Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
In Illinois, DUI defense attorneys frequently encounter field sobriety test (FST) video evidence, which prosecutors often use to strengthen their cases. However, experienced defense attorneys have developed nuanced strategies to challenge the admissibility and accuracy of this evidence, aiming to either discredit or exclude it from trial proceedings.
Technical Quality and Integrity of Video Evidence
A critical starting point for defense attorneys is the technical analysis of the video. This involves a thorough examination of video quality issues that could potentially distort the defendant’s performance on FSTs. Poor lighting, inadequate camera angles, or unstable footage can all mislead viewers and misrepresent the events. Furthermore, defense teams rigorously check for continuity in the footage, searching for any signs of edits or interruptions that could suggest tampering or mishandling.
