Manassas DUI Defense Attorneys

Factors That May Affect DUI/DWI Charges

Several elements can influence the severity of DUI charges and the potential penalties you may face if you are convicted. These factors may include:

• Field Sobriety Tests: During a traffic stop, a police officer may ask you to perform tests at the roadside to assess your physical coordination, your mental abilities, and your possible level of impairment. For example, an officer may instruct you to stand with one foot raised and maintain your balance or to walk along a straight line. Field sobriety tests may be influenced by factors that are not related to alcohol or drug use, such as medical conditions, poor weather, or nervousness.
• Breath Tests: Preliminary breath tests (PBT) may be used at the roadside to estimate your BAC. Official breathalyzer devices may be used at a police station after an arrest for DUI. Issues such as device calibration, operator training, and timing of the test can affect accuracy.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, a blood sample may be taken to determine the level of alcohol or drugs in your system. Chain of custody errors, contamination, or delays in testing can impact the reliability of these tests.

Potential Defense Strategies for DUI/DWI Cases

The right approach to take when defending against DUI charges will depend on the facts and evidence involved in your case and the procedures followed by law enforcement. Our attorneys can help you develop a successful defense that may include strategies such as:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: If law enforcement did not have a lawful basis to stop your vehicle, any evidence collected afterward may be excluded from your case.
• Questioning Probable Cause for Arrest: An officer must have a legal justification to place you under arrest. Lack of probable cause can weaken the prosecution's case.
• Addressing Improper Police Procedures: Deviations from required procedures, such as failing to inform you of your rights, may allow for the suppression of evidence or even the dismissal of your case.
• Disputing Test Accuracy: Breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged based on improper calibration, testing errors, or contamination of samples.
• Highlighting Alternative Explanations: Medical issues, fatigue, or environmental factors may explain your performance on field sobriety tests without indicating that you were intoxicated.

Possible Outcomes of DUI/DWI Cases

Our attorneys will help you determine whether a full dismissal of DUI charges may be possible. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor or determine whether alternative sentencing arrangements may be available. The outcome of your case will depend on the strength of the evidence against you, the specific circumstances of the arrest, and other factors. Our lawyers will work to minimize the penalties you may face and complete your case successfully.

Contact Our Manassas, Virginia DUI Defense Lawyers

After an arrest for drunk driving, the knowledgeable defense lawyers at Robinson Law, PLLC can help protect your rights while working to ensure that you can achieve the best possible outcome to your case. Contact our Manassas intoxicated driving defense attorneys at 703-844-3746 to arrange a free, confidential consultation.