One of the positive effects of ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft is the decrease in DUI accidents. Studies have shown a significant reduction in alcohol-related crashes since the introduction of these services. According to one 2019 study: “Uber rides cut traffic fatalities by about 6.1% overall, and cut alcohol-related driving deaths by about 4%.”

Any decrease is good news, but there’s still a long way to go when it comes to preventing DUI accidents. On the subject of DUIs, it’s also important to note that if you’ve been charged with one, there are ways to fight this, even if you took a breath test and think there’s no hope.

And this brings us to discussing the importance of hiring a top defence lawyer for DUI charges and the possible defences they may use to help you fight your case.

Possible Defences for DUI Charges

1. Challenging the Validity of the Breath Test: Several factors can affect the validity of a breath test, such as improper calibration or maintenance of the device, faulty administration, or medical conditions that may influence the results.
2. Questioning Probable Cause for Arrest: For a DUI arrest to be legal, the police must have had probable cause to pull you over. If there was no valid reason for the stop, then any evidence gathered may not be admissible in court.
3. Proving You Were Not Driving: This defence might be used if you were found sleeping in your car or stopped on the side of the road. If it can be proven that you were not actually driving at the time of the arrest, then a DUI charge may be dismissed.
4. Arguing Necessity: In some cases, your lawyer may argue you had no other choice but to drive under the influence to avoid harm or danger to yourself or others. This is known as the defence of necessity. However, the defence can only use this in extreme circumstances.
5. Challenging Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are often subjective, and your lawyer can challenge them if the officer administering them did not follow proper procedures or did not take into account any underlying medical conditions that may have affected your performance.
6. Lack of Miranda Warnings: If you were not informed of your right to remain silent and have a criminal lawyer present during your arrest, any statements made may not be admissible in court.
7. Improper Stop or Search: If the BC police did not have a valid reason to pull you over or search your vehicle, any evidence gathered due to these actions may not hold up in court.
8. Inaccurate Blood Test Results: Blood tests can be affected by several factors, including handling and testing procedures. If it can be proven that the results are inaccurate, the charges against you may be dropped.
9. Insufficient Evidence: To convict someone of a DUI, the Crown prosecutor must have sufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court may dismiss this case if there is insufficient or unreliable evidence.

Call DUI Lawyer Jerry Steele

Of course, using a ridesharing app or getting a designated driver is always the safest and most responsible choice when drinking. However, if you do find yourself facing a DUI charge, contact experienced DUI lawyer Jerry Steele as soon as possible. Don’t wait—time is of the essence in building a strong defence.

778-700-0012