Greensboro DWI trial lawyers face delays due to prescription drug impairment issues confirms Chief Judge.
If an officer suspects impairment, but no alcohol registers on their instruments, blood must be taken, according to GPD Officer Andy Reed. Officer Reed is a DRE, or Drug Recognition Expert.
These blood tests must be sent to a lab, and proper chain of custody recorded, resulting in delays.
Prosecutors, by law, get automatic continuances when waiting on the blood.
Chad Garrett, a Greensboro top rated DWI Attorney, attended DRE training for prosecutors, and focus on those cases. He warns his clients that although many issues exists that allow trial attorneys to win these cases, judges are often putting blind faith into the testimony of DRE Officers. The most common complaint of lawyers is that although they certainly deserve our respect, but they are not doctors or medical professionals. In fact, one of law enforcement’s top tools to “determine” impairment, the HGN test, is not even used by paramedics. So how can a Judge decide beyond a reasonable doubt that the HGN test is good evidence, when even our first responders refuse to condone it?
- Continuing Legal Education Instructor of the Year, North Carolina Bar Association
- Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Board Member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association
Talk to a Greensboro traffic and DWI lawyer today
Bring the citation, any DMV letter and your court date.
Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
317 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 379-0539
This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.