Aiden Belville
1 month ago
Getting charged with Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious matter. You may be scouring the internet for information that could help you prepare for your next legal steps. Unfortunately, there is a lot of unreliable information about DUI cases being spread around.
Learn more about DUI myths in Bloomington, and then get the facts about your case from one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys today.
A common myth is that if someone is charged with a DUI in Bloomington, they must be guilty. Just because a person is charged with DUI or DWI does not automatically mean that person is guilty of the charge. There are many examples of cases where the person charged was proven to be not guilty.
A DUI charge could have been based on a faulty breathalyzer. In fact, a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) cannot be used in Minnesota courts to prove blood alcohol level (BAC). In some cases, the arresting officer may not have followed proper procedures when charging a person with a DUI. Always remember that no one is guilty of a crime until they are convicted.
This DUI myth is not true in Bloomington or any other city. Defense attorneys typically have areas of expertise, and many do not have experience with DUI cases. Hire a defense attorney who has experience with criminal cases involving DUI and DWI charges. An experienced attorney will know more strategies for plea bargaining, getting charges reduced, and diminishing penalties.
It is a myth that a Bloomington police officer cannot arrest a person for DUI if they show no obvious signs of being intoxicated. Police officers who conduct field sobriety tests, such as walking a straight line, also rely on other indicators of intoxication. A person suspected of drunk driving could possibly pass the field sobriety tests and still be asked to take a breath test. A breath test may show a BAC of 0.08 or higher, which could lead to an arrest and DUI charges.
Contrary to popular opinion, an officer in Bloomington can still charge someone with DUI even if they refuse to take a breath test. In fact, if a person refuses to take a breath, blood, or urine test for BAC, they could be charged with Test Refusal, which is a misdemeanor in Minnesota. Anyone who drives in Minnesota implicitly consents to a breath, blood, or urine test if they are lawfully arrested on suspicion of a DUI.
Many people facing DUI charges in Bloomington mistakenly believe that they will get in more trouble if they do not answer every question that an arresting police officer asks. When someone is arrested for a DUI, they do not have to say anything more than what is required. For example, if they are asked for proof of identity or insurance, they should comply. Any other questions are best left unanswered unless a lawyer is present. Making a false statement is often worse than not making a statement at all. This is why it is important to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after the charges were made.
If you want to know the truth about your DUI charges, talk to one of our experienced lawyers. We could help debunk DUI myths in Bloomington and give you straight answers to your questions.
Schedule your consultation today. We are available 24/7.