Getting pulled over by the police can be stressful, especially if you’re suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). However, not all traffic stops are legal, and understanding your rights in these situations can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
When the police pull you over without legally justifiable reasons, it may be considered an unlawful stop. The Constitution protects you from arbitrary searches and seizures by law enforcement, and an illegal stop is a violation of these rights. Your DUI case may benefit in significant ways if you were stopped unlawfully.
The court may suppress evidence obtained from an illegal stop
If your traffic stop was unlawful, any evidence derived from it may be deemed inadmissible in court. This includes field sobriety tests or breathalyzer test results, which are crucial evidence when facing drunk driving charges.
The court may suppress such evidence following a successful motion to suppress. When this happens, the suppressed evidence will not be used against you during trial. This could considerably weaken the prosecution’s case, as it can be difficult to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It could result in your charges being reduced or dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Challenging an unlawful stop
Sometimes, the line between a lawful and unlawful traffic stop can be blurry due to the various legal standards involved and the unique aspects of a case. Therefore, it is imperative to seek qualified guidance if you believe your traffic stop was illegal.
Reaching out for legal assistance when facing DUI charges can help you to assess the legality of your traffic stop and determine the best course of action to challenge the resulting evidence. Making this effort can significantly help your case and increase the odds of a desirable outcome.