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What dropped means in a Texas DWI 
People often use different words for similar outcomes. A dismissal ends the case with no conviction. A reduction changes the charge to a different offense when the facts support it. A suppression order throws out evidence so it cannot be used at trial. A not guilty verdict is an acquittal after a trial. Each outcome affects criminal records and license status in different ways. The best outcome depends on your facts, your history, and the strength of the evidence the State hopes to use.
When prosecutors dismiss DWI cases
Texas prosecutors dismiss when the evidence is thin or unreliable or when the court has ruled that important evidence is inadmissible. A traffic video that conflicts with the report can trigger dismissal talks. A poorly documented arrest can undercut probable cause. If the State loses the breath or blood number because of legal or scientific problems, the case may no longer be trial worthy. Dismissals also arise when the State cannot prove you were operating a motor vehicle in a public place at the time in question.Problems with the stop or arrest
An officer needs reasonable suspicion to stop your car and probable cause to arrest you. When the video does not show the reported lane violations or when performance on roadside tasks looks normal, judges may question whether the stop or arrest met legal standards. If the stop was illegal, everything that followed can be suppressed. That includes field tests and chemical tests. Without those pieces the case often becomes difficult to prosecute.
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Problems with field sobriety testing
Standardized field sobriety tests must be explained, demonstrated, and scored in a very specific way. Uneven pavement, wind, rain, headlights, fatigue, footwear, or medical conditions can hurt performance even when a person is sober. When an officer fails to follow the instructions or misuses the scoring system, the reliability of the tests drops. If your case involves field testing, learn what can affect results by reviewing this guide from our team at https://www.texasdwisite.com/factors-that-affect-field-sobriety-tests/.Problems with breath testing
Breath testing relies on proper maintenance, calibration, and observation. A machine that lacks current maintenance records may not produce trustworthy numbers. If the officer did not observe you for the full period required by policy, mouth alcohol from belching or reflux can inflate readings. People with GERD can show falsely high results. If the breath number is compromised, a judge can keep it from the jury. If you want to understand how refusals and consent play into breath testing, start here at https://www.texasdwisite.com/what-happens-if-i-refuse-to-take-a-breath-test/.Problems with blood testing
Blood testing must follow strict procedures for collection, storage, and analysis. Vials require the correct preservatives and anticoagulants. Labels must be accurate and seals must be intact. Refrigeration matters. Chain of custody must account for the sample from the moment it was drawn to the time it was analyzed. Fermentation, contamination, or paperwork gaps can call a result into question. If the lab process breaks down, that number can be excluded. For a deeper look at blood evidence challenges, read https://www.texasdwisite.com/can-you-challenge-dwi-blood-test-results/.Operation and public place proof
Texas law requires proof that you operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Parked car cases can be complicated. If no one saw the vehicle move and there is no reliable timeline, the State may not be able to show that you were operating at the relevant time. In some cases the alleged driver is found asleep or outside the vehicle. If the facts do not show operation in a public place, dismissal becomes more likely.
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