Can I have my DUI thrown out? 20 Answers as of February 21, 2012

I passed my field sobriety test and blew a .08 when I got to the jail. How likely is it that I can have my DUI thrown out on those grounds?

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Law Office of Edward J. Blum
Law Office of Edward J. Blum | Edward J. Blum
It is likely that you can have it reduced as part of plea negotiations or win an acquittal at trial.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
LynchLaw
LynchLaw | Michael Thomas Lynch
While a dismissal is always possible, based on the facts provided the probability in this case is very low. Field Sobriety Tests are not passed or failed. They are simple a record a part of the evaluation. Depending on the results, and the reason for the initial stop, a wet reckless might be possible.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/30/2012
Attorney at Law | Dorinda Ohnstad
I frequently have clients say they "passed the field sobriety tests," when in actuality no one really passes them. The point of the fst's is to establish probable cause to get you to take the breathalizer. I can assure you that the officer's report will say you failed the fsts. However, with a .08 you have should be able to get the DUI reduced to a wet reckless.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/30/2012
Law Office of Peter F. Goldscheider
Law Office of Peter F. Goldscheider | Peter Goldscheider
It depends on how accurate the result is based on the records pertaining to the testing devices. At an .08 you are at the level warranting a conviction without impeaching that evidence.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/30/2012
McCallum & McCallum | Donald G. McCallum
Highly unlikely. The DA might offer you a wet reckless. Even though the DA has a very high conviction rate, your case is worth fighting.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/30/2012
Attorney at Law | Ernest Krause
No prior DUIs or dismissed DUIs? No "wet reckless" convictions? They might offer a settlement for a "wet reckless," a less important charge. Tell the DA you want all the evidence including the police report. Yes, you have a good chance of dismissal. You could tell the judge you want a jury trial. Would the DA want to spend the resources for a trial in your case? Find information via google about all the technical data you can demand.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/30/2012
Law Office of Michael Bialys THE DUI MAN
Law Office of Michael Bialys THE DUI MAN | Michael Bialys
.08 Cases are very defensible, and under the right circumstances can be dismissed.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 2/21/2012
Law Office of Jimmy Cha | Jimmy Cha
There's a lot more that an attorney would need to know to see whether your case is fightable. For one, is this your first DUI, did you take a breath test on the field prior to the one at the station and if so what was the result, when did you have your last drink, how much did you drink, etc? There's a lot of factors that go into a DUI case to see if you have a case that is fightable. With just the BAC, no attorney can tell you whether or not your case can be fought and won.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/28/2012
Kennedy & Roe
Kennedy & Roe | Michael Kennedy
Depends on lots of things, but it is unlikely that you "passed" the FSTs and were nevertheless taken to jail, and once there blew a .08, which is against the law. Those things can be won with knowledgeable attorneys [as can .18s and .28s!], but it is nothing that the DA just caves in on, because you were prima facie guilty.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/28/2012
Law Offices of James A Bates
Law Offices of James A Bates | James A Bates
It really depends on what you said when they asked how long it had been since your last drink. If you said over one hour, that is bad for you. You were coming down from a higher level. If you said 10-15 minutes, you may win. That would mean you were under ,08 at the time of driving. Anyway, there is a very good chance you could get the charge reduced. Hold out for a DRY reckless, not a wet.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/27/2012
    Robert Mortland
    Robert Mortland | Law Office of Robert Mortland
    You might be able to reduce the charges.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Thomas C. Brandstrader Attorney At Law | Thomas C. Brandstrader
    It is unlikely as .08 is the legal limit they may offer a reducer but I wouldn't agree as it sounds like you may have an arguable case at trial.
    Answer Applies to: Illinois
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    The Law Office of Harry E. Hudson, Jr.
    The Law Office of Harry E. Hudson, Jr. | Harry E. Hudson, Jr.
    If you passed the FSTs, you wouldn't go to the jail. One may have a BAC of less than .08 and still not be competent to drive
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Law Offices of Phil Hache
    Law Offices of Phil Hache | Phil Hache
    There are a lot of other variables to be considered, but it is certainly possible to have the DUI charge dismissed. Potentially reduced to a lesser charge. There are certainly concerns that you may not be aware of. Although you may have done very well on FST's, the police report may reflect differently. Also, often times I have clients who think the breath test result was a .08 because their citation says. VC 23152(b) .08. Although obviously some people do have a .08 BAC, sometimes that is written on the citation to satisfy the statute (of meeting the .08 or higher) in order to charge VC 23152(b) along with VC 23152(a) - which does not require a .08 BAC or higher in order to charge or convict on DUI. I would recommend consulting with and hiring an attorney to look into your case in much more detail and defend it in court (and the DMV). Note you only have 10 days from date of arrest to request a DMV hearing or else be subject to a likely automatic license suspension once the 30 day initial temporary license runs out.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Law Office of Brian K. Wanerman
    Law Office of Brian K. Wanerman | Brian K. Wanerman
    If by "can you" you mean "is it possible?", the answer is yes. If you mean "is it certain?" the answer is no. If by "thrown out" you mean dismissed without trial, it depends on the circumstances. It's possible that the traffic stop itself could be challenged, all evidence suppressed, and a motion to dismiss then granted. But, that would depend on the circumstances of your case. Even if the case can't be "thrown out" prior to trial, it's possible you could be acquitted. But, again, that depends on the circumstances. You should consult an attorney who can go over the details and advise you of your options.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Law Office of Joe Dane
    Law Office of Joe Dane | Joe Dane
    There's more than just the blood alcohol level. Why were you stopped? Equipment violation or because you swerved or had other "bad" driving? What was the time frame between drinking, driving and test? What (if anything) did you say about feeling the effects of the alcohol? And you can still be charged with DUI, even below an 0.08%. Keep in mind that the DMV will still yank your license and suspend it for 4 months if you don't take action and request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest. At a 0.08%, it's worth getting an attorney.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Rizio & Nelson
    Rizio & Nelson | John W. Bussman
    I'll tell you that nobody in the history of mankind has ever "passed" a field sobriety test. Everybody always feels like they nailed it, but trust me, you didn't. Hard to say how strong of a case the prosecution has without seeing the evidence myself, but it sounds like you need a lawyer.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Dennis Roberts, a P.C.
    Dennis Roberts, a P.C. | Dennis Roberts
    They had a reason to stop you - probably erratic driving so I doubt they will dismiss the case but you can certainly plead it down to a wet reckless.
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
    Law Offices of Elliott Zarabi
    Law Offices of Elliott Zarabi | Elliott Zarabi
    Thrown out, not likely because of you BAC, but reduced, sounds likely, you may even be able to win your DMV hearing!
    Answer Applies to: California
    Replied: 1/27/2012
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