A driving under the influence (DUI) charge becomes even more serious when it results in a manslaughter allegation. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions in these cases, making a strong defense strategy essential. Understanding your legal options and potential defenses can help protect your rights and fight back against the manslaughter DUI charges in Oklahoma you are facing.
Challenging the Evidence of Impairment
Prosecutors must prove that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash to secure a conviction for DUI-related manslaughter. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 § 11-902, a person can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher or if they are impaired by drugs. If the evidence of impairment is weak or unreliable, the charges may not hold up in court.
Questioning Breathalyzer and Blood Test Accuracy
Breathalyzer and blood chemical test results are not always accurate, and errors in testing procedures can lead to false readings. Improper calibration of breathalyzer devices, contamination of blood samples, or mistakes made by lab technicians can all impact the reliability of the results. Challenging the accuracy of these tests can create doubt about whether you were legally impaired at the time of the crash.
Arguing Lack of Causation in the Crash
Even if prosecutors prove that you were under the influence, they must also establish that your actions directly caused the fatal crash. Accidents happen for many reasons, and external factors beyond your control may have played a role. The following factors can weaken the prosecution’s argument that intoxication was the primary cause of the accident:
- Road conditions – Poorly maintained roads, potholes, or construction zones may have contributed to the crash. If dangerous road conditions played a role, liability may fall on a government entity rather than the driver.
- Mechanical failures – Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering system defects could have caused the accident. If vehicle defects were a factor, the manufacturer or mechanic responsible for repairs may share liability.
- Other driver negligence – If another driver was speeding, ran a red light, or made an illegal lane change, they may have contributed to the crash. Eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction reports can help establish their role in the collision.
Proving that external factors contributed to the accident can create reasonable doubt about whether your impairment directly caused the fatality. If causation cannot be established, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Violations of Constitutional Rights in DUI Arrests
Police officers must follow strict procedures when conducting DUI investigations, and any violation of your rights could impact the case. If law enforcement lacked probable cause for the traffic stop or failed to administer field sobriety tests properly, the evidence against you may be inadmissible. Unlawful searches and seizures, forced confessions, or failure to read your Miranda rights can weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to dismissed charges.
Using Expert Witness Testimony to Dispute the Charges
Expert witnesses can provide critical testimony in DUI manslaughter cases, helping to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Forensic toxicologists can evaluate whether blood alcohol levels were rising or falling at the time of the crash, while accident reconstruction specialists can determine the true cause of the collision. Presenting expert testimony can help establish doubt about whether impairment directly contributed to the accident, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.