Bill Powers DUI Defense Lawyer

March 15, 2025

The Role of Expert Testimony in North Carolina DWI Cases

Witnesses with specialized knowledge beyond that of a jury may in appropriate circumstances provide “expert testimony” in North Carolina. DWI (Driving While Impaired) charges in North Carolina regularly include evidence like breathalyzer results, blood EXPERT-WITNESS-TESTIMONY tests, and standardized field sobriety tests.

Given the scientific, forensic, and at times highly technical aspects of impaired driving cases, testimony may include qualification in court of expert witnesses and consideration of NC Rule of Evidence 702 (the rule governing experts and expert testimony). In some circumstances, the formal process of qualification is not required if the police officer is certified by the State of North Carolina as a DRE – Drug Recognition Expert. It can, frankly, prove to be a complicated area of law.

At Powers Law Firm, our attorneys understand the impact that credible experts can have in DWI trials and how critical it is to get reliable evidence before the finder of fact. That may entail both challenging the State’s attempts to tender a police officer as an “expert” and introducing a defense expert to counter the conclusion of the State’s witness and their expert testimony.

September 15, 2024

Practical Applications of SFSTs and Challenges of Sobriety Tests in DUI Charges in North Carolina

by Carolina Attorneys

The San Diego Study, conducted in 1998, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of DUI charges in North Carolina and prosecution across the United States. Its findings on the accuracy of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) have influenced police training, informed courtroom strategies, and shaped public policy.

However, as with any influential study, its journey from academic research to practical application has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.

In our previous explorations, we delved into the statistical framework that underpins the San Diego Study, unpacking its methodology and key findings. We examined the nuances of its reported accuracy rates and discussed the implications of concepts like margin of error and false positives.

August 31, 2024

A Critical Analysis of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests in North Carolina DUI Cases

by Carolina Attorneys

In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few tools have garnered as much attention and controversy as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).

These tests, designed to help law enforcement officers assess a driver’s level of impairment, have become a cornerstone of DUI investigations across the United States.

However, their reliability and accuracy have long been the subject of debate among legal professionals, including judges, prosecutors, DUI defense lawyers, expert witnesses, and scientists.