Oklahoma laws take a strong stance against drunk driving, and a conviction of these types of charges can have a serious impact on your future. Even if it is your first offense, you would be wise to take your situation seriously and pursue a strong defense of your interests.
One of the ways you can defend yourself when facing drunk driving charges is to know whether or not you experienced a violation of your rights during the initial traffic stop. If this happened, it could undermine the entire case against you, and you may be able to move forward with seeking dismissal or reduction of the charges against you. An evaluation of your case can help you understand what options you might have.
Understanding how you can protect your rights
A DUI traffic stop can be frightening, especially if it is the first time for you. Police cannot pull people over just because they want to; there must be a valid reason for doing so. For a suspected drunk driving traffic stop, they must have reasonable suspicion that the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes swerving, erratic driving and more.
After the stop, there are certain procedures that law enforcement must follow. Some of the things that you can expect from a DUI traffic stop include the following:
- Administration of field sobriety tests: A law enforcement officer can ask you to perform some basic tests that will determine if a chemical test is necessary. This includes balancing on one foot or walking in a straight line.
- Administration of chemical tests: If you do not pass the sobriety tests, the law enforcement officer may want you to submit to a test of your breath or blood to determine BAC level.
Every traffic stop is different, but it is smart to seek an evaluation of your case if you suspect that you experienced a violation of your rights.
The defense that is right for you
After a DUI arrest, you have no time to lose in building a strong defense. Your future and personal interests are on the line, but a conviction is never the only option you have. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, you have the right to fight back.
You may find it useful to start with a complete evaluation of your case. This can better help you understand your defense options and how you can start developing a defense strategy suited to your individual needs.