Michigan drunk driving cases generate a lot of police department videos and recordings. The prosecution will have police officers testify about your Michigan DUI arrest, and this testimony will assist the jury in whether or not to convict you of drunk driving. Having a video of the incident, can go a long way in disputing police officer testimony, and ultimately hurting his/her credibility as a witness.
There may be videos attached to the police vehicle that will show the traffic stop, the interaction you had with the police officer, and any footage of field sobriety tests. Having a video of the traffic stop may go a long way in having your Michigan DUI case dismissed prior to trial. If the video tape contradicts the officer's reason for pulling you over, a judge may rule that the officer lacked a reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop. Without reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop, all other evidence after the stop is inadmissible against you.
Another video that may be helpful is the booking video and/or any other videos from the police station. If you're offered a DataMaster breath test, this video will capture this interaction along with the observation time. A police officer is required to observe you for at least 15 minutes before subjecting you to a test; if this requirement is not fulfilled, the breath test may no longer be admissible in your trial. Without the DataMaster results, the prosecution may be forced to dismiss your Michigan DUI case.
There are many advantages of using a police video at trial, but some disadvantages. Each video will have its own strengths and weaknesses, and may or not not be helpful in defending your Michigan DUI charges. Use of the video is a technical decision, which you will discuss with your attorney.
There may be videos attached to the police vehicle that will show the traffic stop, the interaction you had with the police officer, and any footage of field sobriety tests. Having a video of the traffic stop may go a long way in having your Michigan DUI case dismissed prior to trial. If the video tape contradicts the officer's reason for pulling you over, a judge may rule that the officer lacked a reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop. Without reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop, all other evidence after the stop is inadmissible against you.
Another video that may be helpful is the booking video and/or any other videos from the police station. If you're offered a DataMaster breath test, this video will capture this interaction along with the observation time. A police officer is required to observe you for at least 15 minutes before subjecting you to a test; if this requirement is not fulfilled, the breath test may no longer be admissible in your trial. Without the DataMaster results, the prosecution may be forced to dismiss your Michigan DUI case.
There are many advantages of using a police video at trial, but some disadvantages. Each video will have its own strengths and weaknesses, and may or not not be helpful in defending your Michigan DUI charges. Use of the video is a technical decision, which you will discuss with your attorney.
