DUI Defense in Minnesota

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.

These mistakes can result in charges that don’t tell the whole story. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to accept the worst-case scenario.  At Wolfgram Law Firm, our Minneapolis, MN criminal defense attorneys stand by your side, offering strategies tailored to your situation. Contact us to know how we can help you.

Common Defenses Against DUI Charges

Here are some of the most effective defenses used to fight 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—like walking a straight line or standing on one leg—are often used to evaluate impairment, but they are far from conclusive.

• Environmental factors, such as uneven ground or poor lighting, can skew the results.
• Physical or medical conditions unrelated to alcohol, such as injuries or balance issues, can also lead to perceived failures.
• The officer’s subjective interpretation of the test results introduces further potential for error.

Highlighting the limitations and unreliability of field sobriety tests can be instrumental in challenging the evidence against you.

Arguing Rising BAC Levels

Alcohol takes time to absorb into the bloodstream. As a result, your BAC may continue to rise even after you’ve stopped driving.

• If a BAC test is conducted an hour or more after you were pulled over, it may not accurately reflect your BAC at the time of driving.
• This defense is particularly relevant if you consumed alcohol shortly before driving, as your BAC may have been below the legal limit while you were behind the wheel.

By examining the timing of your BAC test, it’s possible to cast doubt on the results and the prosecution’s narrative.

Contesting Procedural Errors

A DUI case involves strict procedural requirements for law enforcement, and any failure to adhere to these rules can significantly impact the validity of the case.

• Were your Miranda rights properly read?
• Did the officer clearly explain the consequences of refusing a chemical test?
• Were all forms, reports, and evidence handled according to established protocols?

Procedural errors can lead to evidence being excluded or even the dismissal of charges, making this a critical area to evaluate in any DUI case.

Demonstrating Medical or Alternative Explanations

Not all signs of impairment are caused by alcohol, and certain medical conditions or external factors can mimic the appearance of intoxication.

• Medical Conditions: Issues like diabetes, acid reflux, or neurological disorders can result in false positives on a breathalyzer test or affect physical performance during field sobriety tests.
• Non-Alcohol-Related Impairment: Fatigue, stress, or prescription medications can cause symptoms that resemble intoxication.

By presenting medical evidence or alternative explanations, it’s possible to raise reasonable doubt and challenge the prosecution’s case.

Speak to Experienced Minneapolis, MN Criminal Defense Attorneys

A DUI charge doesn’t mean your future is set in stone. At Wolfgram Law Firm, we believe every case deserves a thorough and strategic approach. We’ll carefully examine the details of your traffic stop, sobriety tests, and BAC results to find opportunities to challenge the charges. Whether it’s exposing improper procedures or identifying alternative explanations, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights.

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-altering, but a strong defense can make all the difference. Don’t wait to take action—time is critical in building your case. Call 612-584-3675 today or contact us online to schedule your consultation. At Wolfgram Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you move forward confidently, knowing you have an experienced advocate.