While driving in South Carolina, you probably don’t expect to be pulled over by police. However, if it happens and you’re arrested for DUI, it could change your life. It’s helpful to know if the police have made one of these DUI mistakes.
Improper administration of field sobriety tests
The police officer might require you to take a field sobriety test to determine whether you might be under the influence. Sometimes, an officer makes a mistake in the administration of that test. If they don’t understand the proper procedures, the charges could be dropped.
Improper administration of breath test
Breathalyzer tests are used to measure alcohol on a driver’s breath. However, police often fail to calibrate the test beforehand. If this is the case, the officer made a mistake, which could render the results of the Breathalyzer inadmissible.
No reasonable suspicion
Police officers are required to have reasonable suspicion to make a driver pull over. For example, if your vehicle has a broken headlight, the officer would have reason to pull you over. If there is no reason for pulling you over, the officer is making an illegal stop and the DUI charge could be dropped.
Contaminated blood or urine test
Police officers sometimes require a person to submit to a blood or urine test to determine whether they were driving under the influence. If the blood or urine sample becomes contaminated while the officer is handling it, this is a big DUI mistake that would work in your favor.
Hostility
Police must be civil to people even when they’re a suspect. If the officer was hostile and nasty toward you, it can be considered a violation of your civil rights. Your DUI case might not make it to court.
If you face DUI charges and are innocent, get immediate help and protect your rights.