If you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI), you may face significant penalties. However, a DUI expert can provide specialized knowledge and analysis to help.
DUI overview
There are several elements that must be met to find a driver guilty of DUI. You must have been operating a vehicle and must have been impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
When you are stopped, law enforcement will likely conduct a field sobriety test. If you refuse to take this test, you may be subject to additional penalties. However, the stop must be lawful, meaning that the officer must have had probable cause to believe that you were doing something against the law.
If you are convicted of DUI, you can face fines, license suspension, probation, jail time and in some situations, the court may order you to attend an alcohol or drug program.
Benefits of an expert
An expert can interpret your blood or breath samples, the accuracy of the test and whether there were any errors. They can also speak to whether the field sobriety test outcome was impacted by factors not within your control, like a medical condition. A medical condition could make you appear impaired to law enforcement, when in fact you were not driving under the influence.
If there was an accident, an expert may be able to explain whether the drug or alcohol impairment caused it or if it was caused by another reason, such as weather conditions or another driver who was inattentive.
