If you’ve received a DUI charge and now have to go to court, you may be worried that life as you know it will change forever. The truth is that minor DUI charges have a minimal impact on your ability to drive, but they can impact your life for a significant amount of time in the future. A DUI may affect your social life, your job and your home in ways that aren’t always predictable.
For example, if you work a job in which you need to drive every day, getting a DUI could disqualify you from the position. You could lose your job and struggle to find new work. That could force you to move, which is harder with a criminal record.
No one wants to have a DUI conviction because of the reasons above. If you face one, it’s a good idea to defend yourself as soon as possible; it may be possible to have the DUI dismissed before it ever impacts your criminal record.
Right away, it’s important to find out if the traffic stop was valid. This is the first step to finding out if the prosecution has a fair case. If the officer stopped you without reasonable suspicion, there is a good argument for dropping the case. Illegally obtained evidence may not be used in court.
You can also choose to challenge the field sobriety tests. Tests such as the one-leg stand or walk-and-turn test aren’t always easy for individuals with medical conditions or trouble balancing. It’s possible you could challenge the officer’s claim that you were intoxicated and win in court if you can prove why you failed those tests. That’s something your attorney may suggest depending on your medical conditions and current health.
Source: FindLaw, “How to Get Your DUI Dismissed,” accessed Dec. 15, 2017