Lake City DUI Traffic Stop Defense Attorneys
Being charged with a DUI is always scary, but a Lake City DUI traffic stop defense attorney can help you make sense of this difficult time. A lawyer will review the facts of your case and determine which defense strategy is best for you. One of the first elements of your case a lawyer may examine is the traffic stop. There are very specific procedures law enforcement must follow when they want to stop a driver, and during the stop itself. A lawyer will ensure these procedures were followed properly and if not, use that in your defense.
Lack of Reasonable Suspicion is a DUI Traffic Stop Defense
Police officers are not allowed to stop any vehicle for any reason, or at any time. When law enforcement wants to pull someone over, they must have reasonable suspicion that the driver is committing a crime, or that they have committed a crime. In terms of DUIs, law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion that a motorist was driving while impaired. Driving too quickly or too slowly, weaving in and out of lines, and running through stop signs are just a few indications that could give police reasonable suspicion to pull someone over for a DUI.
If law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion that you were driving under the influence, anything that happened after the stop was made can be thrown out of your case. This may include chemical test results and other important evidence.
Lack of Probable Cause is a DUI Traffic Stop Defense
Even after law enforcement has reasonable suspicion and legally pulls someone over, they still have certain rules they must follow. After the officer has approached the driver, they must then have probable cause to make an arrest. A hunch or theory that a driver is impaired is not enough. The officer must have observed certain behavior or items, such as slurred speech or an open container of alcohol, which could have given them probable cause.
If a police officer did not have probable cause to arrest you, the arrest is illegal. Like with an illegal stop, if your lawyer can prove this, any evidence obtained against you after the arrest, such as the answers you gave during an interrogation, can be thrown out of your case.
Illegal Search is a DUI Traffic Stop Defense
Just as law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you, they must also have probable cause to search your vehicle. It is important to never consent to a search, as that will make it legal. However, if the police did not have probable cause and searched your vehicle, it is an illegal search. Any evidence obtained through that search can be thrown out of your case.
Our Lake City DUI Traffic Stop Defense Attorney Can Devise the Best Strategy for Your Case
It is easy to panic after being charged with a DUI, but it is important not to. At Meldon Law, our Lake City DUI traffic stop defense attorney knows the strategies that can help you beat the charges and retain your freedom. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.
