How Do I Build an Effective DUI Case?

Because of the possible immediate and long-lasting negative consequences of a DUI conviction, you need a skilled lawyer when contesting a DUI charge in Raleigh. While speeding and traffic tickets can be embarrassing and costly, a DUI charge is considered a criminal offense that can result in a hefty fine, automatic 30 day suspension of your driver’s license, and possibly jail time. It may also adversely affect you in the future by influencing your ability to get a job, find housing, travel abroad, and serve in the military.

In 2008 11,773 fatalities, including 423 in North Carolina, were attributed to drunk drivers, which made up approximately 33 percent of the total traffic fatalities in the U.S.  It is for good reason that Raleigh DUI charges are taken very seriously by North Carolina law enforcement and prosecuted aggressively.

You Can Contest Raleigh DUI Charges

A DUI charge, however, is contestable, and by hiring an experienced lawyer at the Law Office of Robert J. Willis you can build a strong DUI defense.

There are a number of factors an effective Raleigh DUI defense lawyer will look at when building your case:

• Did the police have reasonable suspicion or probable cause under the law to pull you over?

• Were you informed of your Miranda rights under the 5th Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees your right to remain silent and not say anything that might implicate you?
• Does the police evidence include fallible roadside tests such as the one-leg-stand, a portable breath test (PBT), a finger-to-nose test, reciting the alphabet, or walking in a straight line?
• Were your symptoms of DUI caused by some other condition, like emotional stress or allergic reactions?

Breathalyzer Tests are Not Irrefutable

 In North Carolina, you are required by law to submit to an Intoxilyzer (or Breathalyzer) test if a police officer asks you to take one, and the results of this test will be used as primary evidence against you in both your criminal case and DMV hearing.  The results of these tests, however, are often suspect, if not downright inaccurate. A Raleigh DUI defense attorney will usually contest the results. Robert J. Willis can combine the unreliability of the Breathalyzer test with other factors to help you win your case.

Enlisting the Help You Need with Raleigh DUI Charges

The penalties for DUI in North Carolina are some of the most punitive in the country. However, with the help of Robert J. Willis, who is experienced in trying criminal cases, you can mount a good defense and avoid long-lasting consequences for both you and your family. Contact us today.