Challenging Evidence in a DUI Trial
DUI charges often come with life-altering consequences, ranging from hefty fines to jail time. Unfortunately, many people enter guilty pleas even when the charges against them hold no water in the hope of avoiding drawn-out trials and custodial sentences.
If you are facing a DUI charge, it is not the end of the road. It is possible to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and walk away with a clean record. Here’s how:
1. Question the Validity of the Police Sobriety Tests
Law enforcement officers use field sobriety tests like walk-and-turn and one-leg stand to assess how drunk a driver is. However, these tests are highly subjective, and your performance can be influenced by factors like illness, weather conditions, and uneven terrain. If the prosecution’s case is based on the results of sobriety tests, you can challenge their validity by highlighting the factors that may have compromised the test results.
2. Challenge the Legality of the Traffic Stop
For any DUI charge to stand in court, the traffic officer has to prove that they had probable cause to pull the driver over. If you can prove that the officer stopped you randomly or due to a minor issue unrelated to drunk driving, you may be able to have the charge thrown out.
3. Question the Accuracy of Breathalyzer Tests
It is standard practice for police to measure a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest as a way to prove their case. However, these measurements and the devices used to measure them are not always accurate and can produce false positives. A good attorney can put doubt on the calibration of the breathalyzers and question their maintenance records.
4. Presenting Alternative Explanations for Your Behavior
If the police report claims that you exhibited signs of impairment consistent with those of people under the influence, your attorney may be able to convince the court that something else was to blame. Certain medical conditions and prescription drugs can produce side effects that mimic signs of drunkenness. Your case will be even easier to prove if you have medical records to support you.
Looking For A DUI Attorney?
Dealing with a DUI case can be unnerving, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Morris and Dean in Dalton, GA, our attorneys will help you get a fair judgment in a DUI case. Contact us today for a consultation.