Common Defenses Used by DUI
Lawyers to Fight Charges
Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can have far-reaching consequences, extending well beyond a simple fine or license suspension. It can put careers, reputations, and personal relationships at risk, leaving those accused facing an uncertain future. Even individuals who consider themselves responsible drivers may find their lives upended by these charges, making skilled legal support key during this challenging time.
DUI attorneys play an essential role in protecting the rights of the accused and managing the specifics of these cases. From questioning the validity of traffic stops to challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, DUI lawyers carefully examine every detail to uncover potential defenses. Whether addressing medical conditions or procedural flaws in how evidence is handled, these legal professionals help build stronger cases, often exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments to improve outcomes for their clients.
Questioning the Legality of the Traffic Stop
Challenging the legality of the traffic stop is a key strategy in defending against DUI charges. If law enforcement did not have a valid reason or probable cause to initiate the stop, evidence gathered during that encounter might not be usable in court. This protection comes from constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Defense attorneys carefully review the details of the stop, including the officer’s observations and the circumstances that led to it. For instance, they examine whether the officer noted erratic driving, a traffic violation, or visible signs of impairment as justification for the stop. This approach can challenge the reliability of evidence such as breathalyzer results and field sobriety tests conducted after an unlawful stop.
Challenging the Accuracy of Breathalyzer Tests
Breathalyzer tests, commonly used in DUI investigations, measure blood alcohol content (BAC) through exhaled breath. However, these devices can sometimes give inaccurate results due to issues like improper calibration, malfunctions, or user error. These factors can provide defense attorneys with ways to challenge the test results in court.
Lawyers often examine the maintenance and calibration records of the breathalyzer used. For example, they look into whether the device was last serviced and calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines. They also question the officer’s training to use the device and whether the test was administered correctly, such as verifying that the individual did not eat, drink, or smoke before the test.
Examining the Validity of Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are used to assess a person’s level of impairment but often rely on the officer’s interpretation. Factors like weather, uneven surfaces, or medical conditions can affect performance, making the results unreliable.
Defense attorneys analyze the conditions during the tests and argue that improper administration or external factors caused inaccurate results. For instance, they may point out that the driver was asked to perform balance tests on a sloped or gravel-covered road, or that strong winds made it difficult to follow instructions. By highlighting these issues, lawyers can challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Some health conditions and medications can mimic signs of intoxication, making DUI cases more complicated. Conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or fatigue can cause behaviors such as slurred speech or unsteadiness, which might be mistaken for intoxication. For instance, diabetic hypoglycemia can cause confusion and poor motor coordination, which may appear similar to alcohol impairment.
DUI lawyers often collect medical records and testimony from healthcare professionals to show that a client’s behavior was caused by a medical issue rather than alcohol. For example, detailed notes from a doctor explaining how a prescribed medication affects balance or speech can provide alternative explanations for a client’s behavior.
Issues with Blood Test Procedures
Blood tests, which are often used to measure BAC, require careful handling to produce accurate results. Mistakes in the process, from collection to analysis, can create doubt about the test’s validity.
Defense attorneys investigate how the blood sample was handled and whether proper procedures were followed. For example, they verify whether the sample was stored at the correct temperature and transported in a timely manner to avoid degradation. Additionally, they may request documentation of the chain of custody to confirm there were no gaps or mishandling.
DUI charges are complex and carry significant legal and personal consequences, but skilled defense attorneys can provide essential support and identify potential defenses for those accused. From questioning the legality of traffic stops and challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests to addressing medical conditions and blood test procedures, defense strategies focus on exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. With these approaches, DUI lawyers protect their clients’ rights, promote fair treatment, and advocate for justice during a difficult time.
