One of the most serious traffic offenses one can face in New York is driving while intoxicated. You may not even know why you have been pulled over until the police officer asks you to submit to a breath test or a field sobriety test. Once this happens, you may wonder what your rights are.
For example, police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over in the first place. Were you swerving? Driving too fast or too slow? Were you involved in a car accident? Or were you doing nothing illegal at all? These issues are very important when it comes to a traffic stop. The lack of reasonable suspicion canresult in dismissed charges.
In addition, it is important that any field sobriety tests performed are accurate. This ensures that the Breathalyzer used is properly calibrated and handled. In addition, field sobriety tests, such as the stop and turn, can be subjective. It is important to thoroughly examine just how these tests were administered, in order to determine whether the results of such tests should be admissible in court.
Furthermore, after being pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, police may perform a search or other events may happen that lead to additional criminal charges. However, it is important examine whether these charges are warranted based on the specifics of the case, and to fight to have them dropped.
Attorney Keith I. Braunfotel has taken on thousands of criminal cases, including drunk driving cases. As a former prosecutor, he has the knowledge of how to defend his clients in criminal cases in pursuing a fair outcome. No one should have to face a judge alone. By understanding one’s legal rights, and with the help of a professional, a person accused of drunk driving can wage a strong defense that seeks to have the charges against them reduced or dismissed altogether.
