DUI charges are serious. Even as a first-time offender, you face significant fines, may lose your license, and face time in jail.
Because of this charge’s consequences, having a strong defense is a must. The good news is that there are a few options for defending a DUI charge. It’s a good idea to learn what these are to know if they apply to your situation.
The field sobriety test was done under less-than-optimal conditions
When an officer requests you to complete a field sobriety test, you have the right to refuse – and you probably should. However, if you do agree to the test and you fail, you may be able to challenge the validity of the test because of the way it was performed. Anything from the weather and road conditions to the officer’s inexperience could negate the results.
The DUI charge is based on your physical appearance rather than real evidence
Some medical conditions and other issues may make someone appear intoxicated when they aren’t. For example, allergies can cause red, watery eyes, and some medications can result in a flushed appearance or slurred speech. Other issues that may be thought to be the result of intoxication that aren’t, include having an unsteady gait or a strong smell of alcohol on your breath. All of these can be explained by innocent causes, and they aren’t always a sign of intoxication.
Building your DUI defense
Defending a DUI charge can be challenging, but there are several ways to do it successfully. Keep the information above in mind to determine what type of defense would work best for your case and situation.
