Forms of Evidence in Nashville DUI Cases

The science of how our bodies react to alcohol is often unpredictable, and on the other hand, testimony from a witness isnā€™t always reliable. This makes it possible for a skilled DUI lawyer in Nashville to defend against DUI chargesĀ by demonstrating that the defendant did not operate their vehicle while under the influence.

Some surveys estimate that 1 percent of the US prison population, approximately 20,000 people, are falsely convicted. This leaves even more onus on the experienced attorneys to help save such innocent people due to lack of evidence.

The state heavily relies on the statement of the police officer in a DUI case. If you were driving and police officers pulled you over for something like being slow or making an unusual turn, then they might deduce that you were driving under the influence. Once they pull you over, the officers will discuss before they give their testimony on your appearance and behavior. They might say something like it seemed like you were intoxicated because of how red your eyes were, or there was an alcoholic smell.

Overall, when the government brings criminal charges against you, it is ultimately up to your local prosecutorā€™s office how much evidence they need in order for them to prove their case ā€“ to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The number of evidence that they bring against you will ultimately strengthen the governmentā€™s DUI case against you.

You should immediately hire a DUI defense attorney to fight such allegations in your DUI case in Nashville for your defense.

Common Examples of DUI Cases in Nashville:

When the officers gather evidence for a DUI case in Nashville, they make their case strong by a number of different pieces of evidence. This includes:

  • Police officerā€™s crash report
  • Breathalyzer report
  • Eyewitnesses testimonies
  • Drugs found in the vehicle
  • Open containers of alcohol in the car
  • Statements that you made to the police officer

Remember, it is not immediately admissible in a DUI case if the evidence is on this list. The prosecutor has to go to lengths in making their case impregnable.

Illegally Obtained Evidence:

The defense in a DUI case often challenges the admissibility of evidence by arguing that it was obtained illegally. The concept of ā€œprobable causeā€ is key to understanding how police officers can justify their actions when investigating a DUI crime. If they have failed to explain your detention or arrest with facts that support the conclusion, then it was probably not enough for them to do so.

For instance, they cannot just ask you to pull over without any reason, or having a burned headlight doesnā€™t allow them to ask you to take a field sobriety test.

Common Examples Of Illegally Obtained Evidence

  • Statements that you made without being given the Miranda warnings
  • Chemical tests which were unreliable
  • Illegal search that produced some evidence for a DUI case
  • In violation of your constitutional rights results of your chemical tests were taken

In many such cases, a judge might order to suppress the evidence. This oftentimes compels the prosecutor to withdraw the DUI charges completely. So if you face a DUI case in Nashville, it is crucial you discuss your case with a DUI attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer may be able to keep unfavorable evidence out of the trial, increasing your chances of beating the charges.

Direct Evidence V.s. Circumstantial Evidence:

One of the most common areas of confusion around a DUI case evidence involves the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence classifies as evidence that directly leads to proving a fact. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, requires the judge or jury to make one or more inferences that may bear on their decision of guilt or innocence.

For example, a test from a breathalyzer machine giving your blood alcohol concentration over 0.08% is direct evidence of intoxication, whereas, in circumstantial evidence, the prosecutor will present evidence that you appeared to be intoxicated. This includes:

  • You were driving unsafe
  • The police officer observed that you were intoxicated
  • An allegation that you caused an accident

Contact Nash Law to Learn More About the Types of Evidence That Can be Used Against You in a DUI Case in Nashville:

If you are facing a DUI case in Nashville, reach out to our expert team of DUI attorneys who represent clients facing all types of traffic offenses, including DUI charges. We are known to treat our clients with the utmost level of care.

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