Caught with a DUI? You’re Not Out of Options.
Getting arrested for DUI can be overwhelming — but it’s important to know you still have rights and you still have options.
Contrary to popular belief, a DUI charge does not equal a conviction. Skilled defense attorneys challenge DUI allegations every day — and many of them are successfully dismissed or reduced.
Below are 5 proven DUI defenses that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
1️⃣ Unlawful Traffic Stop
Police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over. If the officer can’t justify why they stopped your vehicle (e.g., swerving, speeding, broken taillight), then the stop itself may be deemed illegal.
⚠️ Why it matters:
If the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered afterward — including breathalyzer or field sobriety results — may be suppressed. That could lead to a dismissal of the entire case.
2️⃣ Faulty Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg) are not as reliable as they seem. They’re based on subjective observations and can be influenced by a number of factors:
- Uneven pavement or poor lighting
- Medical conditions like vertigo or arthritis
- Anxiety or fatigue
- Footwear (yes, even wearing heels or flip-flops can affect results)
⚠️ Why it matters:
Unreliable test results can’t be used as solid proof of impairment. A defense attorney can argue that poor performance wasn’t due to alcohol or drugs at all.
3️⃣ Breathalyzer Errors
Breathalyzer machines must be regularly calibrated and maintained. If they’re not, the results can be wildly inaccurate. Additionally, not all officers are properly trained to administer these tests — and improper use can lead to false readings.
⚠️ Why it matters:
Improperly maintained equipment or operator error can render your test results inadmissible in court.
4️⃣ Blood Test Mishandling
Blood tests are often seen as more reliable than breath tests — but only when handled correctly. For these results to be valid, the sample must follow a strict chain of custody, and testing must be done according to protocol.
⚠️ Why it matters:
If there’s any break in the chain, contamination risk increases — and your results can be challenged or thrown out.
5️⃣ Medical Conditions That Mimic Intoxication
Several medical conditions can produce symptoms that look like intoxication:
- Diabetes can cause fruity-smelling breath or confusion
- GERD or acid reflux can cause alcohol from the stomach to skew breathalyzer results
- Neurological disorders can affect speech or balance
⚠️ Why it matters:
Officers may interpret these symptoms as signs of impairment, when in fact they have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs.
⚖️ Don’t Plead Guilty Without Talking to a Lawyer
DUI charges are serious — but they’re also defensible. The key is having an experienced attorney who can:
- Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures
- Analyze test results and identify potential errors
- Uncover any violations of your rights
- Craft a personalized legal strategy for your case
👉 Every DUI case is unique, and there may be defenses available that you haven’t even considered.
📞 Need Help Now?
If you or someone you care about has been charged with DUI in Michigan, don’t wait. Contact our office for a consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your license, your record, and your future.