If police arrested you on charges of driving under the influence, or DUI, you may think that you have no legal remedies or options. However, the truth is that you may have several ways to overcome a DUI charge in Colorado Springs.
A strategic DUI defense helps you move forward with your life and mitigate the potential negative consequences of a DUI conviction. Crafting an effective defense is critical because a conviction can cause you significant hardship in terms of your driving record, your license and your career, and it will also give you a permanent criminal record.
Factors in a DUI defense
Just because police arrest you for a DUI does not necessarily mean that you have no hope of avoiding a conviction. Several factors can play into an arrest, and police may make mistakes during the situation. Police officers must generally have a “reasonable suspicion” of a violation of the law to stop a vehicle. If a lack of probable cause exists, that can factor into your defense. Police sometimes make mistakes when they administer testing for blood alcohol content, or when they conduct a field sobriety test. They may also make mistakes or omissions or record factual inaccuracies in the police report. A wide variety of factors exist that go into a DUI arrest, and an effective defense takes all these factors into account to find potential weaknesses or mistakes.
Avoiding a conviction
If police arrested you for a DUI, your primary concern should be seeking a strong defense, because the penalties are high if a judge convicts you. In addition to the permanent criminal record mentioned above, you may face high fines and even jail time, depending on the particulars of your case. The state may suspend your license, which can affect you getting to work and making a living. Employers often refuse to hire potential employees with a criminal record.
Sometimes just one significant error or discrepancy in an arrest helps you avoid a conviction. Do not immediately assume that your DUI arrest means you will face a conviction. Seek out the legal avenues for building a strong defense so you can seek to mitigate or eliminate the penalties associated with your legal charges.
