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How Can You Defend Against DUI Charges in Michigan?

How Can You Fight Michigan DUI Charges?

Michigan has stringent DUI laws, officially referred to as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws. These laws make it illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Even first-time offenders can face serious legal consequences, including driver’s license sanctions, fines, and potential jail time. The penalties can increase in severity for repeat offenders or those with higher BAC levels.

In addition to the legal ramifications of a DUI conviction, you may experience significant harm to your reputation, career, and relationships. A blemish on your criminal record has the potential to impact everything from job opportunities and professional licenses to child custody cases and federal student loan funding. With so much at risk, it’s critical to mount a robust defense against your DUI charges. A knowledgeable Michigan DUI defense attorney can guide you through your legal options and determine the most appropriate strategy for your unique case.

Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop

One of the most fundamental defenses in a DUI case is to contest the legality of the traffic stop itself. Under Michigan law, police must have probable cause to pull over a vehicle. Probable cause may include an observable traffic violation or erratic driving by the accused.

However, if the defendant can demonstrate that the officer lacked sufficient reason to initiate the stop, any evidence obtained during that stop may be deemed inadmissible in court. If evidence from the traffic stop is suppressed, it could lead to a dismissal of the DUI charges altogether.

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are often used by law enforcement to assess a driver’s level of impairment after a traffic stop. However, these tests may be highly subjective and influenced by various factors unrelated to alcohol consumption, such as age, medical conditions, or physical limitations. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the administration and interpretation of these tests. For instance, if an officer failed to follow standardized procedures or if external conditions such as poor weather or an uneven road surface affected performance, this could undermine the reliability of FST results.

Challenging Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results

Breathalyzer tests are frequently used in the field to determine blood alcohol content (BAC), but they are not infallible. Defense strategies may include questioning whether the device was properly calibrated and maintained, whether the officer administering the test was certified, and whether proper protocols were followed during testing. Any deviation from standard procedures can cast doubt on the accuracy of the results. Similarly, blood tests must be conducted by qualified personnel under controlled conditions. Any lapses in procedure could render these results inadmissible.

Exploring Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication or affect test results. For example, individuals with diabetes may exhibit symptoms similar to intoxication due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Highlighting Procedural Errors by Law Enforcement

Improper conduct by law enforcement during the arrest process can also serve as a basis for a defense. If an officer’s actions violated the defendant’s constitutional rights, any evidence obtained as a result may be excluded from court proceedings. Procedural oversights by officers, such as not reading Miranda rights before questioning or conducting searches without consent or probable cause, could also harm the prosecution’s case. An experienced attorney will scrutinize police conduct for any procedural errors that could benefit the defense.

Utilizing Dash-Cam and Body-Cam Footage

Many police vehicles are now equipped with dash cams that record traffic stops and interactions with suspects. Reviewing this footage can provide critical evidence that may contradict an officer’s account of events. For instance, it could show that you were driving normally prior to being stopped or that you complied with all traffic laws. Video evidence can be highly persuasive in court and could be pivotal in establishing reasonable doubt regarding your guilt.

Presenting Alternative Explanations for Behavior

In some cases, presenting alternative explanations for behavior deemed suspicious by law enforcement may be beneficial. For example, if an individual was swerving but had a valid reason, such as avoiding an obstacle or animal on the road, this context can be crucial in challenging DUI charges. A defense attorney can help frame these explanations effectively during court proceedings.

Negotiating Plea Deals

Sometimes, even if a potential defense exists, it may be advantageous to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors. The terms of the plea deal will be dependent upon the circumstances of your case but could involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, in return for reduced penalties or avoiding a DUI conviction altogether. Plea deals can remove the uncertainty from the process and may allow you to put the incident behind you faster.

However, it is vital to fully understand how a plea agreement will impact your future. A guilty plea to lesser charges could still result in a criminal record and other negative consequences. An experienced DUI attorney will understand when it is appropriate to pursue this route and will negotiate effectively on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome.

How Can a Skilled Defense Attorney Assist You?

Attempting to navigate Michigan’s complex legal system on your own after a DUI charge can be incredibly stressful. With so much riding on the outcome of your case, it’s critical to seek the counsel of a trusted legal advisor. The defense attorneys at Manley & Manley have extensive experience in DUI cases and will fight aggressively for your rights. We take the time to thoroughly understand your case so we can build the most effective defense plan for you. To learn how we can help you solve your legal problems, contact our Flint office online or by calling 810-374-0240.