DWI/DUI Attorney
Protecting Your Rights and Your Future
A charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) can cast a long shadow over your life, impacting your driving privileges, your financial stability, and even your freedom. The moment you are stopped for suspected impaired driving, the clock starts ticking, and every decision you make carries significant weight. As an experienced DWI/DUI attorney, I, Jerry W. Melton, understand the immediate fear and uncertainty that comes with such an accusation. My firm is dedicated to providing an aggressive, strategic defense for individuals facing DWI/DUI charges, tirelessly working to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and minimize the potentially devastating consequences on your life and future.
The penalties for a DWI/DUI conviction are severe and far-reaching, extending beyond fines and potential jail time. You could face immediate suspension of your driver’s license, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, increased insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. For repeat offenders, these penalties escalate dramatically. Many people mistakenly believe that if they failed a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer, a conviction is inevitable. This is often not the case. There are numerous legal and technical defenses available, and as your DWI/DUI attorney, I am adept at uncovering them.
My defense strategy for DWI/DUI cases begins with a meticulous examination of every detail surrounding your arrest. I challenge the legality of the initial traffic stop, scrutinizing whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over. Without a lawful stop, any subsequent evidence gathered may be inadmissible. I also thoroughly review the administration and results of field sobriety tests, which are often subjective and prone to error, particularly if administered improperly or in challenging conditions. The accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results is also a critical area of focus; these devices require strict calibration and maintenance, and human error in their operation can lead to inaccurate readings. I investigate whether proper protocols were followed, whether the equipment was faulty, and if there were any medical conditions or external factors that could have influenced the results.
Beyond challenging the evidence, my role as your DWI/DUI attorney involves exploring every available defense strategy. This could include demonstrating that your physical symptoms were due to medical conditions rather than impairment, proving that the chain of custody for blood samples was broken, or arguing that you were not actually “operating” the vehicle while intoxicated. I also assess whether police violated your constitutional rights, such as your right to remain silent or your right to counsel. My goal is to exploit every weakness in the prosecution’s case, working towards a dismissal of charges, a reduction to a lesser offense, or an acquittal at trial.
Navigating the criminal justice system and the administrative processes related to your driver’s license can be incredibly intimidating, especially while dealing with the stress of a DWI/DUI charge. I, Jerry W. Melton, provide clear, straightforward communication, explaining each step of the process, your legal options, and the potential outcomes. I handle all interactions with prosecutors, law enforcement, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, vigorously representing your interests at administrative license hearings to help you retain your driving privileges for as long as possible. My commitment is to provide a robust and personalized defense, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout your DWI/DUI case. When your freedom, livelihood, and future are on the line, you need a powerful advocate who will fight tirelessly for you. The Law Office of Jerry W Melton is here to provide that unwavering defense.