Almost everyone knows someone who has been charged with DUI, or knows someone who knows someone that has been through the process. The stories can be colorful, or downright dull depending on the facts. But one thing remains the same for almost every DUI tale, the possibility of having a DUI conviction on your record is a thought that causes all kinds of anxiety and stress. If you have been charged with DUI it is important to know that this type of criminal case is common, and effective defense strategies do exist. One reason there may be so many DUI cases filed is because the “symptoms” are easy for the police to spot. There is an endless list of reasons an officer might give for pulling you over and then making you take a breath test, but a few stand out as the most popular reasons for probable cause, which is an essential element to every case.
Probable cause must exist for the stop, and sometimes the evidence offered is insufficient to establish probable cause for a DUI. It is helpful to know what most officers are on the lookout for, so you can make alternate plans for getting around when you’ve been drinking. The top three indicators of drunk driving include:
- Driving too fast, or too slow.
- Changing lanes frequently.
- Weaving in and out of traffic, or disregarding traffic signs and signals.
Make no mistake, these driving behaviors do not conclusively prove that the driver has also been drinking, but they are considered driving behaviors of an impaired driver. There can be other explanations for erratic driving, and it is important to establish an alternative for your driving pattern if you want to show that the officer lacked probable cause to pull you over and question you about a possible DUI. Our team of qualified DUI defense attorneys knows how to attack every phase of the case, and can explain to you what might work for you. If you have been charged with DUI and have questions, call us today. We will work with you to develop a strategy that makes sense, and aggressively seek favorable results on your behalf.
If you have questions about DUI cases, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast for answers. Your first visit is a free consultation and we work with you to reach results that fit your needs.