Driving is one of the most common times for the average person to pick up a criminal record. One minute, they are a law-abiding citizen, then all of a sudden, they are facing charges over something that happened while driving and are looking at the possibility of a criminal record.
It’s possible that having a dashcam could reduce the chance that this happens. Here is how.
Fighting a DUI charge
Let’s say you are charged with a DUI after the police pull you over. A common defense strategy is to challenge the basis for the initial traffic stop. Officers cannot simply stop a vehicle on a whim to search for drunk drivers. Instead, they must have a reasonable suspicion that a driver may be impaired to initiate the stop, and that usually involves allegations that a driver was weaving, missing stop signs or otherwise driving erratically.
If this is untrue, your dashcam footage can be used as evidence to counter their claim. If you were maintaining a straight line and driving entirely normally, this should be evident from the footage.
Countering additional allegations
Not every encounter with the authorities ends peacefully. Tensions can be high at traffic stops, and the wrong move can cause certain officers to react very strongly. Sometimes, an officer will allege that a defendant was resisting arrest or otherwise aggressive — and that can lead to charges and a conviction even when no other crime occurred.
Footage from an in-car camera can prove invaluable in these situations, since it can often be used to document police encounters from start to finish.
If you believe your dash cam could help you fight criminal charges, it is wise to seek legal guidance to determine the best course of action.
