Northern Virginia DUI Lawyer
DUI Lawyer in Fairfax, Fauquier & Prince William County
It can be very confusing and even intimidating to have a field sobriety test administered at the side of a road only to be told you failed and be subjected to an arrest. The complex procedures you are put through before, during, and after the
breath or blood test can leave you in shock and possibly convinced that you are as good as convicted already. Law enforcement has strict procedures it must adhere to in making a traffic stop, in carrying out a DUI investigation and after an arrest. Over-eager and under-trained officers often violate these procedural rules. Taking the time to consult with a trusted
Northern Virginia DUI attorney who has successfully defended many before you, can help you understand that there are valid defenses which could be used in your case.
DUI Lawyer in Fairfax, Fauquier & Prince William County
Building your defense begins with your first consultation. Some of the defenses which can be utilized and points which can be challenged include:
- The officer must have a valid reason for a traffic stop and there must be proof that you were driving.
- The officer must have correctly advised you of your rights.
- The prosecutor must follow all procedural rules for the evidence to be admissible in court.
- Field sobriety tests are often poorly administered and a "pass" or "fail" can be based purely on the officer's opinion. The driver may have "failed" because of the road surface, a physical condition or for other reasons.
- Testing devices are not foolproof. They require maintenance at regular intervals and can go out of calibration or malfunction. Technicians administering breath tests also make mistakes.
Effective defense of a DUI charge requires a thorough understanding of complex and constantly changing law and precedents, the scientific principles of the testing procedures and devices and much more. A Northern Virginia DUI lawyer at the firm has an in-depth working knowledge of all of these and is highly motivated to protect your rights.
It is important to begin working on your defense strategy right away in order to preserve your driver's license by requesting a DMV hearing and to pull all available information concerning the prosecution's case against you. Call the Law Offices of Michael A. Pignone to discuss the events involved in your DUI case and to get answers to your questions.
Contact a Northern Virginia DUI attorney
at the firm who provides sound advice and well prepared and aggressive defenses in DUI cases.