Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after an accident is one of the most serious legal situations a driver can face. In places like Fort Lauderdale, where law enforcement takes DUI cases aggressively, the consequences of a conviction can be life-changing. From potential jail time and heavy fines to long-term license suspension and lasting damage to your reputation, the stakes are extremely high. That’s why having an experienced DUI lawyer on your side is critical.
A skilled DUI lawyer does far more than simply appear in court—they use a combination of investigative strategies, legal knowledge, and courtroom advocacy to challenge the case against you. Here’s how a DUI lawyer defends clients facing DUI accident charges.
1. Challenging the Traffic Stop and Arrest Procedures
One of the first things a DUI lawyer examines is whether the police followed proper procedures when pulling you over and making the arrest. Officers must have probable cause for the stop, whether it was a traffic violation or reasonable suspicion of impaired driving. If the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered afterward—like breath tests or officer observations—may be suppressed.
Attorneys also scrutinize the way field sobriety tests were administered. These tests are notoriously subjective, and even small errors by law enforcement can undermine their credibility. An experienced lawyer can highlight these issues to weaken the prosecution’s case.
2. Questioning Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results
Prosecutors often rely heavily on chemical test results to prove intoxication. But these tests are not infallible. Breathalyzers, for example, require proper calibration and maintenance to provide accurate readings. Blood samples must be collected, stored, and tested according to strict procedures. Any mishandling can lead to contamination or false results.
A DUI lawyer may bring in expert witnesses, such as toxicologists, to challenge the reliability of the tests. If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the test results are valid, the case against the defendant may fall apart.
3. Investigating the Accident Circumstances
In DUI accident cases, the prosecution often tries to connect impairment directly to the cause of the accident. However, accidents can occur for many reasons—road conditions, mechanical failures, or even the actions of other drivers.
A skilled DUI lawyer investigates the accident independently, reviewing police reports, accident reconstruction evidence, and witness testimony. By presenting alternative explanations for the crash, the lawyer can raise doubt about whether the defendant’s alleged impairment was actually responsible for the incident.
4. Protecting Constitutional Rights
DUI lawyers also look closely at whether their client’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. For example, unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or interrogations conducted without advising the defendant of their rights can all be grounds for challenging evidence. Protecting these rights is an essential part of building a strong defense.
5. Negotiating for Reduced Charges or Penalties
Even when the evidence seems strong, a DUI lawyer can often negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or lesser penalties. This could mean avoiding jail time in favor of probation, reducing a felony DUI charge to a misdemeanor, or securing alternative sentencing options such as rehabilitation programs.
These negotiations are especially important in DUI accident cases, where penalties can escalate due to injuries or property damage. An attorney’s experience and relationships with prosecutors often make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County, DUI accident charges are pursued aggressively by prosecutors. Without a knowledgeable lawyer, defendants face an uphill battle against law enforcement, state attorneys, and strict DUI laws.
Eric H. Clayman, P.A., brings a unique advantage to defending DUI accident cases. With his background as a former police officer and DUI investigator, Mr. Clayman understands how officers are trained to handle these situations—and how to identify mistakes or weaknesses in their cases. His relationships with local law enforcement and years of courtroom experience allow him to craft strong defenses for his clients.
Final Thoughts
DUI accident cases can feel overwhelming, but defendants are not without options. A dedicated DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence, investigate the circumstances of the crash, and negotiate for reduced penalties. In Fort Lauderdale, where the consequences of a conviction are particularly harsh, choosing an attorney with deep experience and a proven track record can make all the difference.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI accident charges, working with an experienced lawyer like Eric H. Clayman, P.A. ensures that your rights are protected and your defense is as strong as possible.
This post was written by a professional at The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A. The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., serves Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County, specializing in criminal defense, including DUI, drug crimes, and violent offenses. With a background as a former police officer, Eric H. Clayman brings invaluable insight into law enforcement procedures. His experience as a DUI investigator, narcotics investigator, and member of street crimes and auto theft units, along with executing high-risk felony warrants, gives him a strategic edge in defending his clients. Committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best results, the Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., dui lawyer Pembroke Pines FL is your trusted ally in the face of criminal charges.