Raybin & Weissman Fights False Arrests of Sober Drivers
When law enforcement officers arrest completely sober drivers for DUI, the consequences extend far beyond an inconvenient night in jail. False arrests destroy reputations, cost thousands in legal fees, and violate fundamental civil rights.
Attorney Ben Raybin of Raybin & Weissman is at the forefront of fighting back against these wrongful arrests, representing innocent drivers and holding officers accountable through both criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Anyone falsely accused of drunk driving, should contact our DUI defense team now.
Hundreds of Sober Drivers Arrested in Tennessee
Recent investigations by WKRN and NewsChannel 5 have exposed a disturbing pattern: hundreds of Tennessee drivers have been arrested for DUI despite having zero alcohol in their blood. Attorney Raybin was featured in both news stories, discussing his relentless representation of clients falsely accused of impaired driving.
“I am being arrested. I don’t know why,” one of Raybin’s clients told officers during a traffic stop. These words echo the experiences of countless sober drivers wrongfully taken into custody. Blood tests later confirmed what these drivers knew all along: they had consumed no alcohol whatsoever.
The investigations revealed that hundreds of Tennessee DUI arrests involved drivers whose blood samples showed zero alcohol content. These aren’t cases of drivers barely under the legal limit or borderline situations. These are completely sober individuals arrested, booked, and charged with serious crimes they didn’t commit.
Defending the Wrongfully Accused
Attorney Ben Raybin provides aggressive criminal defense for drivers falsely arrested for DUI. When blood test results prove a client’s sobriety, he works to have charges dismissed quickly and cleared from their record. However, his representation doesn’t stop at the criminal courthouse.
The criminal defense process addresses the immediate legal charges, but it doesn’t compensate victims for the harm caused by false arrests. That’s why Raybin & Weissman also pursues civil rights claims against officers who make wrongful DUI arrests in certain situations.
Holding Officers Accountable Through Civil Rights Litigation
Raybin & Weissman is currently suing the officer who arrested one of the clients featured in the news investigations. This civil rights litigation seeks to hold law enforcement accountable for constitutional violations and provide compensation to victims of false arrests.
False DUI arrests violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable seizures. When officers lack probable cause to arrest someone for DUI, they deprive that person of liberty without constitutional justification. Civil rights lawsuits serve multiple purposes. They compensate victims for the financial losses, emotional distress, and reputational harm caused by false arrests. They also send a message to law enforcement agencies that officers who make arrests without proper evidence will face consequences. This accountability can drive policy changes and additional training to prevent future wrongful arrests.
Does Every Arrested Sober Driver Have Grounds for a Lawsuit?
Although a clean blood test almost always means the DUI charge will be dismissed, there may not always be strong grounds for a civil rights lawsuit.
Some courts have held that an officer can have probable cause for a DUI arrest even if the person is completely sober. For example, a person may have a medical condition which might make them appear to be intoxicated. By contrast, an officer would not have probable cause if the person did not show any indicators consistent with being intoxicated. In those cases, the bodycam footage may show the officer was not truthful about what was observed at the scene.
It is important to have your case screened by an experienced civil rights attorney to determine whether you might have a strong civil rights case.
The Impact on Innocent Drivers
Being arrested for DUI when completely sober creates a nightmare scenario. Victims face immediate consequences, including jail time, towing fees, bail costs, and legal expenses. Their mugshots may appear online, damaging professional reputations. Employers, family members, and friends learn of the arrest before blood tests prove innocence.
Even after charges are dismissed, the arrest record remains, requiring additional legal work to expunge. The psychological impact of being handcuffed, booked, and treated as a criminal despite complete sobriety can be severe and lasting.
DUI Defense Lawyers Fighting Back Against False Arrests
If you’ve been arrested for DUI despite being sober, you need a defense lawyer who understands both criminal defense and civil rights law. Raybin & Weissman has the experience and track record to clear your name in criminal court and pursue compensation through civil litigation.
Contact Raybin & Weissman today to discuss your case with defense attorneys who are leading the fight against false DUI arrests in Tennessee.