Michigan news from Emmet County reports indicate that law enforcement is out in force this holiday season. With the slogan "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest," from now through New Year's day state troopers are on "directed patrol, looking for criminal activity on the roads with operating while intoxicated (OWI) drivers being the biggest one's targeted."
While officers will be on the look out for drunk drivers, reckless drivers and seat belt use violators, it is crucial that responsible drivers pulled over in error, without probable cause or where law enforcement violate individual's rights be able to protect themselves from drunk driving charges and penalties.
If you have are charged with Michigan drunk driving, the first thing to do is call an experienced drunk driving criminal defense attorney in Michigan immediately to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.
In fact, in many situations drunk-driving charges can be reduced or even DUI charges dismissed as the result of common police errors.
Although everyone wants to ensure the safety of Michigan roads, it is imperative to protect your rights, your driving privileges and your reputation. A drunk driving charge will not only damper the holiday spirit but may also have a lasting impact on your freedom.
Some common issues that arise in Michigan OUI stops include:
• Was the stop legal? Law enforcement must have a reason to stop you. Under certain circumstances, an experienced drunk driving defense firm can challenge the traffic stop that led to the DUI arrest.
•Was the breath test administered properly? Roadside breath tests may not be as accurate as chemical tests given at a police station and may yield unreliable results.
•Is the machine used for testing blood alcohol content accurate? Not all machines used to measure BAC in Michigan are reliable. Knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys can challenge the method and the machinery used to measure BAC.
•The use of overly subjective field sobriety tests (FST) as the basis for an OUIL/OUI arrest. FSTs are notoriously unreliable because they are based on the discretion of an individual police officer's opinion. These tests often evaluate a person's coordination that may be affected by numerous factors other than drugs or alcohol, making FST conclusions flawed.
Several other issues may arise in any drunk driving stop and arrest in Michigan. The best course of action this holiday season is to avoid drink and driving, and appoint a designated if you have had too much to drink.
In the event that you are pulled over this holiday season, contact an experienced Michigan drunk driving attorney at A. Scott Grabel & Associates for an immediate response.
