You face harsh punishments if you are convicted of DUI or DWI in Virginia. One way you may avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction is to mount a strong defense to the charges you face, which may be possible even if you are guilty. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your defenses, it could be helpful to hire an expert witness.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness has expertise in their profession based on their education, training, and experience that qualifies them to give an opinion about an issue in a civil or criminal case. 
They will conduct an investigation before issuing an expert opinion and will often write a report outlining their conclusions and how they reached them.
An expert witness’ report can help in negotiations with the prosecutor about dismissing your DUI case or reducing the charge to a less serious offense. The expert can also testify at your trial as part of your defense.
Four Types of Expert Witnesses That Can Help in a DUI Case
An experienced DUI attorney can help you decide if you need an expert witness for your defense and will have a network of qualified experts whose opinions would be respected and who can explain their findings in an understandable way at your trial. Here are four types of experts commonly used in these cases:
- Law enforcement officials. A police officer will understand the procedures that should have been followed when you were stopped for DUI and how field sobriety tests should be properly administered. This type of expert can help you challenge whether the police had probable cause to stop you and the accuracy of the results of your field sobriety tests.
- Forensic toxicologist. A forensic toxicologist is a common type of expert used in DUI cases. They can testify how alcohol is absorbed in the body, how this affected your blood alcohol content (BAC), and why your breathalyzer test may not have been accurate.
- Field sobriety expert. There are very detailed instructions on how field sobriety tests should be administered by law enforcement officials. A field sobriety expert can establish errors in how the police conducted your tests and why the results were not correct. If there was no other probable cause to arrest you, the DUI charges against you could be dismissed.
- Accident reconstruction expert. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused injuries or fatalities when you were arrested for DUI, you could face even more serious charges in addition to DUI. You may need an accident reconstruction expert to create a reenactment of how the collision occurred to prove that your intoxication did not cause it.
We Can Help You Build a Strong Defense
If you were arrested for DUI or DWI in Virginia, you need a lawyer who will aggressively defend you to achieve the best possible outcome. Our knowledgeable DUI legal team understands the defenses that can work in these cases and can mount an effective defense strategy for you. Call our Manassas office today to schedule a free consultation to learn about our track record of success in these cases and how we can assist you.
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