Miami Attorney is Protecting the Rights of Citizens Charged with DUI

Online, February 12, 2010 (Newswire.com) - In the State of Florida, DUI arrests and convictions have steadily increased from 2006-2008, with the conviction rate increasing more that 5% during that time period. Florida has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, with high penalties for even the first DUI conviction.
Although drinking in driving is never a good idea, in some cases, DUI charges are based on faulty field sobriety tests or chemical testing, or other extenuating circumstances. Certain medications such as asthma inhalers or oral contraceptives can cause an elevation in BAC readings in breath and blood testing. Meanwhile, field sobriety tests are generally anecdotal, improperly administered and use subjective data to determine intoxication. Many factors can contribute to a failed field sobriety test other than intoxication. Eye nystagmus tests, a primary tool used by law enforcement to determine intoxication, are often improperly administered. Their reliability comes into question just from the fact that 3-4% of the population has a natural or normal nystagmus without having consumed any alcohol at all. Blood tests, thought to be the most reliable, are subject to human or laboratory error as well as other factors. Was the skin swabbed with an alcohol-free swab? If there is an insufficient amount of anticoagulant or preservative, naturally occurring microbes can change the sugars in the blood into alcohol.
If a motorist fails any of the above tests for any reason and is charged with a DUI, there is an assumption of guilt, shifting the burden of proof of innocence to the defendant. This is unique to DUI cases, and makes it all the more important for a defendant to have a qualified attorney protecting his rights.
The Law Offices of Cordero, Richardson, and Associates have been in practice for more than 8 years defending the rights of the citizens of South Florida. Lonnie Brian Richardson is a board member of the Miami-Dade drug court and volunteers his time counseling at risk youths. He has committed himself to coming to the aid of people with drug and alcohol dependency. Along with his associate, Michael Compo, Lonnie is committed to ensuring his clients' rights are protected. Cordero, Richardson, and Associates offer fair and aggressive representation for people charged with DUI in Miami and South Florida.