Have you been charged with a DWI in Fairfax County? Good news. There are ways you can beat it.
It’s vital that you work with an experienced attorney if you want to beat your DWI. That’s because not every defense will apply to your case. In fact, what avoids conviction in one case may lead directly to it in another. Only lawyers who know what they’re doing can navigate the system effectively.
That being said, there are five common aspects of your case to consider.
The Reason for the Stop
To pull you over, a police officer has to have reasonable suspicion. The officer must be able to explain to the judge why you were stopped. A shaky or invalid reason can help your case. Our attorneys are careful to investigate the matter before your court date. They will find out whether the officer’s lack of a reason could help you.
The Administration of Field Sobriety Tests
After an officer stops you, he or she will probably give you a series of field sobriety tests. There are two reasons for this. First, the tests validate the officer’s decision to stop you. Second, the test results can be used against you at trial. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets down very specific ways in which these tests are to be performed. An improperly administered test could help your case. Also, the judge may say that the arrest was invalid if you performed well on the test but were arrested anyway.
The Arrest
The arrest procedures that officers use must follow certain regulations. Not every officer follows these correctly. Your case may be strengthened if the officer who arrested you did not follow the rules.
The Breath or Blood Test
Most likely you will be given a breath or blood test to check your blood alcohol content, or BAC. Plenty of things can go wrong with these tests. The breath test machine is sensitive and must be taken care of properly. Only specially trained operators can use it effectively. Blood tests are similarly tricky. The blood must be collected in a way that ensures the test will be accurate. The nurse and toxicologist have to be certified, and they must follow specific procedures. There are plenty of opportunities for error. That means there may be something in your case that will weaken the prosecution’s argument.
The Breath or Blood Test Results
Your breath or blood test results sheet is where our attorneys start their investigation. Why? This piece of paper is often a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. If we can prove it’s not accurate for some reason, it’s a big win for your case.
Are you ready to beat your Fairfax DWI?
Contact our experienced team today. We’ll get your free consultation scheduled.
