Lawyer Mistakes in Michigan Drunk Driving Cases

With over 10 years of experience fighting DUI, OWI, and other drunk driving charges, attorney Scott Grabel knows the mistakes that can be made in Michigan cases and how to avoid them so that the best possible results can be achieved. Choosing to work with an attorney who has DUI-specific knowledge will help you proceed throughout the criminal justice process while ensuring you do not make the same mistakes that countless others make when attempting to fight DUI conviction. Our Michigan drunk driving defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting the falsely accused and will do whatever it takes to help you obtain the best potential result in your unique case.

The first mistake that clients make in criminal cases is waiting to contact a lawyer, or not contacting a lawyer who has specific skills related to the charges they are facing. As soon as you are accused of driving under the influence, you should contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Michigan, who can guide you through the crucial early stages of your case. How you react to police accusations, the statements you put on record, and the detail with which you are able to remember what happened will help you challenge the prosecution’s case and seek a victory in court or during the pre-file process. A capable DUI defense lawyer won’t make the same mistakes that other attorneys might, and will know how to help you fight back throughout every stage of your case. Grabel & Associates is available 24/7 to begin working with you and fighting to prove your innocence.

Never Assume You Can’t Win Your DUI Case

One of the top mistakes lawyers make in DUI cases is assuming a case cannot be won, and advising clients to plead guilty and aim for a lighter sentence rather than an outright case victory. Grabel & Associates understands that with so much on the line, even the smallest potential of a victory should be considered when determining how to proceed with your defense. There are many errors made by police and prosecutors which can give you an opportunity to win your case, and any lawyer who recommends you plead guilty without walking you through every available option is obviously not looking out for your best interests. Our DUI attorneys consider all possibilities and will explain to you the legal issues you face and what it could mean for your case before making a recommendation about how you should approach your plea.

Fight Every Possible Penalty

Some lawyers work a case as if avoiding jail time is the best result possible, but there are other penalties which can have a serious negative impact on a person’s life, and an experienced lawyer will work to fight every possible penalty throughout the case. License suspension or revocation can occur, sometimes even if criminal conviction does not result, and it is crucial to represent a client at the license hearing and to know what it takes to ensure a person does not lose their license because of a false accusation. There are many defenses that can be used throughout the license revocation hearing process, and pointing out police mistakes or evidence issues could help a client retain the ability to drive. Work with a lawyer who will consider all possible effects of a conviction on your future and fight for what is truly the best result available.

Never Trust the Evidence without Thoroughly Investigating

There are numerous mistakes commonly made by police officers when investigating a potential DUI, and every piece of evidence should be thoroughly reviewed by a skilled defense attorney. Breathalyzer tests are notoriously inaccurate and a lawyer should never assume the device was properly calibrated and that all procedures were followed because that is often not the case. Investigating the chemical testing methods used could help a client win the case, and potential errors in this critical stage should always be considered in every DUI case. In addition, visiting the scene and collecting pictures of the scene of the arrest is critical, because it can help prove that road conditions were responsible for certain observations about a client’s driving, or how the location could affect the ability to perform roadside sobriety tests.

Mistakes Made During Trial

The first mistake attorneys make during the trial process is failing to file all necessary motions to help a client achieve a great result. Sometimes, a motion to suppress can completely destroy the prosecution’s case, and though it is unlikely that such a motion will be successful, failing to even attempt is a lazy error that could lead to a less favorable case outcome. In addition, an attorney should always inform you of potential administrative penalties that could apply in addition to criminal punishment, and help you fight back in all areas of your case rather than solely focusing on certain aspects of the trial.

Another mistake commonly made is putting the client on the stand to testify in every case, when sometimes it isn’t a good idea for a client to take the stand. While many assume that not taking the stand equates to an admission of guilt, sometimes it can serve to take the jury’s attention off of whether or not the prosecution has proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and instead drawing attention to the defendant’s story and potential inconsistencies.

The way you approach a police officer’s testimony is also critical, and attempting to prove that the officer lied can be a big mistake, depending on the attitude of the jury. Often, the jury doesn’t like to believe that a police officer is lying, and it is possible the jury could turn against you if you try to attack the officer, and it is critical to understand the unique complexion of the jury before you plan the theme of your case.

The witnesses you choose to call are also very important, and lawyers often make the mistake of not calling an expert witness or consulting a specialist in certain areas of the case, such as chemical testing. Working with an experienced lawyer who understands these errors and what to do to avoid them could be pivotal, and our lawyers know what it takes to help you achieve a great case result.

Contact Grabel & Associates in Michigan

Call 1-800-342-7896 or contact our team online now to speak to an experienced attorney, and fight back against the potentially life-changing penalties you could face. We are available 24/7 to take your call and will not rest until you have been provided with top quality legal representation throughout every stage of your case.