DUI Defenses

Experienced DUI Representation in Wellsburg

Logue Law Group has built a strong and respected reputation throughout the greater Wellsburg area for our assertive defense in DUI cases. Attorney Sean Logue brings over a decade of focused experience, consistently securing positive outcomes for clients and achieving remarkable success in local courts. A DUI conviction can carry serious and lasting consequences, which makes it crucial to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Our group offers a significant advantage: an exceptional Wellsburg DUI attorney who deeply understands every facet of a DUI case. This includes not just the legal complexities but also the scientific and technical details involved. We conduct thorough investigations into all these areas to uncover potential defense strategies that can effectively challenge the prosecution’s case against you. Our unwavering dedication is to provide the highest quality legal representation when you are facing the life-altering consequences of a serious criminal charge.

Are you facing a DUI charge? We invite you to schedule a free case evaluation with our respected Wellsburg criminal lawyer at Logue Law Group. You can submit your contact information online 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

When you are charged with a DUI, it’s essential to understand the potential defenses available to protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. This guide examines eight key defense arguments that can be used to contest the charges and ensure you receive a fair legal process.

These defenses may include:

You Were Not Impaired

Police officers often use physical signs like bloodshot eyes or a flushed face as indicators of impairment. However, these symptoms can be caused by many other factors, such as allergies, illness, or fatigue, which have nothing to do with intoxication. By presenting evidence that these physical cues are not conclusive proof of impairment, a skilled Wellsburg DUI attorney can challenge the basis for the field sobriety tests, which could lead to the charges being dropped.

The Stop Was Illegal

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, which means the police cannot stop you without probable cause. In the context of a DUI stop, law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures. If it can be proven that the initial stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered after that point—such as breathalyzer results or statements you made—may be considered inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you.

There Was No Valid Reason for the Stop

For a traffic stop to be lawful, the police must have a valid reason to believe you have committed a crime. If the officer cannot articulate a legitimate reason for detaining you, the stop is considered an illegal action. As a result, any evidence collected during and after this unauthorized stop is typically thrown out. This creates a powerful opportunity for a seasoned Wellsburg criminal lawyer to have the charges dismissed. A stop without a valid reason is a violation of your constitutional rights.

The DUI Checkpoint Did Not Follow Legal Standards

DUI checkpoints are required to operate under specific guidelines and standards to be considered legal. These checkpoints must be established in areas known for a high rate of violations or be approved by supervising officials. Additionally, there must be clear signage to ensure fairness and transparency for drivers. If a checkpoint fails to meet these strict requirements, any charges resulting from it could be deemed invalid. A thorough review of the checkpoint’s compliance is a crucial part of a strong defense strategy.

The Chemical Test Was Not Administered Correctly

The accuracy of blood, urine, and breath tests is fundamental in DUI cases. There are clear, established standards for how and when these tests must be conducted. For instance, there is often a two-hour window following an arrest within which a test must be administered. Furthermore, the equipment used for testing must be properly calibrated and regularly maintained. A competent Wellsburg DUI attorney will investigate for any irregularities or deviations from these protocols, as they can render the test results inadmissible evidence and seriously damage the prosecution’s case.

Testing Equipment Was Not Calibrated Properly

To produce reliable and admissible results, the devices used for breath and blood testing must be calibrated correctly and regularly. If the calibration logs show that a device was not maintained according to regulations, its readings can be challenged. An experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer knows how to obtain these records and use them to argue that the test results are invalid and should be excluded from evidence. This defense focuses on the technical reliability of the state’s evidence.

You Were Not Driving the Vehicle

A central element of a DUI charge is that you were operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while visibly impaired. If you were not actually driving the car, you cannot be convicted of a DUI. An officer’s assumption that you were driving, without having directly witnessed it, is not enough for a conviction. Witness testimony confirming that you were not behind the wheel can be a powerful tool, potentially leading to a full dismissal of the charges by your Wellsburg DUI attorney.

The Police Report Is Inaccurate or Contains Exaggerations

Police reports can sometimes contain exaggerations or inaccuracies intended to strengthen the case for a conviction. A diligent Wellsburg criminal lawyer will meticulously review these reports, looking for deficiencies, inconsistencies, and contradictions. Even minor discrepancies can be used in court to undermine the credibility of the officer’s testimony. When the official account is shown to be unreliable, it can create enough reasonable doubt to have the entire case dismissed.

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help

A knowledgeable Wellsburg DUI attorney can present a wide range of arguments to defend you against DUI charges. At Logue Law Group, we are committed to exploring every possible avenue to protect your rights and fight for your interests. Our team will build a robust defense tailored to the specific details of your case.

Take the crucial first step in defending yourself. Fill out our online contact form or call 844.PITT.DUI today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer.