If you were arrested on a charge of DWI in Dallas, it is possible to beat these charges depending on your case’s details. Even if you failed a sobriety test, there could be circumstances that allow your case to be thrown out.
It could be helpful to review your situation with a legal expert in your area to find out if you have grounds to fight your DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge.
Sobriety Tests
In order for an individual to be charged with a DWI, they generally need to fail a sobriety test. There are many different types of standard sobriety tests that law enforcement officers may administer if they suspect a driver is operating a vehicle while under the influence. Common sobriety tests may include:
- A horizontal gaze test used to evaluate eye movement
- Motor skills tests, such as walking down a line and turning
- The alphabet test administered to assess cognitive function
- Standing on one leg
- Breathalyzer
- Blood or urine analysis
Even though various tests can be used to detect alcohol or drug consumption, some jurisdictions accept only certain standardized tests.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, or “SFSTs,” are tests designed to be given in a standardized manner. These are widely accepted as indicators of impairment. These tests include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the Walk and Turn (WAT), and the One Leg Stand (OLS) tests.
Even though standardized tests are generally accepted as proof of impairment, mistakes can still occur while administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Possible Misconduct By Law Enforcement Officers
If a law enforcement officer makes a mistake during a sobriety test, it is possible that the results could be invalid, and a DWI charge could be legally voided. Examples of common errors that can occur during field sobriety tests and DWI charges include:
- Pulling over a driver without reason of suspicion
- Administering a test in a way that deviates from the accepted standards of testing
- Administering a test while not currently on duty as an officer
- Failing to appropriately document a test
- Laboratory errors in the processing of blood or urine samples
- Mechanical misfunctions in a breathalyzer and other technology used to determine sobriety
Why DWI Charges Could Result in Serious Penalties
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 28 people die in DWI accidents across the country daily. In addition to fatal accidents, driving under the influence can cause injuries, property loss, and more. While the repercussions of a DWI charge can be serious, if you are facing charges, you are not alone.
Fighting for the best possible legal outcome is important and could drastically impact your future. Proving that a mistake was made in your case, or that you were pulled over without reason, are examples of possible defenses that could result in you beating a DWI in Dallas.
If you find yourself charged with a DWI citation, you have legal options, and you can review them with an attorney.
What Happens If I Am Convicted on a DWI Charge?
DWI charges can result in serious fines, loss of license, and even time in prison. Previous criminal history or alcohol abuse can play a role in determining sentencing. If you find yourself facing a DWI charge, you can fight your case or at least manage your sentencing.
Because your future is on the line, it could be beneficial to consider how having a team of legal professionals by your side might help.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for My DWI Case?
Having a lawyer to help you face the legal system in a DWI case could be beneficial in many different ways. For one, lawyers have a vast knowledge of the law and can help you organize your case to determine if you can possibly beat your charges.
Lawyers can also offer general support as you face a particularly challenging obstacle in your life. Having a legal team to assist with the paperwork and other tedious tasks of a legal battle can allow you to focus on other aspects of your life.
A team of lawyers can also answer your questions about the legal process, help you manage the expectations of potential consequences, and, in turn, offer insight into your uncertain future. If you are interested in learning more about a free legal consultation about your DWI charge, our Dallas-area team can help you.
Call for a Free Consultation Today
If you were charged with a DWI in Dallas, there are ways to beat these charges or improve your legal future. Call (214) 696-9253 for a free consultation with one of our team members at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today. We can review your legal options and next steps with you and answer your questions.
