CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI Body Cameras

Body Cam Footage: The Key to Winning Your Los Angeles DUI Case

Having a DUI conviction in Los Angeles can result in various consequences such as paying fines, losing your driving privileges, or even jail time. However, as technology advances, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is being equipped with body cameras that can record every interaction that an officer has while they are investigating or handling any kind of matter in the public. These cameras have become a valuable asset to Los Angeles DUI lawyers as they help provide valuable evidence in court hearings.

Obtaining Body Cam Footage

When a defendant is pulled over and arrested for drunk driving, they are entitled to the footage recorded by the officer’s body cam during the arresting process. This footage is usually part of the DUI discovery package given to the defendant in court. If this crucial evidence is missing in the discovery process, the defendant may request a copy of the footage.

Why Body Cam Footage is Better than Dash Cam Footage

Most police cars throughout California are equipped with dash cameras. While these cameras were designed to record traffic and other incidents that officers responded to, it is difficult to see the footage they record. The suspected driver and officer are often too far away to see what is really going on.

On the other hand, body camera footage provides a clear and up-close view of the officer and the suspected driver. This kind of footage helps provide an accurate view of the driver’s actual performance on the field sobriety test, which would prove to be difficult with the dash cam systems.

Why Body Cam Footage Is Important For Your Los Angeles DUI Case

The video footage from body cameras is considered undeniable evidence in court hearings, as it cannot be disputed for inaccuracy. This is an advantage for defendants as their team of Los Angeles DUI lawyers can identify any discrepancies between what the officer states on their report or testimony and what the body camera footage shows. These errors can prove to make your case inadmissible.

Without body cam footage, the defendant’s word against the arresting officer’s word can be a disadvantage to the case. The body camera footage helps even the score and assures the court that the officer’s report or testimony is indeed accurate, as it is verified against the video footage of the arrest.

In the DUI incident report, which is included in the court discovery process, you will find a list of the symptoms of intoxication used by the officer as probable cause. These symptoms may include slurred speech, bloodshot or watery eyes, among others. The body camera footage can verify whether the suspected driver had these symptoms, which can significantly impact the case’s decision.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of DUI Body Cams

Although body cameras can provide valuable evidence in court hearings, using them has its disadvantages. Some law enforcement representatives state that these cameras can hinder an officer’s ability to perform their job appropriately. Additionally, civil rights groups claim that filming someone without their consent violates their privacy.

But even with these potential disadvantages, body cameras are an asset to the legal system as they provide evidence from the scene of the DUI arrest that can help a judge and/or jury see the real story. Cases like these were typically two opposing stories that relied on physical evidence. Now, with the comparison of the officer’s testimonies and the video footage, the judge and/or jury can decide who was indeed truthful.

Table of Los Angeles DUI Penalties

Conclusion

Having a Los Angeles DUI conviction can result in significant consequences to your personal and professional life. Therefore, it is highly recommended to hire experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyers to help you win your case. While body cameras’ advantages and disadvantages may be argued, having body camera footage can tip the scales in your favor. It can help your legal team make the necessary evidence-based arguments that provide you with the possible outcome for your case.