If you have been arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Auburn, Alabama, you are likely facing serious consequences. DUI charges can result in hefty fines, a suspended license, and even jail time. However, just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There are many avenues for challenging DUI charges, and an experienced Auburn DUI attorney from Alsobrook Law Group can help you navigate this complicated legal process.
In this blog, we’ll explore the types of evidence that can be challenged during a DUI case in Auburn and how a skilled DUI attorney can use those challenges to defend your rights. From breathalyzer tests to field sobriety tests, understanding how evidence can be contested is crucial to fighting your DUI charges.
Understanding DUI Charges in Auburn, AL:
In Auburn, as in the rest of Alabama, DUI charges are serious offenses that can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Alabama law defines DUI as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, it’s important to note that you can still be charged with a DUI if you are impaired due to drugs, alcohol, or any other substances, even if your BAC is below 0.08%.
When facing a DUI charge, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Auburn DUI attorney who can assess the specific details of your case. Challenging evidence presented by the prosecution is one of the most effective strategies to reduce or dismiss DUI charges.
Common Types of Evidence in a DUI Case:
To convict someone of a DUI, the prosecution must present evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. Here are the primary types of evidence typically used in DUI cases:
- Breathalyzer Test Results
- Field Sobriety Test Results
- Police Officer Testimony
- Dashcam or Bodycam Footage
- Witness Statements
- Blood Test Results
- Physical Evidence (e.g., open containers or drug paraphernalia)
Each of these types of evidence can be challenged in various ways. Let’s examine how you can contest some of the most common forms of evidence used in DUI cases.
1. Challenging Breathalyzer Test Results:-
Breathalyzer tests are one of the most common ways law enforcement determines BAC levels during a DUI stop. However, there are several ways that these test results can be contested.
❖ Calibration and Maintenance Issues:
Breathalyzer machines need to be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate readings. If the machine wasn’t properly calibrated or maintained, the results may be unreliable. An Auburn DUI attorney can request maintenance and calibration records for the device to verify whether the test was performed correctly.
❖ Officer Handling of the Breathalyzer:
Improper handling of the breathalyzer test can also result in inaccurate results. For example, if the officer didn’t follow proper procedures or allowed you to eat, drink, or vomit before the test, it could affect the accuracy of the reading. An experienced DUI lawyer can scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the test and potentially argue for its inadmissibility in court.
❖ Health Conditions Affecting Results:
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), can produce false readings on a breathalyzer. If you have a condition that could interfere with the test results, your attorney might challenge the validity of the breathalyzer reading based on your medical history.
2. Contesting Field Sobriety Test Results:-
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are often used by police officers during a DUI stop to assess a driver’s coordination and impairment. However, these tests are subjective and can be influenced by a variety of factors.
❖ Officer Bias and Inconsistency:
Field sobriety tests are administered by police officers, who are often trained to look for signs of impairment. However, officers may be biased or misinterpret the results. Additionally, FSTs can be affected by external conditions, such as poor lighting, uneven ground, or even your physical condition. A skilled Auburn DUI attorney can highlight any inconsistencies in the officer’s conduct or the test administration.
❖ Medical and Environmental Factors:
Certain medical conditions, such as vertigo or physical disabilities, can make it difficult to perform the tests correctly, even if you are sober. Weather conditions, stress, or even footwear choices can also impact your ability to perform field sobriety tests. Your attorney may be able to argue that the results are unreliable due to these factors.
3. Disputing Police Officer Testimony
Police officers are crucial witnesses in any DUI case, but their testimony can be challenged in several ways.
❖ Questioning Officer Training and Experience:
An experienced Auburn DUI attorney can question the officer’s training and qualifications, particularly regarding the administration of field sobriety tests and the use of breathalyzer devices. If the officer didn’t follow proper procedures or lacked adequate training, it could undermine their testimony and weaken the prosecution’s case.
❖ Challenging the Officer’s Observations:
In some cases, officers may misinterpret behavior or signs of impairment. For instance, if the officer claims you were swerving or driving erratically, your attorney may argue that there were alternative explanations for your driving, such as road conditions or weather. Your attorney will work to show that the officer’s observations weren’t a true reflection of your impairment.
4. Evaluating Blood Test Results:-
Blood tests are another method used to determine BAC levels. However, these results can also be challenged.
❖ Improper Handling or Contamination:
Blood samples must be handled carefully to avoid contamination. If the sample was mishandled, improperly stored, or tampered with, the results may be unreliable. A DUI attorney will scrutinize the procedures surrounding your blood test to ensure that all protocols were followed correctly.
❖ Chain of Custody Issues:
For a blood test to be considered valid, there must be a clear chain of custody for the sample from the moment it was taken until it was analyzed. If there are any gaps or discrepancies in the chain of custody, your attorney may argue that the test results are inadmissible in court.
Other Evidence That Can Be Challenged:-
In addition to the common forms of evidence mentioned above, your Auburn DUI attorney can challenge other forms of evidence that may be used against you, including:
- Dashcam and Bodycam Footage: Videos of your interaction with the officer can be examined for inconsistencies, such as lack of probable cause for the stop or improper conduct by the officer.
- Witness Testimony: If a witness is called to testify against you, their credibility and testimony can be challenged, particularly if their account of events differs from yours.
Why You Need an Experienced Auburn DUI Attorney
Fighting DUI charges in Auburn can be a complex and overwhelming process. The good news is that an experienced Auburn DUI attorney from Alsobrook Law Group can help you challenge the evidence in your case and fight for the best possible outcome. With a deep understanding of DUI laws, our team is committed to providing aggressive defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Contact Alsobrook Law Group Today:
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Auburn, don’t leave your future to chance. Let an experienced Auburn DUI attorney from Alsobrook Law Group help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. We’ll review the evidence in your case and look for any opportunities to challenge it, aiming for a favorable outcome.
For a consultation, call us today at 334.737.3718. We’re here to help you defend your case and achieve the best possible result.
