Being pulled over for a DUI in Virginia is not something anyone likes to think about. You might figure that as long as you stay sober behind the wheel, there won't be a problem. However, police officers often interpret simple driving errors as signs of inebriation, and will administer field sobriety tests in an attempt to determine if a driver is impaired.
This might still not seem so bad as long as you're sober. Unfortunately, field sobriety tests can be difficult even if you are completely sober. Not only that, but these tests are also highly subjective and without personally knowing how you would normally perform under such conditions, the police officer may mistakenly believe you to be drunk, even if you are not.
Why You Should Always Contest Field Sobriety Tests
The penalties for committing a Virginia DUI are quite severe. In addition to the potential criminal charges, you may also:
- Lose your license
- Pay steep fines
- Be required to go to alcoholism support groups
Not only that, but there's also a social stigma against those believed to be guilty of drunk driving.
This is why it is in your best interest to hire a Virginia DUI defense lawyer. By itself, the field sobriety test is prone to error and misinterpretation. A capable lawyer will know how to properly question the result of a field sobriety test in court.
The Benefits of a Strong DUI Defense
A Virginia DUI case is not nearly as open and shut as the police might like you to believe. The field sobriety tests, being prone to error, are hardly reliable indicators of drunkenness. In reality, there are many ways for a capable Virginia DUI defense lawyer to fight your DUI charge.
Remember that even if a Virginia DUI defense lawyer fails to acquit you, he or she may still be able to reduce the severity of your penalties. Given the increasing harshness of Virginia DUI laws, this makes it all the more worthwhile to hire an experienced Virginia DUI attorney.
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