Having a DUI on your record can affect your life in several ways. You’re likely to face driver’s license suspension, costly fines and sometimes even jail time. It can also impact your personal and professional relationships and your employability in some circumstances. If you’re in college, you may even face additional university sanctions as well.
When presented with these penalties, facing a DUI charge can be extremely overwhelming. But even though it can be scary, there are ways you can challenge any evidence against you.
Defense is possible
Fortunately, a DUI charge doesn’t have to be the end of the road for you. Although it can be daunting to go up against the prosecution and defend yourself, an experienced attorney can help you build a viable defense strategy that may help minimize the penalties. Some common defenses include:
- Faulty breath-test — One common defense against a DUI charge is to question the legitimacy of the breathalyzer test. In fact, breath tests are notoriously known for producing false positives, which often result in wrongful convictions. Operator error, improper calibration and system malfunctions can all affect the results of a breath test. Additionally, factors like certain breath fresheners and foods can skew your test readings.
- Tainted chemical test — You may have had to take a chemical test like a blood or urine test. While these tests are often more accurate in determining your blood alcohol concentration, the results aren’t always perfect. Lab technicians, nurses and doctors are subject to mistakes. Mishandling your samples or storing them in a contaminated tube or environment can lead to inaccurate results.
- Improper police actions — You have rights, even in a DUI arrest. If the arresting officer violates your rights by not reciting your Miranda rights or mistreating you during the time of arrest, you may be able to use any evidence of this in court as a defense. In rare cases, a police officer might even write a fake DUI report or otherwise tamper with the reports or evidence.
It is worth your time to challenge a DUI charge, even when it seems like there is no hope. After all, the security of your future is at stake. Don’t hesitate to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome for yourself during this difficult time.
