Facing a DWI charge can be daunting. With the potential for significant fines, penalties and even jail time on the line, it’s imperative that you not only understand the charges against you but also build the most robust defense possible. I’m Attorney Scott A. Hamblin, and my mission is to navigate you through this challenging time. Common tests used in DWI charges, such as field sobriety, blood and breathalyzer tests, can sometimes yield inaccurate results. Recognizing these inaccuracies can be crucial to your defense. Let me guide you through how these tests work and how their results can sometimes work in your favor.
When law enforcement suspects a driver of operating a vehicle under the influence, various tests are utilized to determine the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The legal threshold for a DUI charge in Missouri is a BAC of .08 percent. However, it’s critical to understand that while these tests aim for accuracy, they are not infallible.
In the early stages of a traffic stop, officers may use portable breath testing devices to estimate a driver’s BAC. These handheld devices provide immediate results but are known for their lack of reliability compared to more sophisticated equipment found in police stations. It’s important to note that results from these preliminary tests are often not admissible in court. They serve primarily as a guideline for officers to decide whether further testing is warranted.
Following an arrest for a DWI violation, you’re likely to undergo more rigorous testing. This could involve blood or other chemical tests, which are considered more accurate and whose results are typically admissible in court proceedings. Some states employ cutting-edge technology for these tests, and refusing them can lead to severe consequences, such as license suspension. Additionally, techniques like retrograde extrapolation may be used to estimate your BAC at the time of the stop rather than hours later, providing a more accurate depiction of your state during the incident.
For breathalyzer tests conducted at a police station, the process involves collecting a breath sample that the machine analyzes to print out a BAC result. It’s your right to view these results immediately. However, if the device wasn’t operated by someone properly trained or if there were any procedural errors, the results might be deemed inadmissible in court. Ensuring that all procedures are correctly followed is paramount for the integrity of these tests.
If you find yourself facing DWI charges, it might seem like an uphill battle. However, with the right legal representation, it’s possible to challenge many aspects of your arrest and the evidence against you. From questioning the accuracy of the tests used to scrutinize the arresting officer’s testimony, a skilled attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. My goal is not just to defend you but to aggressively pursue every avenue to protect your rights, potentially leading to reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges.
Understanding how field, blood and breathalyzer tests work is the first step in building a solid defense against DWI charges. While these tests are designed to measure impairment accurately, they are not beyond error. As Attorney Scott A. Hamblin, I am committed to providing you with the legal skills and compassionate representation you need during this challenging time. If you’ve been pulled over for a DWI, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal support. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your case and strive for the best possible outcome.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
I would highly recommend attorney Scott Hamblin. Mr. Hamblin was very easy to work with, explaining all my options as the case progressed. He took into consideration my priorities, what was most important to me, and skillfully negotiated them into an ideal settlement agreement. And his legal assistant, Madasyn, is such a delight to interact with.
Scott was honest, he was straightforward, and the best of all he was good at what he does. He's very knowledgeable and practices his craft well. I had a 10/10 experience with Scott and will trust no other attorney to handle my case.
Scott Hamblin is a great attorney. Between Scott and his legal assistant Madasyn, I felt like all my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. Scott is very knowledgeable and was very well prepared for trial. I would recommend Scott to anyone needing an attorney.
Can't say enough good things about Mr. Hamblin and his team. They're responsive, treat your case like it's their own, and are personable as can be. Court can be daunting, but they are there to help you through every step of the tough process. Madasyn is part of this team and deserves to be recognized too, as she was friendly and encouraging from beginning to end. They handle it all with ease and you won't regret coming to them for help and advice along your journey.
10/10 recommend Mr. Scott Hamblin. Mr. Hamblin and his legal assistant Madasyn have been wonderful throughout my whole case and very prompt, and helpful the whole time. He was very thorough and left nothing missed during my whole case. Questions were answered quickly throughout the process whether through email, phone or in person. As well as the whole process was explained step by step. I highly recommend Mr Hamblin for any family law matters! I couldn’t of asked for better representation for my case.
I came across Scott Hamblin on the internet and read his bio and was very impressed. I have not been disappointed with his knowledge and understanding. If you are in need of a great lawyer, this is the call to make. You will not regret hiring him. Thank you, Scott.
Scott recently provided outstanding representation for my divorce. He was well-prepared throughout the course of the litigation and trial, resulting in a very favorable outcome for me. Scott is a very bright attorney who takes pride in his work, and it shows. He is truly in a league of his own.
Scott is a phenomenal attorney, no sugar-coating straightforward and to the point. As an older man I found myself in a custody case, and had little hope of any outcomes in my favor. This guy knows his law and his business, and is about it. His personality is soothing and his office is always on point. To say I’m ecstatic with his ability is an understatement.
Scott is the best attorney, hands down! My husband had a fairly difficult case, he had little hope that he’d be able to receive anything he was asking for and Scott helped him achieve everything, very quickly. He’s very professional, compassionate and understanding and works hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We are very thankful.
Scott came highly recommended by an attorney friend of mine after I received an unfavorable outcome working with a different lawyer in the area. Scott was smart, pleasant to work with, and achieved the best possible outcome for me. I only wish I would have used him sooner.
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.
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