Dignity, Respect
& Justice

Knowing common mistakes associated with a DUI can be vital

On Behalf of | Mar 24, 2022 | Drunk Driving |

Getting questioned by a police officer in Maryland who believes you have been driving under the influence can be intimidating and scary. If you’re accused of a DUI, it can blemish your driving record, take away privileges and drastically increase the car insurance rates you’ll pay. However, you may be able to prove that the police officer made a mistake when evaluating you for a DUI.

Why was your car stopped?

The process to determine if you’ve committed a DUI begins when a police officer stops your car. Stopping your vehicle requires reasonable suspicion. If you were stopped for behavior that isn’t supported by evidence, it may be a mistake that can be challenged.

Testing errors when trying to determine a DUI

If you’re suspected of a DUI, a police officer can administer field sobriety tests. This action must be done correctly. If the tests aren’t administered following the correct protocol or evaluated properly, the results may not be valid, introducing reasonable doubt. Administering a Breathalyzer test, blood test or urine sample must be completed using an approved process. If the officer doesn’t follow the procedures correctly, the test results may be inaccurate and thus able to be disputed in court.

No proof of driving

Another mistake a police officer can make when trying to accuse you of committing a DUI is having no proof that you were driving. If there is reasonable doubt that you weren’t driving or under the influence, the accusation may be challenged as a mistake.

Understanding the mistakes that can occur if you’re suspected of committing a DUI can be vital in helping to ensure that you aren’t convicted of committing this legal infraction. Avoiding a conviction is key to keeping a DUI off your driving record.