How Body Camera and Dash Camera Footage Can Impact a Florida DUI Case
Video evidence has become one of the most important factors in many Florida DUI cases. Police body cameras and dash cameras often capture key moments during a traffic stop, including the driver’s behavior, field sobriety exercises, conversations with officers, and the arrest itself.
While prosecutors may use this footage to support DUI allegations, video evidence can also help the defense challenge the government’s case.
What does video evidence show during a DUI investigation?
A number of police departments in Florida now employ dashboard and body cameras during traffic stops as well as DUI investigations. The video recording will depend on the situation, but will likely include:
- Initial traffic stop
- Driver’s behavior
- Instructions of the officer
- Field sobriety tests
- Driver’s statements
- Process of arrest
- Overall appearance and behavior of the driver
Sometimes the video recording might be more enlightening than an officer’s report.
Video evidence does not always match the police report
Police reports usually come after an arrest and are mostly based on the officer’s observations. These videos could either confirm or refute those observations.
For instance, a police officer might say that the driver had very poor balance and slurred speech. However, this can be refuted by the use of the video footage which could show the driver moving normally and giving correct responses.
Additionally, in case of using dashboard cameras, it may create doubt on whether or not the driver was really swerving or driving recklessly.
In DUI cases, which are subjective in nature, video footage becomes critical.
Field sobriety exercises and video review
Field sobriety tests are commonly performed to establish possible violations. The main goal of the test is to assist the police officer in determining whether the defendant was under the influence.
Unfortunately, field sobriety tests can be unreliable due to certain factors that could impact the driver’s performance. These include anxiety, tiredness, medical conditions, bad weather, an inappropriate surface for the test, the person’s age, and physical limitations.
By watching video of the field sobriety tests, lawyers will be able to evaluate the way they were conducted and whether the results obtained prove the defendant’s guilt.
Body camera footage can reveal constitutional issues
Video footage can also be instrumental in exposing any violations of the rights of the motorist under the Constitution. This includes instances where there were:
- Justifications for making the stop illegal
- Probable causes that led to the arrest
- Improper questioning of the motorist
- Procedures that were not followed by the police
In case these violations of the law occurred, evidence might be suppressed in court.
Early review of video evidence matters
In many cases, video is likely to be the most powerful form of evidence available. An experienced Orlando DUI attorney will know how to review videos and find any inconsistencies in the state’s case.
Talk to an Orlando, FL, DUI Defense Attorney Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando residents who are facing DUI charges. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
