DWI Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
In a driving while intoxicated (DWI) case, the burden of proof lies on the prosecution. This means that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the drunk-driving offense for which you were arrested. If the prosecution does not meet the burden of proof for all of the elements of the case, you cannot be found guilty by a judge or jury.There are five levels of proof in the U.S. justice system. These include: (1) reasonable suspicion, (2) probable cause, (3) preponderance of evidence, (4) clear and convincing evidence, and (5) beyond a reasonable doubt.
It is important that jurors understand the difference between these levels of proofs before deciding the verdict. Unfortunately, some jurors believe that if the officer arrests someone, that person is automatically guilty. Other jurors, on the other hand, believe they are simply responsible for deciding whether a person is guilty or innocent for the crime for which he or she is accused.
There are several elements that the prosecution must prove in a DWI case. The first is that the defendant actually committed crime. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was actually driving the vehicle before an arrest was made. The prosecution must also prove that the defendant was impaired by alcohol and/or drugs while driving the vehicle. The second element that must be proved is whether the defendant possessed “criminal intent” when he or she committed the act of drinking and driving.
In the U.S. justice system, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the prosecution has the burden of proof to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the jury that the defendant is guilty of drunk driving. If the defense can show that the prosecution did not successfully prove all elements of their case, the defendant cannot be found guilty.
In order to show reasonable doubt, the defense attorney may question the accuracy of the field sobriety tests or chemical tests. If the defense attorney can show that the tests were not administered properly or were affected by external factors, it may create a reasonable doubt in the jurors’ minds.
To learn more about DWI proof beyond a reasonable doubt, contact an experienced DWI defense lawyer in your area today.
