Just because you’re charged with breaking the law doesn’t mean the case is set in stone. In some situations, such as traffic violations, law enforcement slip-ups may make the charges questionable. For example, DUI lawyers spend plenty of time looking for mistakes that may lead to charges being dismissed entirely. Here are some common scenarios.

Common Police Errors During a DUI Stop

1. No Probable Cause

To legally pull you over and charge you with a DUI, a police officer must have had probable cause to suspect that you were intoxicated. This means they must have seen you driving recklessly, yelling out the window, or committing some other unusual act. If your DUI lawyer can show that the officer didn’t see such warning signs and instead pulled you over for a reason other than probable cause—such as profiling or the need to fulfill a quota—they could have the charge dropped.

2. Report Errors

Whenever an officer is involved in a traffic stop, they must write a detailed report of the incident. If they fill out something about you or the incident inaccurately, your DUI lawyer can spot these mistakes after obtaining a copy. These errors can be used to undermine the officer’s competency, discounting the entire charge.

3. Testing Issues

To verify your intoxication, the officer may ask you to step out of your car and perform a field sobriety test, such as walking in a straight line. If they don’t take slippery road conditions or your sprained ankle into account, they could be found guilty of a testing mistake.

Similarly, when testing the level of your intoxication with a breathalyzer, specific guidelines must be followed. If the device wasn’t properly cleaned or the test was conducted for an inadequate length of time, your DUI lawyer might be able to prove that the reading was inaccurate.

If you’ve been charged with a traffic offense, reach out to The Walker Firm of Warner Robins, GA. These Houston County DUI lawyers are proud to represent clients charged with traffic violations and will work hard to find mistakes that will lessen or eliminate your charges. In addition to DUIs, these attorneys have worked on car accident cases, including personal injury and wrongful death, since 1980. To learn more about their services, visit the website and call (478) 923-4152 to arrange for your free initial consultation.