Chantilly, Virginia DUI Defense Lawyers

Factors That Can Affect the Outcome of a DUI Case

Every DUI case involves unique circumstances, and several factors can play a role in how a case unfolds. Our attorneys will carefully examine each element of a case to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We can address:

The Circumstances of the Traffic Stop

A DUI case will begin when a police officer pulls a driver over. During the traffic stop, they may observe the driver, look for signs of impairment, and perform an arrest based on probable cause. However, an officer must have a legal reason to stop a vehicle in the first place, such as observing a traffic violation, noticing that a driver is acting unsafely, or recognizing a broken taillight. This is known as reasonable suspicion.

If an officer pulled a driver over without a legitimate basis and then arrested the driver for DUI, the evidence the officer gathered during the traffic stop may be challenged in court. Our legal team can review dashcam footage, police reports, and other information to determine whether a DUI arrest was based on an unlawful traffic stop.

Field Sobriety Tests

During a traffic stop, a police officer may ask a driver to perform certain tasks that are meant to demonstrate whether they are intoxicated or sober. These are known as field sobriety tests, and they generally consist of activities such as tracking a moving object with one's eyes or maintaining balance while standing on one foot or walking in a straight line.

While field sobriety tests are meant to assess a person's level of physical coordination and whether they can understand and follow an officer's directions, they are far from foolproof. Factors such as uneven road surfaces, poor lighting, physical conditions like leg injuries, nervousness or anxiety, or even the type of footwear a person is wearing can affect the results. An officer may determine that a person was impaired even if they had not been drinking. Our attorneys can examine how tests were administered and take steps to show that a "failure" was not related to intoxication.

Breath and Blood Tests

After a driver is arrested for DUI, they will typically be asked to take a breathalyzer or blood test. Virginia's implied consent law requires drivers to consent to testing after being arrested for DUI. A person who refuses to take a chemical test can face additional legal penalties, including an automatic driver's license suspension.

Even when test results indicate that a person was intoxicated, they could potentially be challenged. Breathalyzer devices must be properly maintained and calibrated, and officers must follow specific procedures when using these devices. Blood samples must be collected by qualified medical personnel, and they must be stored correctly and analyzed by trained lab technicians. Our lawyers can determine whether test results can be challenged based on deviations from the appropriate standards or other issues that may have affected the reliability of tests.

Contact Our Chantilly, VA DUI Attorneys

A DUI charge does not have to define your future. The steps you take immediately after an arrest can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. By contacting Robinson Law, PLLC right away, you can ensure that you will have an experienced lawyer standing by your side and helping you protect your rights. Contact our Chantilly intoxicated driving defense lawyers at 703-844-3746 to schedule a free consultation.