How To Challenging Breath And Blood Tests In a DUI Case
By challenging the test that the prosecution is heavily relying on to prove your DUI, you have the power to completely upend their case.
However, they'll always argue that if they could prove that you had alcohol in your system at all, under Vehicle Code Section 23152(a), you couldn't safely operate a motor vehicle. If they could prove that, then they might be able to demonstrate a DUI against you.
It is not going to be the right thing to do in every case to spend a lot of money trying to attack a blood test, for example. If we know that you had ten drinks and you had a high blood alcohol level, there is no point in trying to attack the breath test or the blood test.
On the other hand, if you blew a point away from the legal limit, it might make sense to show that there was a mistake. A drug recognition expert gets involved in a case under circumstances where they suspect that you're driving under the influence, but you don't show any alcohol in your system.
When alcohol is not detected, the prosecution may shift their focus to the possibility of drug influence, leading to the involvement of a drug recognition expert who will evaluate and test you.
They can say that a particular person is under the influence of a drug, and it's difficult to challenge them. It's going to be weeks or even months before you'll get an opportunity to challenge them in a potential trial or motion.
You can get your expert to see whether you have any drugs in your system or not. If you do that, then you're in a much stronger position to argue whether or not you were under the influence of any drug that might affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
When Prosecutors Make A Plea Offer In A DUI Case In California?
Usually, the prosecutors will have some tentative offer on a DUI case when your attorney goes in for the arraignment. That offer could be subject to change, and your attorney might be able to convince him to give you a better offer.
Often, the prosecutors will already have an idea, based on their factors, of what they might offer you to settle your DUI case. Your defense attorney will talk to the prosecutor and point out any problems with the case.
They will point out the mitigating circumstances and negotiate based on their discussion with you and their expertise and knowledge of that prosecutor's tendencies.
Sometimes, I'll talk to a prosecutor, and I don't think they're being reasonable in the case, so I go to their boss. You've got to try everything to convince the prosecutor to give you what you and your client have decided is a fair resolution in the case.
Sometimes, you're able to do it, and sometimes you're not able to do it. It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case, who the prosecutor is, and what you're trying to get. If you're trying to get something unrealistic, you're going to have a tough time trying to get it.
It's crucial to be honest with yourself, apply common sense, and rely on the expertise of a skilled DUI attorney. Let them lead you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions in defending your DUI case.