NCJ Number
141849
Journal
Trial Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1993) Pages: 64-66,68-69
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Most attorneys believe five myths about defending accused drunk drivers and need to learn the facts, because almost every attorney will be asked to handle such a case.
Abstract
Perhaps the most troubling myth is the one harbored by both attorneys and the public, that most people accused of this crime are guilty. However, infrared breath machines are woefully inadequate as evidence-gathering devices. Attorneys who understand how these machines work have at least 30 ways to rebut the evidence from them. Similarly, roadside sobriety tests are easy to challenge. A second myth is that drunk driving is a minor offense. In fact, convicted drunk drivers usually suffer serious financial and social consequences and can experience severe psychological impacts. The other three myths are that any attorney can defend an accused drunk driver, that drunk driving cases cannot be won, and that these cases are just like any other criminal case. Lawyers must set aside their beliefs in these myths and either educate themselves fully or refer these cases to attorneys with expertise in the field. 20 reference notes