Panama City DUI Lawyer

Challenging the Field Sobriety Test

In testing for hand-eye coordination, a police officer might ask the driver to extend their arm and touch their nose with their finger. However, there are numerous factors besides intoxication that can cause a person to fail this test, as well as other tests that might involve walking and turning, or balancing on one leg.

Medical conditions and differences in natural motor skills can greatly impact performance. Weather conditions, such as rain or an uneven surface, can affect one's ability to perform well during the tests.

The video footage can be used as evidence for the defense. If the footage is unreliable or non-existent, it can damage the prosecution's responsibility for proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Although having clear and convincing evidence to dispute the officer's interpretation of a sobriety test performance is preferable, a lack of reliable video footage can still work in the defendant's favor.

Challenging Chemical Tests

At first glance, it may seem like the state has a rock-solid case when a driver blows a .08 on the breathalyzer. However, breathalyzers are not infallible. They are machines that must be calibrated, maintained, and used correctly. Failure by law enforcement to do any of the above can result in the dismissal of the breathalyzer results in court.

Perhaps even more significantly, dietary, and medical issues can cause misleading breathalyzer results. Conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, heart problems, and certain medications can all produce falsely high readings. Even the foods and oral gels you consume can trigger the breathalyzer.

Blood tests and urine sample results have their own vulnerabilities. They are both subject to strict chain-of-custody requirements, wherein everyone who handles the sample must document it properly. This is no mere technicality because blood and urine that are not maintained correctly can ferment in a way that leads to misleadingly high blood-alcohol content levels. 

Challenging a Police Report

The subjective nature of any one person’s interpretation of events offers numerous opportunities to contest it. Police officers, like every human being, have biases that need to be uncovered and scrutinized, to evaluate how they may have affected the decisions to pull the driver over, administer the field test, perform the chemical test, and present their findings in the report. 

What’s more, all defendants have the constitutional right to confront their accusers in court. Suppose two police officers were present during the arrest, and only one of them testifies. In that case, our Panama City defense lawyer can challenge not only the report but also the legitimacy of the trial as a whole.

Protect Your Future with Experienced DUI Defense

Being charged with a DUI can have serious consequences on your future, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's crucial to have a skilled DUI defense attorney on your side to navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome.

At Lisa Anderson Law, our team has extensive experience in handling DUI cases in Panama City, FL. We understand the complexities of DUI laws in Florida and will work tirelessly to challenge the evidence against you and protect your rights.

Benefits of hiring our DUI defense team include:

• Personalized legal strategy tailored to your case
• Thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest
• Strong courtroom advocacy to fight for reduced charges or case dismissal
• Guidance and support throughout the legal process

Don't face DUI charges alone. Contact Lisa Anderson Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your future.