DUI Defenses

The Logue Law Group is a respected and well-known group in the greater Steubenville area, recognized for our assertive approach to handling DUI charges. With more than ten years of experience, Attorney Sean Logue has built a track record of securing positive results for clients, achieving significant success in local courts. A DUI conviction can carry serious penalties, making it essential to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Our group offers a clear advantage: an exceptional DUI attorney who deeply understands every angle of a DUI case, from complex legal rules to scientific and technical details. We thoroughly examine all these aspects to find defense strategies that can effectively counter the state of Ohio’s case against you. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation when you are faced with the serious consequences of a criminal charge.

Are you dealing with a DUI charge? Contact the Logue Law Group for a free case evaluation with our distinguished legal Steubenville DUI attorney. You can submit your information through our online form or call us 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 with an accident or injury
• DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.16%
• DUI with child endangerment
• Out-of-state DUI
• Extreme DUI

Potential Defenses to Your DUI Charge

If you’re facing a DUI charge, it’s important to know the potential defenses available to protect your rights and improve your case’s outcome. This guide covers several key arguments that a Steubenville criminal lawyer can use to challenge the charges and ensure you receive a fair legal process.

These defenses might include:

You Were Not Impaired

Police officers often look for physical signs like bloodshot eyes or a red face to decide if someone is impaired. However, these signs can be misleading and may be caused by other things, such as allergies, fatigue, or an illness. By showing that these physical cues aren’t definitive proof of intoxication, we can challenge the reason for conducting a field sobriety test, which could lead to the charges being dropped.

The Stop Was Not Legal

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, meaning the police need a valid reason, or “probable cause,” to pull you over. For a DUI stop, there are specific legal rules that law enforcement must follow. If we can demonstrate that the traffic stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered after that point, like breathalyzer results, can be ruled inadmissible in court. This move can significantly undermine the prosecution’s case handled by your Steubenville DUI attorney.

No Valid Reason Existed to Stop You

For a police stop to be considered lawful, the officer must have a legitimate reason to detain you, which usually means they suspect a crime has been committed. If there was no valid reason for the stop, the entire interaction is considered an illegal action. As a result, any evidence collected during an unauthorized stop cannot be used against you. This creates a strong opportunity for a skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer to fight the charges.

The DUI Checkpoint Did Not Follow Standards

DUI checkpoints are required to operate under strict guidelines. They must be set up in areas known for drunk driving incidents or at locations approved by supervising officials. Additionally, there must be clear signs to inform drivers about the checkpoint, ensuring transparency. If these standards are not met, the charges brought against you could be dismissed. It is crucial to review whether the checkpoint was compliant as part of a strong defense strategy.

The Chemical Test Was Not Administered Correctly

The accuracy of blood, urine, and breath tests is vital in DUI cases. Strict standards dictate how and when these tests must be performed, including a rule that they must be conducted within two hours of the arrest. Furthermore, the equipment used for testing needs to be properly calibrated and maintained by the authorities. Any mistake or departure from these established procedures can make the test results invalid and inadmissible as evidence, which can severely weaken the prosecution’s case.

Testing Equipment Was Not Calibrated Properly

To produce dependable results, the devices used for breath and blood testing must be calibrated correctly. If this crucial step is skipped or done incorrectly, the test results can be deemed invalid and thrown out of court. A Steubenville DUI attorney knows how to investigate these equipment logs.

You Were Not Driving the Vehicle

A DUI charge is primarily based on having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or showing clear signs of impairment while operating a vehicle. However, if you were not the one driving, you cannot be legally charged with driving while intoxicated. An officer’s assumption that you were drinking and driving is not enough if they did not actually see you behind the wheel. Witness testimony confirming you were not driving can lead to the charges being dismissed.

The Police Report Is Not Accurate

Police reports can sometimes contain exaggerations or inaccuracies designed to secure a conviction. An experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer can carefully analyze these reports to find weaknesses and inconsistencies to present in court. Even small errors in the report can damage the credibility of the police officer’s testimony and potentially lead to the case being dismissed.

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

An attorney can present many different arguments to defend clients against DUI charges. At Logue Law Group, we investigate every possible option to protect your rights and serve your best interests.

Take the first step toward protecting yourself. Fill out our online contact form or call 844.PITT.DUI to schedule a free consultation with our Steubenville DUI attorney.