What You Need to Know About DUIs and Property Damage

 Posted on September 29, 2023 in Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense that can bring severe consequences, especially when property damage is involved. Suppose you have been charged with DUI and causing subsequent property damage, such as hitting a stop sign, tree, mailbox, or something else. In that case, you need to strongly consider hiring a lawyer, as a DUI conviction involving property damage can escalate the possible penalties. Your lawyer will be not only well-versed in Connecticut DUI law but will also have a firm understanding of the defense strategies that may play to your advantage as your case proceeds. 

DUIs and Property Damage 

Property damage and DUIs encompass more than stop signs, trees, and mailboxes but may also include damage to other vehicles, buildings, and other objects. In such cases, the prosecution will aim to prove that the driver's impairment directly led to property damage. 

Defense Strategies for DUI Involving Property Damage 

• Connecting the DUI to the property damage – One possible defense strategy involves casting doubt on the causation between the DUI and the property damage. If there is evidence suggesting that the property damage was not a direct result of the DUI, it may weaken the prosecution's case. For example, if another driver caused the accident, the defense could argue that the DUI did not contribute significantly to the property damage. 
• Casting doubt on field sobriety tests – If an accident-related injury affects a driver's performance on field sobriety tests, it can be used as a defense strategy. The defense can argue that the injury impaired the driver's physical capabilities, leading to poor performance on the tests. Medical evidence, such as doctor's reports or professional testimonies, can support this defense.
• Questioning field sobriety test accuracy – Defense attorneys can also challenge the accuracy of field sobriety tests. These tests, including the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus, are subjective and can be influenced by various factors. The defense can argue that external factors, such as bad weather, uneven terrain, or faulty equipment, affected the accuracy of the tests, leading to a false impression of impairment.
• Challenging blood alcohol content evidence – DUI cases frequently rely on blood alcohol content (BAC) tests to determine impairment. Defense attorneys can challenge the reliability of BAC test results by questioning the testing equipment's accuracy or the samples' handling.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT DUI Lawyer

Defending against DUI charges involving property damage requires careful examination of the evidence. Contact the skilled Stamford, CT DUI attorney with Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner for a lawyer you can count on. Call 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.