A DUI conviction can drastically change the way you live. Losing your license, job, and even your ability to earn a job or keep your current one are all at stake, depending on the severity of your charges and previous convictions.
In Minnesota alone, police arrested more than 24,000 people in a year for driving under the influence. With so many arrests per year, is it possible to defend against the charges? Several situations may apply to your unique situation.
Duress
Duress describes a person acting in a certain way because of the threats they received from another person. A person who drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol because of duress may be able to avoid charges if they can prove suitable duress.
Unknown intoxication
Sometimes, when a person is on a new prescription, they may not be aware of how the new prescription interacts with alcohol or other prescriptions. These new interactions may catch a driver off-guard, and they wind up driving while under the influence.
It was essential
Sometimes the best or only choice to save a life requires someone driving while under the influence. If someone got hurt at a party and they need a ride to the hospital, there may not be anyone sober enough to make the drive.
Police error
Suppose the police made a mistake while collecting evidence or performing the arrest. In that case, it may be possible for an experienced criminal defense attorney to leverage that to get a court to drop the charges. Ask a lawyer to review your case to determine if the police made a critical error.
Do not give up
There are many possible avenues that someone could defend themselves from a DUI conviction. Protect your license, future, and freedom by consulting with a lawyer, you can trust to protect you.