Drunk driving charges are serious and should be met with strong defense strategies. Floridians who are caught in the difficult position of facing DUI charges and protecting their professional and personal reputations can seek counsel to better understand and prepare for their trials. This post introduces some DUI defense strategies that may benefit Florida DUI defendants, but no part of this post should be read as legal advice.
What is a defense strategy?
When an individual is charged with a crime, a prosecutor must prove their case in full to secure a conviction. The defendant, however, does not have to passively accept what the prosecutor presents. They may craft their own presentation of the facts of their case and point out holes and deficiencies in the arguments of the prosecutor. They can offer different evidence and different conclusions on how the events leading to their criminal charges unfolded. This process is their defense strategy.
What defenses may be available for DUI charges?
It is important to remember that a defense strategy must be based on a specific case. Not all defense plans will work for all DUI cases. However, some common DUI defenses that may support the legal positions of DUI defendants include:
- Necessity: When a person must drive despite their intoxication to prevent a greater harm from occurring, necessity may serve as a valid defense.
- Involuntary Intoxication: If a person is given alcohol without their knowledge, they may choose to drive without knowing that they are intoxicated.
- Mistake: Mistakes often happen during the assessment and evaluation of DUI defendants. Faulty breathalyzers, improperly administered field sobriety tests, and other human and technical errors can result in wrongful DUI charges against drivers.
When facing a DUI charge it is important to seek independent legal advice. An attorney who practices DUI defense can support their client and guide them through defense options as they prepare their criminal defense strategy.