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What Do Courts Consider in DUI Cases?
Facing DUI charges can be traumatic, given the potential hefty penalties such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time upon a conviction. Criminal defense attorneys in New Braunfels explain that courts consider many factors when determining the case’s outcome.
Not all DUI cases are created equal, and some may have strong factors that lead to a conviction, while others may portray signs of weakness that could make the court dismiss the charges. Skilled lawyers provide an in-depth analysis of factors that could affect the outcome of your DUI defense case:
The Traffic Stop
Traffic stops are one of the primary elements in a DUI case. The law requires police officers to have a legal reason or probable cause to stop or pull you over, such as suspicion of a traffic violation or impaired driving. If law enforcers stop you without proper justification, the evidence can be deemed inadmissible in court, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Experienced DWI lawyers in New Braunfels can scrutinize the circumstances around the traffic stop to determine if the police conducted any violations. Inadequate traffic stop procedures can be the basis of your DUI defense. Lawyers know how to navigate irregularities such as police officers violating your rights or lacking reasonable suspicion for a favorable outcome.
Sobriety Tests
Law enforcers will often administer standardized field sobriety tests during a DUI stop to check your level of sobriety or impairment.
Sadly, the tests are not foolproof, and their accuracy depends on many factors, including your medical and physical conditions, the officer’s administration skills, and the weather conditions.
Issues such as contaminated test equipment, inadequate training, and failure to explain the tests could affect the reliability of the results. Aggressive DWI attorneys in New Braunfels can challenge the tests and results in court to weaken the strength of the prosecutor’s case in your favor.
Witness Testimony
DUI cases often rely on consistent and credible witness testimony from law enforcement officers present during the incident. If their statements are inconsistent or contradictory, it could be a sign that the prosecution has a weak case against you. In court, the credibility of witnesses is a crucial factor in determining a case.
Personal Factors
Various personal factors beyond the legal procedures of a DUI could impact the outcome of your case:
- Age: You may not know it, but your age can play a crucial role in the outcome of your case. For example, if you’re a minor or below 21, a BAC of 0.02% might be enough to convict you of a DUI, as opposed to when you’re above 21.
- Criminal history: A past DUI record can negatively affect the outcome of your case. You risk heftier penalties, such as a license suspension for a longer period than a first-time DUI.
- Your driving behavior: The court will consider whether your driving behavior was normal, even if it might not have been perfect. Were you aggressive, and did your aggression lead to an accident that injured a third party?
- Your blood alcohol content level: You could lose your personal driver’s license if you had a BAC level of more than 0.08% or your commercial driver’s license if your BAC was more than 0.04%.
Aggravating Factors
Aggravating factors in a DUI case can make a routine DUI offense more complex, escalating it into an aggravated DUI with stiffer penalties. The factors often revolve around circumstances that enhance the risk of impaired driving, causing a motor vehicle accident. It is crucial to understand the role of aggravating factors as they inform your approach to legal defenses.
Examples of aggravating factors in DUI cases are:
- Having minors in the car during a DUI
- Repeat offenses
- Presence of drugs, including prescription medications, that can cause impairment
- Extremely high blood alcohol content levels
- Physical injuries or property damage
New Braunfels DWI attorneys explain that aggravating factors can change the course of a DUI course completely, making an already bad situation worse. Courts don’t take aggravated DUIs lightly, and it would be in your best interest to have a legal defense to help you beat the charges.
Your Defenses
How you defend yourself against DUI charges is crucial in determining the case’s outcome. For example, if you can prove your innocence or cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims, the case could be dismissed. Additionally, law enforcers may have made errors in their criminal investigation, which you could use in your defense.
For example, common defenses in DUI cases are:
- Illegal stop and DUI investigation procedures
- Not being allowed to contact an attorney during the DUI investigation
- Inaccurate breath alcohol test result
- Invalid field sobriety tests
- Lack of evidence of being in actual physical control of the vehicle
- Mitigating factors such as lack of prior DUI or criminal record, physical or mental health, military service, or professional impact
Experienced DWI attorneys in New Braunfels can evaluate the circumstances of your DUI case and strategize on the most suitable defense strategy for a favorable outcome.
Fighting for a Favorable Outcome in a DUI Case with the Help of a Skilled DWI Lawyer
DUI cases can be complex, with courts evaluating multiple factors before reaching a decision. It’s vital to understand how these elements play out and how to navigate them to defend yourself and avoid the harsh penalties of a DUI conviction. Working with skilled criminal defense lawyers in New Braunfels can make the process less intimidating.
Seymour & Vaughn is a criminal defense law firm with dedicated DWI attorneys in New Braunfels. We know that DUI laws are complex, and your future is at stake if you’re facing charges. Don’t let a DUI mistake curtail your freedom or ruin your future. Contact us at 830-282-8751 to schedule a FREE case consultation.
