DUI and DWI are serious charges that carry heavy fines, possible jail time, and a lifelong criminal record. In a DUI case, the state would have to prove that you were driving under the influence and that you exceeded the legal limit. There could have been mistakes made by the officer or there could have been a violation of procedure. These mistakes can be used to fight a DUI charge. Read on to learn more about these defenses and how they can help your case.
Forced Statements
Coerced statements are statements that are made when a person is under duress or being threatened. In some cases, police will try to coerce suspects into providing statements. When a police officer coerces you into making a statement, the statement may be suppressed in court. DUI defense lawyers will explain that this is not admissible in court and can help you avoid saying anything that can be used against you.
Test-Related Inaccuracies
A DUI defense lawyer can also help you challenge field sobriety tests. Testing errors can occur for a number of reasons and can be used to your advantage if the arresting officer made a mistake. A DUI defense lawyer will look at the arresting officer's paperwork to determine if there are any errors in their testing procedures. If there are, you may be able to have the results of the breathalyzer thrown out in court. A DUI defense lawyer understands that there are many factors that can affect the accuracy of testing results. A lab technician may make mistakes, or the equipment used for testing can be faulty. Your DUI defense lawyer will understand how to prove these errors and work with you to show that your rights were violated.
Not Actually Drunk
The signs of intoxication may be subtle, and it can be hard to tell if someone is actually intoxicated. In many cases, the person is not actually drunk but the officer may think that they are. For example, the officer may assume that an individual has been drinking if they have a cold, allergies, or are simply fatigued. You may exhibit the characteristics of a drunk driver, but if you are unable to provide an adequate explanation for your behavior, you can still be arrested for a DUI.
It is in your best interest to call a qualified DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can. A DUI defense lawyer will understand the legal consequences of your arrest and help you avoid conviction and the most serious consequences. The sooner you call a qualified DUI defense lawyer, the more time they will have to review the facts of your case and plan your defense.
