Common Defenses for DUIs
Pittsburgh DUI Defense Attorney Will Fight for Your Rights
Serving Clients in Westmoreland County, Allegheny County and Throughout Western Pennsylvania
If you are facing a recent arrest and charge under Pennsylvania’s DUI statute, you are likely experiencing extreme anxiety about how this charge will affect your employment, your family, and your criminal record. The best first step following a DUI arrest is to contact an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer and arrange a meeting as quickly as possible. Reviewing the facts of your case with a reputable and experienced DUI attorney, such as those found at the Law Offices of James Crosby, can significantly improve the likelihood of a positive outcome to your case.
Common Defenses to DUI Charges
Evidence collected prior to and during your arrest is considered circumstantial evidence of a crime. In other words, it is not conclusive evidence that you were intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) at the time of your arrest. Your Pittsburgh DUI lawyer should be able to craft a defense unique to your situation and they should make effective arguments to rebut the assertions set forth by the Commonwealth and its law enforcement officers.
The Field Sobriety Test
One common DUI defense involves the influence of outside environmental factors present at the time of your field sobriety test (FST). The FST is usually administered roadside and measures the suspect’s ability to perform certain physical tasks according to objective standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These standards do not take into account a particular individual’s physical characteristics or health concerns.
For instance, many officers require test subjects to stand on one leg for a period of 30 seconds without falling or stumbling. Your Pennsylvania DUI attorney will explain that the outcome of this test is highly dependent upon the individual’s shoes, the nature of the roadway, and the weather.
Additionally, test subjects are routinely required to follow a moving light with their eyes as a way for police officers to determine intoxication. This test does not take into account an individual’s personal eye conditions and places an incongruent amount of weight on the results of a test that may or may not actually be related to alcohol-induced impairment.
Contact an Experienced Pittsburgh DUI Attorney Today
The Law Offices of James Crosby can assist you if you are facing recent DUI charges in Pennsylvania. Please understand that, while serious, these charges are not the end of the world and you can realize a positive outcome for your case. To make an appointment, call today.