What Factors Can Impact the Outcome of a DUI Defense Case?

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 blood alcohol concentration 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

An experienced defense attorney 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

An experienced dui attorney in New Braunfels can evaluate the circumstances of your DUI case and strategize on the most suitable defense strategy for a favorable outcome.

Signs That a DUI Case Is Weak

1. Lack of Reasonable Suspicion for the Stop
   If the officer didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over, such as a traffic violation or erratic driving, the case may be dismissed.
2. Improper Administration of Field Sobriety Tests
   If the officer didn’t follow standardized procedures for administering field sobriety tests, the results could be deemed unreliable.
3. Faulty Breathalyzer Test Results
   Malfunctioning equipment, improper calibration, or untrained operators can cast doubt on the accuracy of breathalyzer test results.
4. Inaccurate Blood Test Results
   Contamination, improper storage, or procedural errors during blood testing could weaken the evidence.
5. Absence of Video or Audio Evidence
   Many police vehicles and body cameras record traffic stops. If no footage exists or it contradicts the officer’s report, it may benefit the defense.
6. Unclear or Inconsistent Officer Testimony
   If the arresting officer’s account of events is inconsistent or lacks detail, it could undermine the prosecution’s case.
7. Failure to Read Miranda Rights
   If the officer didn’t inform you of your rights upon the DUI arrest, certain evidence, like incriminating statements, may be inadmissible.
8. Medical Conditions Affecting Test Results
   Conditions like acid reflux, diabetes, or certain medications can lead to false positives in breath or blood tests.
9. Low Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
   If your BAC is close to the legal limit, it might raise questions about the reliability of the measurement.
10. No Signs of Impairment
    If you were cooperative, had no slurred speech, and exhibited no impaired motor skills, it might be difficult to prove intoxication.
11. Witness Statements Contradicting the Officer
    Testimonies from passengers or bystanders that differ from the officer’s version can help cast doubt on the case.
12. Delay Between Driving and Testing
    A significant gap between when you were stopped and when your BAC was tested may affect the prosecution’s ability to prove you were over the limit while driving.
13. Violation of Search and Seizure Laws
    If evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure, it may be excluded from the case.
14. Untrained or New Officer
    If the arresting officer is inexperienced or untrained in DUI protocols, it could weaken the prosecution’s argument.
15. Failure to Follow Protocols
    Any procedural errors, such as not documenting the chain of custody for blood samples, can raise doubts about the evidence.
16. Defendant’s Strong Alibi or Explanation
    A reasonable explanation for signs of impairment, like fatigue, stress, or environmental factors, could create a weak DUI case.
17. Contradictory Dashcam or Bodycam Footage
    If the video evidence contradicts the officer’s claims, it can significantly weaken the prosecution’s argument.
18. Police Report Errors
    Inaccurate or incomplete police reports may undermine the credibility of the case.
19. Refusal of Chemical Testing
    While this might lead to automatic penalties, it can also make it harder for the prosecution to prove intoxication beyond a reasonable doubt.
20. Bias or Prejudice from the Officer
    If there’s evidence suggesting the officer had a bias or targeted you unfairly, it could cast doubt on the entire case.

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.