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A DUI charge in Mississippi doesn’t have to lead to a conviction. With the right defense strategies, you may reduce the charges, negotiate a lesser sentence, or even have your case dismissed. In this post, we’ll explore common DUI defense strategies and how a skilled Mississippi DUI lawyer can help protect your future.
1. Challenging the Traffic Stop
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence gathered during the stop could be suppressed, leading to a dismissal of the DUI charge.
2. Questioning Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (e.g., walking a straight line, balancing on one foot) are subjective and often unreliable. Factors like fatigue, medical conditions, or uneven surfaces can cause false indications of impairment.
3. Attacking Breathalyzer Results
Breathalyzer machines aren’t infallible. Your attorney may focus on:
- Inadequate officer training in administering the test.
- External factors like medical conditions or certain foods that may skew results.
- How your BAC at the time of the test was higher than at the time you were behind the wheel
4. Highlighting Procedural Violations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set out the protocols officers are to follow during a DUI investigation. Violations of those protocols may lead to a finding of not guilty.
5. Negotiating Reduced Charges
Even if evidence is strong, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors in an effort to secure a nonadjudication, which would keep a DUI conviction from ever going on your record.
Conclusion
Defending against a DUI charge requires a tailored approach to each situation and experienced representation. At Eichelberger Law Firm, we’ve successfully used these strategies for decades to help clients throughout Mississippi. Contact us today to start building your defense.