If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Law enforcement and prosecutors rely on a variety of evidence to build their case against you, including the traffic stop, field sobriety exercises, breath or urine tests, and even your own words. A skilled Jacksonville DUI attorney can help you navigate these challenges and fight to protect your rights. Let’s break down the main evidence used in DUI cases and how the best Jacksonville DUI attorneys can help you build a strong defense.
1. The Traffic Stop: Was It Legal?
Every DUI case begins with a traffic stop. For the police to pull you over, they must have reasonable suspicion that you’ve committed a traffic violation or a crime. If the officer didn’t have a valid reason to stop you, any evidence gathered afterward could be thrown out. An experienced Jacksonville DUI attorney will scrutinize the details of your traffic stop, looking for errors or constitutional violations. Did the officer pull you over without reason? Were your rights violated during the stop? These are critical questions that the best DUI attorneys near me will explore to help you challenge the case against you.
2. Field Sobriety Exercises: Are They Reliable?
Field sobriety exercises (FSEs) are commonly used by officers to assess impairment. These physical tests—such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg—are subjective and often unreliable. Factors like uneven pavement, poor lighting, medical conditions, or even nervousness can lead to poor performance, even if you’re completely sober. A Jacksonville DUI attorney with experience in DUI defense will challenge the officer’s interpretation of these tests and argue that they were not conducted properly or under fair conditions. This can weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
3. Breath and Urine Tests: Is the Science Flawed?
Breathalyzers and urine tests are two of the most common methods used to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). However, these tests are not foolproof. Breathalyzers can produce inaccurate results due to improper calibration, user error, or even medical conditions like acid reflux. Urine tests, on the other hand, are even less reliable and can result in false positives based on substances in your system. The best Jacksonville DUI attorneys know how to analyze these tests and uncover flaws in the science or procedures used. By challenging the accuracy and reliability of these results, an attorney can create significant doubt in the prosecution’s case.
4. Your Words and Admissions: What Did You Say?
Anything you say during a traffic stop or arrest can be used against you, which is why staying silent is one of the most important things you can do. However, if you’ve already made statements to the police, all is not lost. A skilled Jacksonville DUI attorney will review your statements to determine if they were obtained legally and whether they can be suppressed in court. Even if your words are part of the evidence, the best DUI attorneys near me know how to minimize their impact and use them to your advantage, if possible.
5. Why You Need the Best Jacksonville DUI Attorney
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, from license suspension to hefty fines and even jail time. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. The best Jacksonville DUI attorneys will carefully examine every aspect of the evidence against you, from the legality of the traffic stop to the reliability of breath tests and field sobriety exercises. They will use their special set of skills to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a reduction in charges, dismissal, or an acquittal.
If you’re searching for the best DUI attorneys near you, don’t wait. The sooner you hire a Jacksonville DUI attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and protecting your future. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate these troubled waters. You don’t have to face this situation alone!