When you are pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, the officer will likely ask you to take one or more tests to determine if you are intoxicated. Several types of DUI tests can be administered, including a field sobriety test, breathalyzer test, blood test, and urine test. Each of these tests has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to understand what each one entails.
A los angeles criminal lawyer can help you with this process so that you understand what the results of a DUI test can mean.
Sobriety Field Test
The field sobriety test is the most common type of DUI test. It involves a series of physical tests that are designed to measure your level of intoxication. The officer will usually ask you to perform tasks such as walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and reciting the alphabet. These tests are designed to measure your balance, coordination, and ability to think clearly.
Breathalyzer Test
A breathalyzer test is another common type of DUI test. It measures the amount of alcohol in your blood by analyzing your breath. The results of a breathalyzer test can be used as evidence in court.
Blood Test
Next, we have the blood test which can also be used to determine how much alcohol you have consumed. It measures this amount by taking a sample of your blood. This test is typically used when the breathalyzer test results are inconclusive or when the defendant refuses to take the breathalyzer test.
Urine Test
Where necessary, a urine test can be used. It measures the amount of alcohol in your urine. This is another test that will be used when breathalyzer test results are not enough to prove guilt or when a defendant simply declines to take a breathalyzer test.
Each of these DUI tests has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to understand what each one entails before you decide to take it. If you are arrested for DUI, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your options and determine which test is the best fit for your case.
There is generally no getting around the fact that you have consumed alcohol before driving. It is then a case of relying on a lawyer to help you identify as many mitigating circumstances as possible that can help with your case. You can look for criminal defence lawyers Sydney or in your locality to hire one with expertise and experience in DUI cases. A professional could represent you in court with a strong defense and reduce the punishment to a minimum.
It may be that the person who consumed alcohol before driving had not intended to drive, but then, there was an emergency that came up. Proving this would create a mitigating circumstance. A lawyer will be better at making it not seem like an excuse, but something difficult to avoid.
Examples of how to assist a DUI case through mitigating circumstances include:
- Recognition of an important or unavoidable need to drive.
- Unfamiliar with local regulations.
- Medical conditions.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse but there can be instances where someone has moved into a new area and so is not familiar with the differences in the law there. It would all depend on how long ago that was as to how it would be viewed in court.
Medial conditions or pregnancy is a difficult route to go down as it requires some medical or scientific proof but putting that element of doubt in there can always be helpful.
DUI tests are an important element of a DUI case. It is crucial to understand the different types of DUI tests and to hire a lawyer who can help you navigate these complex legal waters.
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