Facing criminal charges can change the direction of your life. A conviction will not only remain on your record for years to come, but it can also affect your employment opportunities, educational opportunities and much more. It is in your interests to seek a beneficial outcome to your criminal case, fighting to avoid a conviction or possibly mitigating the penalties you are facing. This is important no matter the type of criminal allegation you are up against, including a drunk driving charge.
A DWI or DUI can result in penalties that may include time behind bars, loss of driving privileges and more. It is critical that you approach this situation seriously, building an effective defense strategy with which you can confront these charges. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a defense, and it will be important to carefully evaluate your situation in order to determine the most effective way forward.
Possible defense strategies
Your drunk driving defense plan should start with an assessment of your case and your individual goals. Issues with the case against you may become evident during this assessment, and these factors could become important elements in your defense. If any of the following apply to your situation, you may be able to use this as a way to fight the DUI or DWI charges:
- There was a problem with the initial traffic stop, such as lack of probable cause to initiate the stop.
- There was an issue with the administration of the Breathalyzer test or other tests administered during the traffic stop.
- The field sobriety test or the chemical test was not accurate, or the police did not follow proper procedure.
- There was an issue with the chain of custody of a blood sample taken during the administration of a chemical test.
Any violation of your rights or an issue with proper police procedure could be a valid reason to challenge the charges you are facing and seek the best possible outcome.
Your future is on the line
Even if it is your first offense, your future is on the line when you are facing drunk driving charges in New Mexico. It is in your interests to seek an understanding of how you can fight back and what you can do to preserve your future interests and your personal freedom. You will benefit from seeking an understanding of your defense options and how to proceed as soon as possible after an arrest.