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Everyone who has a driver’s license should be well aware that it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any prescription drugs that can cause impairment. However, most drivers may never suspect that their morning coffee fix may result in an arrest and charges of driving under the influence (DUI). A recent case in California indicates that caffeine may lead to a criminal case.
A man was reportedly pulled over for driving erratically and officers reported that his actions and demeanor during the traffic stop were also erratic and suspicious. They placed him under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. However, a blood test showed he did not have THC, cocaine, or any other illegal drug in his system. The only chemical found in his blood was caffeine.
In such a situation, you may suspect that a suspect would be released without being charged with a crime – after all, there is no law against ingesting caffeine. However, this man found himself facing DUI charges anyhow. The District Attorney stated that based on the officer’s observations, they believed the man was under the influence of drugs even though none showed up in blood tests. The office stated that not every blood test will catch all substances. After about a year and a half, the DA finally dismissed the charges, stating they did not have enough proof that the man was impaired by illegal substances.
Defending Against Wrongful DWI Charges
In too many cases, police officers may mistakenly believe that a driver is impaired based on their behavior when there is another legal explanation. Some common causes of wrongful DUI suspicion include:
- Driver fatigue
- Illness
- Legal medications
- Caffeine
- Nervousness regarding the traffic stop
When a prosecutor does not have reliable chemical evidence of impairment, they must rely on an arresting officer’s testimony to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving while intoxicated. Fortunately, there are many ways a defense attorney can challenge such testimony in court.
Call 732-662-7658 today for a free consultation.
At the Law Offices of Leon Matchin, we know that many DUI accusations are wrongful and we will work to present any possible legal defense available in your case. We have the experience and ability to handle cases with unique circumstances, so please do not wait to call our office for more information about how we can help you.
