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Former Senior LA Prosecutor.
Harvard Law School Educated.
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Proving a DUI Case in Court

When a driver is arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she will typically be cited out and given a future court date for arraignment. All defendants who have been charged with a DUI offense are entitled to a trial. At trial the prosecutor handling the case would be required to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In a DUI case, prosecutors rely on traditional witness testimony as well as scientific evidence in proving their case against the defendant. The defense can challenge the People’s evidence and mount an affirmative defense. Ultimately, the judge or jury will determine whether or not to convict or acquit the defendant of the DUI offense.

Elements of a DUI Offense

In order to prove that a defendant is guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC, the prosecutor must be able to establish that the defendant drove a vehicle and that when the defendant was driving, he or she was under the influence of alcohol.

If the defendant has been charged with driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(b) VC, the prosecutor must be able to prove that the defendant drove a motor vehicle and at the time of driving, the defendant had a blood alcohol level that was 0.08 percent or more by weight. In order to convict a defendant, the prosecutor must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Proving a DUI Charge

In proving a DUI case, the prosecution will have to present the evidence against the defendant. The prosecution will do this by calling witnesses to testify against the defendant. Typically the officers who observed the defendant’s driving conduct, performed the field sobriety testing and conducted the breath or blood testing will be called as witnesses to introduce evidence against the driver. In addition, the prosecutor may call the lab technicians who performed the blood test or expert witnesses to explain how the breath and blood tests work and how they are used to show the defendant’s BAC at the time of driving.

In some cases, the prosecutor may call civilian witnesses to testify. This would include people who may have observed the defendant driving or those who witnessed a traffic collision.

Fighting the DUI Charge in Court

The defense can challenge the evidence and witnesses presented in court by the prosecution. The defendant’s attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the accuracy of the breath and blood testing. In many cases, the prosecutor may rely on retrograde extrapolation to explain how a chemical test taken hours after driving can be used to determine BAC at the time of driving. The defense can also call expert witnesses to show why the testing or assumptions made may be inaccurate or may not take into consideration medical conditions or other factors that may exist. The prosecutor would get an opportunity to cross-examine the defense witnesses and may call their own experts to rebut the defense theory. Ultimately, the judge or jury would determine whether or not the prosecution has met their burden in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you or a loved one have been arrested in California for a DUI offense, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced criminal DUI attorney right away. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Michael Kraut is highly regarded as a top DUI attorney who understands how to effectively fight DUI charges in court and before the DMV.

For more information about proving a DUI case in court, and to schedule your free consultation, Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.


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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
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