New York Criminal Attorney Blog
Those charged with a New York DWI/DUI or related offenses, should be pleased to hear that New York criminal defense lawyer, Peter Tilem, the managing partner at Tilem & Campbell recently completed two courses relevant to Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. These courses are the same courses that some members of law enforcement take themselves. The knowledge gained in these classes will help Mr. Campbell better cross-examine police officers, toxicologists and others at trial.
With regard to DWI and/or DUI, Mr. Campbell has completed and has been certified by Blackwater Worldwide in Driving Under the Influence Detection. This 8 hour course concentrates on, among other things, the three “validated” Standardized Field Sobriety Tests which are the (1) Walk-and-Turn; (2) One Leg Stand; and (3) the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. The course also focuses on Preliminary Breath Screening (which is the handheld device officers sometimes ask a motorist to blow into on the side of the road), and “Red Flags” an officer looks for when observing moving vehicles that indicate a possible intoxicated driver. (weaving, swerving, no headlights at night, wide turns, etc)
Further, Mr. Campbell recently completed a course in, and has been certified by, NIK Public Safety in Narcotic Field Testing. This 2 hour course focused on the field testing of substances to identify illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. Field testing of this type is usually done by law enforcement officers in the field to test substances found during searches, car stops, etc. Mr. Campbell was trained in how to use field testing kits and identify various drugs based upon the test results, how to properly use NIK’s Polytesting system which is utilized when the officer has no idea what the substance is (as opposed to most situations where an officer has an idea of what the substance is), and how to utilize NIK’s reference materials relating to narcotic field testing.
Mr. Campbell was required to pass a competency exam at the end of both courses before receiving his certifications. If you have been charged with any Driving While Intoxicated or related offenses such as Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, you need attorneys who know not just the law, but also the science and procedures associated with DWI. In addition to the above-discussed courses, in a continuing effort to provide clients with the best possible DWI defense, the lawyers at Tilem & Campbell routinely attend seminars and classes relating to all aspects of DWI defense. For further information feel free to call us toll free at 1-888-DWI-COUNSEL.