Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are among the most serious traffic violations that people can commit — or be charged with. Instead of facing a simple ticket, motorists may have to go to trial to trial to deal with the charge. If there is a conviction, they risk incarceration, driver’s license suspension and financial consequences.
What do prosecutors need to prove to convict someone if the case goes to trial?
Elevated alcohol level
State law prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle after a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches a specific threshold. For most adults, that limit is 0.08%.
Those operating commercial vehicles must adhere to a 0.04% limit. Underage drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance rule, where results of 0.02% are enough to justify their prosecution.
Evidence of impaired ability
Even without chemical test results, the state can potentially convict a driver of a DUI offense. Police officers often follow motorists in traffic to record video footage of their poor performance at the wheel.
There might be recordings of other people calling to report concerns about a driver’s abilities. Video footage of field sobriety tests can also help show that a driver was not capable of safely operating a motor vehicle.
Those hoping to fight pending DUI charges generally need to develop a robust strategy. The specific defense strategy that defendants employ to fight DUI charges may depend in no small part on the evidence that police officers gathered. Reviewing the evidence and discussing the case with an experienced legal professional can help people avoid the significant consequences that accompany DUI convictions.