In DUI (Driving Under the Influence) cases, witness testimony plays an important role when it comes to establishing the facts and influencing the outcome. Both law enforcement officers and civilian witnesses can provide their testimony.

These witnesses help provide evidence that the court was unaware of, including insights into the driver’s behavior or the impact harsh sentencing may have on their family. The judge’s job is to consider all of these testimonies before rendering their final decision.

Since witnesses can play such an important role, Outhier & Caruthers PLLC decided to outline an article about how exactly they can help. If you or someone you know was arrested for a DUI, call our Enid office today for experiencing and compassionate legal guidance.

How Law Enforcement Officers are Viewed as Witnesses

• Observation and Arrest: Officers typically testify about their observations of the suspect’s driving behavior, appearance, and conduct during the traffic stop. This includes erratic driving, slurred speech, smell of alcohol, and performance in field sobriety tests.
• Technical Evidence: Officers may also provide evidence related to breathalyzer or blood tests that indicate blood alcohol content (BAC).
• Credibility: As trained professionals, their testimony is often given substantial weight, especially regarding the interpretation of technical evidence and adherence to procedures during the arrest.

How Civilians Are Viewed as Witnesses

• Observations of Behavior: Civilian witnesses can include passengers, bystanders, or victims. They may testify about the suspect’s behavior before, during, or after the incident. Their testimonies may include the consumption of alcohol, erratic driving, or any statements made by the suspect.
• Impact Testimony: In cases involving accidents, victims or their families may provide impact statements about the consequences of the DUI incident. This showcases to the court exactly how the defendant’s alleged actions impacted this family. It can be therapeutic for family members but detrimental to your sentencing.
• Credibility and Perspective: Civilian testimony offers a different perspective from law enforcement and can either corroborate or contradict the officer’s account. For instance, an otherwise law-abiding citizen who made one bad mistake might be sentenced less severely than a repeat offender. It would be the job of your civilian witnesses to make the court see you as the former rather than the latter.

In summary, witness testimony in DUI cases helps paint a comprehensive picture of the incident from different viewpoints. This aids the court in determining the truth and applying the law appropriately.

How Outhier & Caruthers PLLC Can Help with Your DUI Charge

In DUI defense, our attorneys strategically handle all the witness statements. Favorable testimony is used to help your case and highlight sobriety. Unfavorable testimony is discredited by questioning witness reliability, challenging their observations, and using expert witnesses to counter law enforcement’s evidence on sobriety tests.

Our Attorneys also focus on law enforcement’s procedural errors and often employ cross-examination to reveal uncertainties in their testimonies. Overall, we can help contextualize these testimonies to give you the best defense possible in your DUI case. Call our experienced and compassionate staff today at (580) 234-6600.