What are your best defense strategies to beat a DUI charge?

Getting charged with DUI can trigger highly negative repercussions. In North Carolina, even a first-time offender can be looking at two months in jail, on top of a $200 fine. Conviction may also result in losing the right to drive for a month and community service.

When you face charges of DUI, a judge will not necessarily impose punishment. Presenting an effective courtroom defense improves your odds of avoiding consequences.

Improper stops

For an officer to legally make a stop, there must be probable cause. Examples include speeding, swerving or driving through a red light. Absent indications of intoxication, a cop does not have the right to pull you over. Law enforcement officials need more than a hunch of wrongdoing.

Improper sobriety tests

Police perform field sobriety tests on drivers they suspect are under the influence. These exams must happen according to particular guidelines. An officer cannot be disrespectful or intimidate you. Dashboard cameras sometimes capture officials breaking these rules, thus invalidating their results.

Improper questioning

Cops may ask questions after placing you in handcuffs. When this happens, you may not recognize your right to remain silent and have an attorney present. For this reason, Miranda warnings make it so no citizen can claim ignorance. Your answers are inadmissible if an interrogation occurs without this disclosure. The same goes for blood tests and field sobriety exams.

These are only a few reasons the justice system has for tossing a DUI case against you. Know them before having your charges reviewed by a judge.