How to Defend Yourself Against DUI Charges

Although there are serious penalties for people who are convicted on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), there are ways that you can successfully minimize or avoid these penalties by using certain defense tactics. It is difficult to defend against DUI charges because of the nature of the crime and the amount of evidence usually stacked against the defendant, but these methods, when applied correctly, are typically the best course of action available.

First, there are a few types of defenses specifically related to the defendant’s driving. If you weren’t actually the one driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense, then you cannot be convicted of the crime. If the police officer never saw you driving (let’s say you were idle or parked, for example) then it is debatable that you are guilty of DUI.

Occurrences in the arrest itself can also have an impact on your case. If the officer did not have any type of probable cause to stop you or make the arrest, then you could have the evidence in your case thrown out. This would affect you if you believe, for example, you were pulled over because of your race. If the officer did not issue your Miranda Rights, then you also can have evidence excluded in your case.

Finally, you can challenge the evidence itself. You could have witnesses who saw different events of the action, challenge the types of tests administered by the officer, the officer’s qualifications to administer those tests or the accuracy of blood-alcohol test machines.

After an arrest on DUI charges in Florida, be sure to work with the skilled criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Salazar & Kelly to help protect your rights and best interests.