DUI Defenses

Logue Law Group is widely recognized for its strong reputation and respected legal expertise throughout the greater Philadelphia area, specifically when it comes to aggressively handling DUI charges. With more than a decade of hands-on experience, Attorney Sean Logue has consistently secured favorable results for his clients, earning a level of success in the local courts that is hard to match. Because a DUI conviction can lead to potentially severe and life-altering consequences, it is absolutely vital to secure the services of a high-quality criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

At our firm, we offer you a significant advantage: an exceptional Philadelphia federal attorney who holds a deep and comprehensive understanding of the many complex details surrounding DUI cases. This knowledge spans from the intricate legal arguments to the scientific and technical components of testing. We carefully investigate every single one of these areas to find potential defense strategies that can effectively dismantle the state’s case against you. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal representation when you are facing the serious repercussions of a criminal charge. While we specialize in DUI, having a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer mindset ensures we leave no stone unturned in your defense.

Are you currently facing a DUI charge? You can schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our respected Philadelphia federal attorney at Logue Law Group. Please submit your contact information online or call us right now at 844.PITT.DUI.

Types of DUI Cases We Handle

• First-offense DUI
• Second DUI
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Driving under the influence of prescription drugs
• Underage DUI
• DUI involving an accident or injury
• DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.16%
• DUI with child endangerment
• Out-of-state DUI
• Extreme DUI

Potential Defenses to Your DUI Charge

When you are up against a DUI charge, understanding the specific defenses available to you is crucial for protecting your rights and shifting the momentum of the case in your favor. This article will look at several key defense arguments that can be utilized to fight the charges and ensure the legal process is fair. It is similar to the meticulous strategy a Philadelphia federal attorney might use to dismantle a prosecutor’s narrative.

These defenses may include the following:

You Weren’t Impaired

Police officers frequently rely on physical signs, such as bloodshot eyes or a flushed face, to decide if a driver is impaired. However, these physical signs can actually be caused by many factors that have nothing to do with intoxication, such as a common illness, fatigue, or seasonal allergies. By showing that these visual cues are not solid proof of impairment, the entire basis for the field sobriety test can be challenged. If successful, this argument can potentially lead to the charges against you being dropped completely.

The Stop Wasn’t Legal

You are protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which safeguards you against unreasonable searches and seizures if there is no probable cause. When it comes to being pulled over for a DUI, the police must follow specific legal boundaries. If your lawyer can prove that the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered after that moment becomes inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, a tactic often employed by a skilled Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer when examining police conduct.

No Valid Reason to Stop You Existed

For a traffic stop to be considered lawful, the police officer must have a valid reason to detain you. This typically involves a reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred or a traffic violation happened. If there was no valid reason for pulling you over, the entire encounter is considered an illegal action. As a result, any evidence collected following an unauthorized stop is deemed inadmissible. This creates a strong opportunity for a talented Philadelphia federal attorney to challenge the charges effectively.

The DUI Checkpoint Did Not Meet Standards

DUI roadblocks and checkpoints must follow a strict set of established guidelines and standards to be legal. These checkpoints must be placed strategically in locations that have a history of violations, or they must be agreed upon by supervising officials in advance. Furthermore, proper signage is required to ensure the process is transparent and fair to drivers. If the police failed to meet these requirements, it can render the charges against you invalid. Evaluating whether a checkpoint was compliant is a vital part of your defense strategy.

The Chemical Test Wasn’t Administered Correctly

The accurate administration and analysis of blood, urine, and breath samples are absolutely critical in DUI cases. There are clear standards that govern the timing and the method of these tests. For example, there is usually a maximum two-hour window following an arrest in which the test must occur. Additionally, the testing equipment must be calibrated and maintained correctly. Any irregularity or deviation from these established protocols can make the test results inadmissible as evidence. A knowledgeable Philadelphia federal attorney knows that technicalities like these can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Testing Equipment Wasn’t Calibrated Properly

To ensure that results are reliable, it is crucial that the devices used for breath and blood testing are calibrated properly. If law enforcement fails to calibrate these devices according to regulations, it can lead to invalid test results. If the results are invalid, they cannot be used against you in court, rendering them inadmissible.

You Weren’t Driving the Vehicle

The primary basis for a DUI charge is having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or showing visible impairment while operating a vehicle. However, if you were not actually driving the vehicle, you cannot be charged with intoxication behind the wheel. Mere assumptions by the police that you were drinking and driving—without them actually witnessing you in the driver’s seat—hold no weight in court. Witness testimony confirming that you were not driving can result in the dismissal of your charges.

The Police Report Is Not Accurate

It is not uncommon for police reports to contain exaggerations or errors designed to ensure a guilty conviction and punishment. However, a Philadelphia DUI lawyer can carefully scrutinize these reports, highlighting any deficiencies and inconsistencies during court proceedings. Even minor discrepancies in the written report can undermine the credibility of the police officer’s testimony, potentially leading to the dismissal of the entire case.

How a Philadelphia federal attorney Can Help

A Philadelphia DUI lawyer can present a wide variety of arguments to defend clients who are facing DUI charges. At Logue Law Group, we explore every potential avenue to safeguard your rights and your best interests.

Take the first step in protecting yourself today by filling out our online contact form or calling 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free consultation.