Beat a DUI

Being charged with driving under the influence is a stressful and scary event. The penalties for one night’s indiscretion are far-reaching, and may include probation, expensive fines, pricy DUI education classes, and even jail time. If you have recently been charged with drunk driving, you may be wondering how you can beat a DUI charge.

The first step in beating a DUI is hiring a skilled defense lawyer. Because DUI law is so complex, it is important to find an attorney whose practice is devoted to practicing drunk-driving law – a general law practitioner may not have the skill needed to win a DUI case.

There are two ways that the prosecutor may try to prove his or her case; one is by focusing on your physical and mental condition on the date of your arrest and the other is by introducing your blood alcohol content (BAC) results.

In order to prove intoxication through your physical or mental condition on the night of your arrest, witnesses may be called to the stand. It goes without saying that the arresting officer will be on the stand to testify against you. The officer may say that he or she believed you were under the influence due to your bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, argumentative attitude, or the smell of alcohol.  However, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech may be attributed to allergies, fatigue, or medication.

The prosecution may also introduce the results of your field sobriety tests in an effort to secure a conviction. Again, your defense lawyer can argue these results.  If the conditions were less than ideal, your attorney can point out how difficult it is to take the test on uneven ground while police car lights are flashing and traffic is speeding past you.

If you were charged with drunk driving because you failed the BAC test, there is still hope. Breath test machines are known for not always being accurate. Many medical and dental conditions, as well as gum, mints, and tobacco tests, may cause an inflated test result. Even blood tests are imperfect – if the test conditions are not right, it can make your BAC look much higher than it really is.

Are you ready to fight your charges? Contact an experienced defense lawyer today to discuss how to beat a DUI.