DUI Defense in Minnesota | How a DUI Lawyer Can Help

Being pulled over for a suspected DUI can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Maybe you had a drink earlier in the evening, or perhaps you didn’t drink at all, yet here you are, accused of driving under the influence. However, DUI charges aren’t always straightforward. Breathalyzers malfunction, field sobriety tests can be misinterpreted, and officers don’t always follow proper procedures.

Common Defenses Against DUI Charges

Challenging the Traffic Stop

The first question to consider is why you were pulled over.

• Officers must have a legitimate reason, such as erratic driving or a traffic violation, to stop your vehicle.
• If the stop was based on a hunch or lacked probable cause, any evidence gathered after the stop could be deemed inadmissible in court.

An unlawful or unjustified traffic stop can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.

Questioning the Accuracy of BAC Tests

Breathalyzer and blood tests are frequently used to support DUI charges, but these tests are not infallible. Errors in their administration or maintenance can produce unreliable results.

• Breathalyzer Issues: These devices must be properly calibrated and maintained. A failure to follow the required procedures can result in inaccurate readings.
• Blood and Urine Test Errors: These tests, while more precise, are still subject to human error. Mislabeling, contamination, or improper storage can compromise their reliability.

Challenging the accuracy of BAC test results can be a powerful defense in undermining the prosecution’s case.

Proving Faulty Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are designed to measure impairment, but they are often flawed.

• Physical Conditions: Factors like age, weight, and pre-existing medical conditions can make it difficult for even a sober person to perform these tests.
• External Factors: Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or inclement weather can negatively impact your performance.

Our legal team can highlight these issues to demonstrate that the results are not a reliable indicator of intoxication.

Arguing Rising BAC Levels

Alcohol takes time to be absorbed into the bloodstream. It is possible for your BAC to be below the legal limit while you are driving but rise above it by the time a test is administered. This defense focuses on the timing of the test and how it might not accurately reflect your state at the time of operation.

Contesting Procedural Errors

Law enforcement must follow specific legal procedures during a DUI investigation.

• Miranda Rights: If an officer fails to read you your rights, certain statements you made may be excluded from the case.
• Proper Protocol: Failure to follow testing protocols or mishandling evidence can lead to a successful challenge of the prosecution’s evidence.

Demonstrating Medical or Alternative Explanations

Certain medical conditions can lead to false positive results on BAC tests or physical symptoms that resemble intoxication.

• Acid Reflux/GERD: These conditions can cause alcohol to remain in the mouth, leading to falsely high breathalyzer readings.
• Ketosis: Diets or medical conditions like diabetes can create chemicals that the breathalyzer misreads as alcohol.

Providing a legitimate medical explanation can create reasonable doubt regarding the DUI charge.

Speak to Experienced Minneapolis, MN Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you are facing DUI charges, don’t wait to seek legal help. The criminal defense lawyers at Wolfgram Law Firm are here to represent you. We bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of Minnesota laws to every case.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us build a strong defense for you.