If you have been arrested for DUI in Washington, you may feel like your case is already over. But DUI charges can be challenged, and many defenses have successfully led to reduced penalties or even dismissed charges.
Challenging DUI Charges in Washington
Here is what you should know.
Invalid Traffic Stop
One of the strongest DUI defenses involves challenging the reason you were pulled over. Police need a lawful basis to initiate a traffic stop. If they pulled you over without probable cause, all evidence collected afterward (including sobriety tests) could be suppressed.
Improper Field Sobriety Testing
Field sobriety tests must be administered under specific conditions to be considered reliable. Factors like poor lighting, rain, uneven pavement, or heavy traffic noise can affect a person’s balance and ability to follow instructions.
If you have a medical condition, injury, or disability that limits coordination or mobility, the results may not accurately reflect impairment. In some cases, officers fail to provide clear instructions or demonstrate the test properly, which can lead to confusion and mistakes.
Your attorney may argue that the test results were unreliable or irrelevant and may request that they be excluded from evidence altogether.
Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test
Breathalyzers can malfunction, and blood samples can be mishandled. If the testing equipment was not properly calibrated or the sample was tainted, the test results could be invalid. Your lawyer can request records and expert testimony to challenge the validity of this evidence.
Rising Blood Alcohol Level
It is possible for your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise after you are pulled over but before you are tested. If you consumed alcohol shortly before driving, you may not have been legally impaired at the time you were behind the wheel.
Other Contributing Factors
Fatigue, illness, or nervousness can mimic signs of intoxication. Red eyes or unsteady balance may have nothing to do with alcohol. A skilled defense lawyer will gather medical records, review footage, and question the officer’s observations.
Don’t Face DUI Charges Alone
You have more options than you might think. Contact Scott Lawrence of the Snohomish Law Group to begin building your defense. Visit our contact page.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
