When a person is arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated, it can be a very scary time. If found guilty, not only would the individual need to surrender their license, they would also need to pay a great deal of money in fines, attend mandatory alcohol abuse classes, and they might be required to purchase insurance on their license. Also, they will have a DWI charge on their record. If an individual is pulled over for driving while intoxicated, they should definitely consider hiring a DWI attorney.
Call the Traffic Stop Into Question
If an attorney can question the reason that the individual was pulled over, and the court believes that there was no just cause, the traffic stop can be thrown out of court. If the traffic stop is thrown out, the driving while intoxicated charge can be thrown out as well.
Question the Validity of the Breathalyzer
If an individual fails the breathalyzer test, an attorney can call into question the validity of the test. The offender’s lawyer could argue that the breathalyzer was not properly calibrated or that the equipment was malfunctioning. They could also argue that the arresting officer made an error while giving the test.
Questioning the Suspicion that the Driver Was Under the Influence
If the arresting officer has stated that the offender had red, bloodshot eyes, the lawyer could argue that it was due to a medical condition or medications. If the officer smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath, it could be argued that the driver had just drank mouthwash. There are several ways that a lawyer can question the arresting officer’s findings.
Challenging the Validity of the Field Sobriety Test
There are several reasons that a person could fail a field sobriety test that are not alcohol related. The weather conditions could make it difficult for a person to properly perform the tests. If the driver is overweight or has a physical health condition, it could have an effect on how they perform during the test. Also, the shoes that they are wearing can make passing a field sobriety test difficult. These are all things that an attorney can bring up in court.
If a person is pulled over for driving while intoxicated, they should contact an attorney rather than just pleading guilty. There are many things a lawyer can do to get the charges dropped.
