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The role of expert witnesses in DWI manslaughter cases

On Behalf of | May 2, 2023 | DWI Defense |

DWI manslaughter charges are among the most serious legal charges you can face in New Jersey. It is a crime typically charged when someone dies in a crash involving an intoxicated driver. DWI manslaughter charges carry harsh penalties that can result in a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines and other legal consequences that can affect your life for years.

When defending against DWI manslaughter charges, expert witnesses can help to level the playing field.

How expert witnesses can help your defense

Expert witnesses are called upon to provide specialized knowledge, technical expertise, and objective opinions that can help support your case and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. These professionals can offer a range of valuable services to your defense in a DWI manslaughter case.

  • They can offer objective and scientifically based testimony that can challenge the prosecution’s case.
  • They may confirm the accuracy and reliability of field sobriety tests and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests. These are often the cornerstone of the prosecution’s evidence.
  • Experts can expose flaws in police procedures, like improper administration of BAC tests or failure to adhere to standard protocols during a DUI stop.
  • They can assess the defendant’s level of impairment and the potential impact of external factors on their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Examples include medication, medical conditions or environmental conditions.
  • Experts can educate the judge and jury on the complex scientific and medical issues that arise in DWI manslaughter cases. They may talk about the effects of alcohol on the body, the interpretation of BAC results or the potential for false positives
  • Experts can provide a counterbalance to the prosecution’s expert witnesses and challenge their conclusions.

In these areas, expert witnesses can help provide objective analysis and interpretation of technical data that can be difficult for a layperson to understand. Their testimony can help support your defense strategy, highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and help sway the jury’s opinions.

To leverage expert witness testimony effectively, working with an experienced attorney who knows how to identify and retain the right experts for your case is important.