I got a ticket for DUI, what are my rights?
If you are pulled over in the state of California and arrested for a DUI, your attorney will advise you of your rights. Most people do not know that nearly ever DUI arrest violates an individual’s rights in one way or another. Once a violation is found by your attorney, your case has a strong defense that can help ensure a much better outcome.What are some ways my right were violated during my DUI ticket stop?
Before you go to court, take note that the prosecutor will have to prove the following things:- That you were the one actually driving the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Was the vehicle actually moving?
- Did the police officer actually have a legitimate reason for the traffic stop?
- Did the officer perform the proper field sobriety test?
- How long after the officer pulled you over did he/she have you perform the sobriety test? Was it just a breathalyzer test or was it the complete field test (walk on the line, finger to nose etc.)?
- Did other drivers/pedestrians witness the same driving behavior as the officer?
- Did poor weather conditions or debris in the road cause you to swerve or otherwise seem to be driving recklessly?
- Could the weather have caused a negative outcome on your sobriety field test? (Was it raining, snowing, extremely cold temperatures that would cause you to shake and be off balance?)
- If you were involved in an accident and there were no witnesses that saw you driving, that does not prove you were driving, the officer or a witness must be able to prove you were driving the vehicle in order for you to be convicted of the DUI.
- If you were sitting in a vehicle with the motor off and intoxicated, that is not a DUI either. The officer cannot prove you had any intentions of driving the vehicle.
- The bottom line is – if no one can prove beyond a doubt that you were driving, in the state of California you cannot be convicted of a DUI. It’s called the No driving DUI/DWI defense.
- Sadly, in the event you were driving under the influence and the arresting officer did not follow protocol/procedure or demonstrated misconduct in any way, the charges are generally masked.