As mentioned in the previous section, police must have a justifiable reason for making a traffic stop. They must also establish probable cause to make a DUI arrest. If you have evidence to show that either of these elements did not exist when an officer pulled you over or arrested you, it may become part of your defense strategy.
The following list includes several possible defense strategies that often apply in DUI cases in Minnesota, though not all of them:
Each of these circumstances may be the basis for refuting DUI charges in court. In fact, some of these issues might compel a judge to dismiss a case before it goes to trial. If you’ve been arrested, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and know how to determine which type of defense strategy best fits your circumstances.
The more you know ahead of time regarding Minnesota DWI laws, your rights and the duties of a police officer, the better able to defend yourself you’ll be. It’s always a good idea to seek guidance from someone who has experience navigating the criminal justice system. This type of support can help determine whether you have grounds for requesting a dismissal or challenging certain evidence as inadmissible in court.
If an unlawful search occurred, for instance, then any evidence confiscated during that search would be inadmissible. However, you’d first have to prove the search was a violation of your rights as protected under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The good news in all of this is that a DUI arrest doesn’t necessarily have to ruin your life, especially if you can build a strong defense.
]]>Drunk driving is dangerous, and law enforcement takes this type of offense seriously. Those accused of drunk driving will benefit from seeking guidance regarding the defense options available to them. The court prosecutes these cases to the fullest extent of the law, and if convicted, defendants could be facing penalties that may include time behind bars and other consequences. It might be helpful to have an understanding of how alcohol can affect a person’s body.
Many drivers are unaware of their BAC and their inability to drive safely. Some may decide to get behind the wheel, even though they are not in a state to be able to do so safely, simply because they do not feel as if they are in an intoxicated state. Even if a driver feels sober, elevated BAC levels can affect everything from cognition to physical reactions. Consider the following facts about BAC, alcohol consumption and the ability to drive safely:
It is possible that a driver could face arrest and charges for intoxicated driving after only a few drinks. You may find yourself in this situation, even if you believed you could safely operate a vehicle at the time.
If the police arrest and charge you with DWI in Minnesota, you do not have to face it alone. You will benefit from experienced guidance regarding the options you have for the direction of your defense. An assessment of your situation can help you understand what steps you need to take to protect your future interests.
]]>The ignition interlock device is small and easy to use. It includes a tube that requires the driver to blow into the tube before starting the car. If the device doesn’t read alcohol content over a certain level, the vehicle starts. The Minnesota Ignition Interlock Device Program outlines who can use this device to regain driving privileges.The time one must continue to use the ignition interlock device varies between each case.
A DWI conviction can be life-changing in many ways. Those facing such consequences should be aware of their legal options and know they don’t have to face those charges alone. By working with someone who understands Minnesota DWI laws, one can decide how best to represent themselves when facing those charges in a legal setting.
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