Super Lawyers
Justia Lawyer Rating
The Best Lawyers in America
Avvo Clients' Choice
Avvo Rating 10.0
National College for DUI Defense
National Collage for DUI Defense
American Council Of Second Amendment Lawyers
Avvo Clients Choice Award
Avvo Rating
Trial Lawyers University
Best Lawyers
James Publishing Author
Super Lawyers
Trial Lawyers College

Police Body Cameras in a DUI Case

One of the latest trends in law enforcement technology is the use of body cameras. This change has arisen in part due to recent events involving allegations of police misconduct. While these cameras can prove useful in certain situations and give defense attorneys more evidence to use in building a case surrounding the DUI stop specifically, it is important to remember that they are not the be-all and end-all of drunk driving defense.

Dash Cams

For years, many police agencies have employed dashboard cameras to capture roadside traffic stops. These forward-facing cameras are typically located on the rearview mirror of the patrol vehicle. Different police departments regulate their camera and have policies that result in the patrol vehicle video camera running continuously, or only after the officer activates their overhead lights. This difference can sometimes result in much of the driving that lead to the traffic stop not being captured on the video recording.

With a patrol vehicle video camara, the police officer must always be mindful to place the driver within the viewing of the camera. In some instances, this is not possible or not done, and the field sobriety tests will therefore not be captured.

Also, with a dash cam, the officer will have a control to operate the microphone on their uniform. This means there can be a perfectly good video without any audio. In other instances, the officer will turn off the audio when speaking with other officers or witnesses. This spoliation of evidence can be raised with the trial judge as part of an effort to attack the prosecutor's case.

Finally, because these cameras only provide one viewing angle, and if the officer or the suspect (or both) steps out of the view of the camera, the footage may be unusable.

Body Cams

With body cameras the video camera is attached to the officer's uniform, so the camera angle is "up close and personal." From this close up perspective, we get to see a different things, such as the administration of the horizonal gaze nystagmus, and can sometimes get a much closer look at the driver as the officer approaches the vehicle. However, these cameras still do not allow us to see everything that the officer sees; rather, we can only view what is within the range of the camera at the specific angle that the officer's body is oriented.

Every Case is Unique

Video evidence can often make or break a defense to a drunk driving case. Sometimes the video will depict and individual who looks more intoxicated than might be suggested from the officer's narrative report alone. The opposite can also be true. The video recording might depict someone who looks sober even when the police report is written to exaggerate all of the evidence and make the driver sound more drunk than they really are.

Though several police agencies across Michigan are now employing body cameras, there are other agencies that have not yet invested in dashboard cameras. There is no mandate on law enforcement agencies to implement these technologies, and some are more reluctant than others to use cameras of any type.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, it is important to consult with an attorney who can review all the available evidence in your case and prepare a defense that is suitable to your specific situation.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.