If the police charge you with driving under the influence (DUI), you need to deal with it as soon as possible.
A DUI carries significant penalties and longer-term consequences, and the more time you have to examine your defense options, the more likely you are to find one that works.
So, where do you start?
- Run through events prior to the police stopping you
Is there anything that could have influenced a Breathalyzer reading? Had you taken prescription medicine? Had you used a paint sprayer or used mouthwash? All those things could have a bearing on the reading.
If you did drink something, think about who served it and what it was? Did someone pour a large measure without telling you? Did they give you a full-strength beer instead of the low alcohol one you requested?
- Think about any medical conditions you have
A general lack of balance, a leg disability, or an eye condition might all explain why you failed the field sobriety tests. Conditions such as diabetes can lead to false breathalyzer readings.
- Consider how the stop and arrest happened
Was it a DUI checkpoint? If so, think about how the police laid it out. If they did not meet relevant standards, it could be illegal. If they pulled you over, consider what reason they gave for stopping you? They cannot stop you without reasonable suspicion you were breaking the law in some way. Then reflect on how they administered the test. Again police errors may give you grounds to challenge the charge.
Many people assume that a conviction is inevitable once charged with a DUI. It is not so. With help to understand all possible defense options, there may be a way to walk free.
