Driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses can result in significant consequences. Those accused of drunk driving are at risk of incarceration or probation. They may have to pay large fines as well as court costs. The courts can also suspend their driver’s license after a criminal conviction. Those consequences and the criminal record that follows a DWI conviction or guilty plea combine to make DWIs potentially life-altering charges.
Individuals accused of DWI offenses can often avoid convictions if they have the right support while defending themselves in court. The best defense strategies depend on the circumstances leading to the arrest. The three scenarios outlined below are among the most common underlying causes of DWI charges.
One-on-one traffic stops
Sometimes, drivers notice something unsafe and call the local authorities, leading to a targeted traffic stop. Other times, police officers crossed paths with someone driving in an unsafe manner. One-on-one traffic stops may also begin due to other issues, and officers may begin to suspect impairment during their encounter with a driver. If people fail field sobriety or chemical tests during traffic stops, they are at risk of arrest and prosecution.
Sobriety checkpoints
Simply pulling over drivers on an individual basis is not particularly effective. Officers can only stop and arrest a small fraction of those who regularly drive after drinking. To deter drunk drivers and catch as many as possible, police departments may conduct sobriety checkpoints or DWI roadblocks. These mass enforcement attempts can result in numerous people getting arrested within just a few hours in some cases.
Motor vehicle collisions
Some people end up facing DWI charges because of a car crash. Even in situations where the other driver was clearly at fault for the wreck, a failed chemical test or clear symptoms of intoxication could result in the state bringing charges against a driver. Police officers frequently request chemical testing after collisions when they arrive to put together a crash report.
Depending on the circumstances that have led to a driver’s arrest, there could be a number of different reasonable defense strategies that they could develop. Issues with checkpoints, illegal traffic stops and improper test device maintenance could all theoretically influence a criminal defense strategy. Getting support as soon as possible when facing DWI charges can help drivers explore their options for responding assertively.