Understanding the Use of Dashcam and Bodycam Footage in Michigan OWI Defense

In Michigan, many law enforcement agencies equip officers with dashboard cameras (dashcams) and body-worn cameras (bodycams) to document their interactions with the public. Dashcams are typically mounted in patrol vehicles and record traffic stops, vehicle movements, and interactions between the officer and the driver. Officers wear bodycams on their uniforms and record what happens during interactions, providing a clear view of both the officer’s actions and the suspect’s behavior.

Dashcams and bodycams are designed to enhance safety by creating an objective record of interactions between law enforcement and the public, ensuring accountability and transparency. These recordings protect all parties involved and can serve as a valuable tool in defending individuals facing criminal charges, offering crucial evidence to challenge or support claims made during legal proceedings.

Here, our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer at Ben Hall Law explains.

How Dashcam and Bodycam Footage Can Be Used in Your Michigan OWI Defense

In Michigan, dashcam and bodycam footage have become essential tools in law enforcement, offering an objective, unbiased record of interactions between officers and drivers. These recordings can play a pivotal role in defending against OWI charges by providing clear evidence that may challenge the prosecution’s case, protect your rights, and ensure the fairness of the legal process.

That may include, but is not limited to:

• Questioning the Legitimacy of the Traffic Stop

One of the first aspects our experienced OWI defense attorney will examine is whether the initial traffic stop was lawful. Dashcam footage can provide crucial evidence to determine if there was reasonable suspicion or probable cause for the stop in the first place. If the footage reveals that the stop was made without a valid reason, it may be possible to challenge the evidence obtained afterward, including any field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results.

• Evaluating Officer Conduct During the Arrest

Both dashcam and bodycam footage objectively record how law enforcement officers conduct themselves during an arrest. If the footage reveals inappropriate behavior—such as coercion, intimidation, or failure to follow proper procedures—it could be used to challenge the legality of the arrest or any evidence obtained during the process. Additionally, bodycam footage can reveal whether an officer properly read the suspect’s rights, as the law requires.

• Assessing the Field Sobriety Test and Breathalyzer Administration

Bodycam footage, in particular, is invaluable in documenting the performance of field sobriety tests and how they were administered. If you are accused of failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test, our defense attorney will review the footage to ensure that the tests were conducted according to protocol and that no errors were made. This could be important in disputing the validity of the results.

• Providing an Objective View of Behavior in OWI Cases

The defendant’s behavior plays a significant role in the prosecution’s argument. Dashcam and bodycam footage can offer an objective, unbiased view of the suspect’s actions during the stop, such as whether they were erratic or their behavior may have been influenced by something other than alcohol, like medical conditions or fatigue. This footage can provide evidence that undermines the prosecution’s narrative of impaired driving.

Challenges with Dashcam and Bodycam Footage

While dashcam and bodycam footage can be powerful tools in defending against OWI charges, it’s essential to understand that the presence of such footage doesn’t automatically mean your case will be won.

Several factors can impact the usefulness of the footage:

• Incomplete or Inconclusive Footage: Not all interactions are fully captured. Cameras may be turned off or malfunction during critical moments, or the angle of the footage might obscure essential details.
• Footage Can Be Misinterpreted: Even though the footage is an objective record, it can still be subject to interpretation. Our experienced defense attorney may challenge the way evidence is presented or argue that the footage does not fully capture the context of the situation.
• Quality and Clarity: In some cases, the footage may not be clear enough to draw definitive conclusions, which could limit its impact on the case.

If you face OWI charges in Michigan, our attorney will thoroughly review all available dashcams and bodycam footage as part of the defense process. This review is essential in determining the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Our experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand how the footage might be used to support your case and guide you through the next steps based on the evidence presented.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan Today

If you are facing OWI charges, don’t hesitate to contact us to review your case and determine how we can best assist you in achieving the most favorable outcome. Call 877-BEN-HALL (877)-236-4255 or contact us online today to learn more.

Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started.