Whenever a person has criminal allegations brought against him or her, the details and evidence differs from case to case. Therefore, numerous elements often need to go into consideration before authorities bring charges against you. The type of information that police need to gather may depend on the exact type of situation that has taken place.
When it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol, many different factors could make up the basis for a DUI charge. In some cases, blood-alcohol concentration level may act as enough evidence to file a charge if the percentage reached or went over .08 percent. However, field evidence, driver evidence and BAC could all go into a DUI case against you.
Field evidence
Field evidence often relies on information collected and presented by the arresting police officer and other officers at the scene, if any. This type of information may include:
- Officer’s statement regarding your driving
- Officer’s statement about your actions or physical appearance
- Officer’s testimony regarding your performance of field sobriety tests
- Recordings or photographs the officer took at the scene of the arrest or area in which the alleged violation took place
- Records of incriminating statements made by you
This type of information typically goes into an officer’s report about the traffic stop and arrest.
Driver evidence
Police officers will also assess you as the driver in order to determine whether you give off any indicators that you may be intoxicated. Some of those indicators may include:
- Disheveled clothing
- Unkempt appearance, such as unshaven face or uncombed hair
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes
- Flushed face
- Odor of alcohol on your person
- Slurred speech
Of course, if any of these factors apply to you, other reasons may exist as to why you appear in such a manner.
Blood-alcohol concentration
One of the main pieces of evidence commonly used in DUI cases relates to the BAC level. Your breath, blood or urine may undergo testing in order to determine what your percentage level has reached. Though these results may weigh heavily against you, you do have the option of challenging the results of any tests for a variety of reasons.
Handling allegations
DUI charges could have impactful consequences if a conviction takes place. Therefore, you may wish to review the evidence that the prosecution has against you and look into your legal options for creating a meaningful criminal defense against those allegations.