A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction might seem inevitable once the police have charged you with DUI. That’s why many people just accept it without a fight. Yet, as it is a criminal charge, the consequences are such that you should also consider contesting it. What’s more, there are many ways you could do this.
Here are some you should consider:
#1. Question the manner in which the police conducted themselves
Not all officers stick to the rules. At least not 100% of the time. If you can highlight even a minor breach of police procedure, it could lead to the case against you being dropped. Examples include:
- The police cannot justify the reason they stopped you
- The officers failed to set up the DUI checkpoint correctly
- The officers breached your rights
Getting legal help to understand what your rights are is always a good place to start.
#2. Challenge the test results
There are ample ways to challenge your charge if the police charged you based on field sobriety tests. For example, you did not fully understand what the officer was asking you to do. That’s particularly useful if English is not your first language.
Or you could challenge their assessment of your performance. You can also look at what tests they asked you to perform. If they deviated from accepted tests, there is less validity to their determination that you were too drunk to drive.
Even Breathalyzer and blood tests can be challenged, although it won’t be easy.
As you can see, understanding how to contest a DUI charge is complex. That’s why you should get legal help to do it.