probable cause is the legal standard police must meet to make an arrest. It means having enough facts and evidence to reasonably believe a crime was committed. Whether Deputy Roush had sufficient probable cause to arrest Trumbull after a 0.00 breathalyzer reading is the central legal question in this case.

What is qualified immunity? 

Qualified immunity is a legal protection for government officials that shields them from civil lawsuits unless the law they allegedly violated was “clearly established” at the time. If Trumbull files suit, qualified immunity could be raised as a defense.

Is this a class action? 

No. This is a private individual matter involving Levi Trumbull and Frederick County law enforcement only.

Where can I watch the bodycam footage? 

The footage was released publicly and is available across multiple platforms including TikTok and YouTube. Searching “Levi Trumbull bodycam” will surface the original recordings.

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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