DUI Cases Are Not Necessarily Hopeless
Despite what you may have heard, DUI cases do not always lead to slam dunk convictions. In fact, there may be various ways to challenge your DUI ticket or DWI charge, and speaking with an experienced DUI attorney in your area is a prudent way to assess your case and determine if possible challenges may help you beat your charges and clear your record, or at least keep adverse consequences from your DUI arrest to a minimum.
While the specific defenses you can assert in a DUI case differ from case to case and state to state, there are several important principles that apply in just about every case involving drunk driving. One of the DUI lawyers who sponsor Total DUI can explain these principles to you in more detail. Simply call 1 (877) 349-1311 or fill out our online case evaluation form, and we'll help you schedule a free, no risk consultation with a local DUI lawyer. With so much possibly on the line, don’t discount the importance of speaking with a DWI lawyer as soon as possible.
Use the following sections to learn more about:
- Challenging Your DUI Arrest;
- Challenging Your Questioning;
- Challenging Your Breathalyzer Test or Blood Alcohol Test;
- Challenging the Testimony of Your Arresting Officer;
- Plea Bargaining; and
- Fighting Your DUI Charges.
Challenging Your Initial DUI Arrest
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires that any search or seizure be based on probable cause. When a police officer arrests you under suspicion of drunk driving, that is a seizure. If the officer does not have probable cause to arrest you, your DUI attorney may challenge your arrest.
A police officer can lack probable cause to arrest you in a number of different circumstances. If you were stopped on a purely random basis or solely on an anonymous tip, for driving too slowly or unexplained "suspicious" reasons, or because of your race, ethnicity or another protected category, you may be able to fight your case. The specifics vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and a local DUI lawyer is the best source of information about how these general principles apply to your case.
Challenging Your Questioning
Law enforcement must read a person his or her Miranda rights-that you have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be used against you, and you are entitled to a lawyer-upon making an arrest. Thus, if you were arrested on DUI/DWI charges and the police did not give you these famous Miranda warnings, a local DUI lawyer may be able to move to suppress evidence that was gathered in violation of your Miranda rights.
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Challenging Your Blood Alcohol Test or Breathalyzer Test
If you are stopped under suspicion of drunk driving, the law in most states requires that you be given a breath, blood, saliva, or urine test to check the alcohol level in your blood. With that said, there may be several ways to successfully fight the results of these tests in your DUI case.
The law in some states requires that you be allowed to have your own physician take your blood, and if the police deny you this right, you may be able to fight your DUI charges. You may also challenge the accuracy of the prosecution's blood alcohol evidence with an expert witness who may dispute the qualifications of the medical personnel doing the blood alcohol testing, question the maintenance and functionality of the breathalyzers or other testing equipment, or contest the procedures used in obtaining, sealing, labeling, storing and offering the evidence into trial. The DUI attorneys who sponsor Total DUI work with qualified medical and scientific experts who may be able to help fight your case on these grounds.
Challenging the Testimony of the Arresting Officer
Most DUI cases are based largely on the testimony of the arresting officer. Your DUI lawyer may cross examine the arresting officer and challenge the accuracy of his or her observations, the performance of a field sobriety test and other aspects of your arrest.
Plea Bargaining
If you can't completely beat your case by getting your charges dismissed or winning a not guilty verdict at trial, you may still be able to limit the damage and reduce the penalties through plea bargaining. A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the state in which the charges against you are dropped in exchange for your guilty plea to a lesser charge or a lesser sentence. In some cases, prosecutors may drop a DUI charge against you if it's your first DUI offense and you agree to plead to a lesser penalty like supervision.
Even if you plead to a lower offense, your case may still be eligible in some states for expungement, which essentially eliminates the offense from your record. However, most states require that you wait for a fairly significant period before you are eligible for an expungement.
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An Experienced DUI Attorney May Help You Fight Your DUI Charges
Facing DUI charges may be a very stressful experience. By speaking with one of the DUI lawyers who sponsor Total DUI, you may calmly assess your situation and perhaps find ways to challenge your case. Once again, our phone number is 1 (877) 349-1311, and you can always fill out our free, online case assessment. Simply enter a few details about your case, and we'll help you schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a local DUI attorney who may help you proceed with confidence.