Q: Is it possible to get my case dismissed as it is the first time ever did i get an DUI with reckless driving?
I turned to sharp at a light and drove over curb- medium which caused my tire to go flat. I drove for a mile or two and pulled over and parked the car. I called for help. Few minutes later a sheriff showed up and asked me if i was ok. They asked me if i was drinking and i said i did earlier in the day but then had a big dinner and went to the store which is 4 miles away from the house. They then had me do field tests, i felt i passed ok. They then asked me to take a breathlizer test and i said yes i would. I blew .05, they told me that someone had called in that i hit the curb and followed me as i drove on a flat tire i felt that i could make it home but it felt rough so then i pulled over, This has never in my life happen before and im very scared. It was an accident that i hit the curb and i didnt feel impaired or i wouldnt of drove. I live in washington and was visiting my daughter for thanksgiving. I only ran to the store to exchange the grandkids gifts as i got the wrong ones.
A:
You are not going to get the case dismissed, though it does sound like you have a decent case. I have represented a lot of individuals in your shoes and what makes your case stand out to me is that you blew a .05, which is very low. Was this in Portland? You should have a court date coming up quite soon and it's important to have an attorney before then.
There's nothing to be terribly frightened about here - the absolute worst case scenario if we think you have a bad case is the "diversion" program which can result in no criminal record. That said, with a .05 I don't know that I would recommend diversion. It depends on your risk tolerance. If the facts are strong, which it sounds like they are, then you might want to take this to trial. There is slightly more risk with this, because if you lose at trial then you would end up with a conviction on your record.
I have personally never lost a trial with a blow below .08 and I have rarely even heard of someone losing with a .05 blow, but nothing is certain at trial.
You can give me a ring to discuss some more details. 503-967-3996.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.