Google Won’t Win Your DUI Case

Why Understanding Law Matters More Than Internet Arguments

Every week, I hear from people who’ve been researching their case online and found an article, a YouTube video, or even an AI-generated “legal argument” that sounds like it could get their DUI dismissed. I get it — when you’re facing a criminal charge, you’ll look anywhere for hope. But here’s the truth: while Google might give you information, it can’t give you context — and in the courtroom, context is everything.

This post is for anyone who’s ever thought, “But I read online that…” or “Can’t we argue that the officer didn’t have a reason to stop me?” Let’s talk about what the law actually says, how courts look at these cases, and why trusting your attorney’s judgment often leads to better outcomes than chasing internet theories.

The Temptation of the Internet Defense

We live in an age where information is everywhere — and so is misinformation. A quick Google search for “DUI defenses” brings up dozens of sites claiming you can beat your case if the officer didn’t have “reasonable suspicion” or if there’s no dashcam footage.

What those summaries don’t tell you is that reasonable suspicion is an incredibly low legal standard. The officer doesn’t need to prove you were guilty, or even close — they just need specific, articulable facts that suggest something might be off.

In plain English? If you touched the fog line, braked unexpectedly, drove too slowly, rolled a stop sign, or even parked awkwardly in a lot — that can be enough. It doesn’t take much. And yes, the officer’s word alone can satisfy the legal standard if it’s credible and supported by documentation.

That’s why those “magic dismissal” arguments you see online almost never work. They sound compelling in theory, but collapse the moment they’re tested in an Arizona courtroom.

Reasonable Suspicion: What It Really Means

Let’s take a step back and break this down clearly.

In Arizona (and across the country), police officers can make a traffic stop if they have reasonable suspicion that a law has been violated. It’s not proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s not even probable cause. It’s a preliminary threshold that allows them to investigate further.

For example:

• If your headlights weren’t on after sunset, that’s reasonable suspicion.

• If you touched the center or fog line, that’s reasonable suspicion.

• If you sat in a parking lot for a long time or drove erratically, that’s reasonable suspicion.

Even if the officer is wrong — even if no actual violation occurred — the stop can still be lawful if their belief was reasonable at the time.

It’s a frustrating standard for many people accused of DUI, but that’s how the law works. Courts have said repeatedly that officers don’t have to be right; they just have to be reasonable based on what they observed.

“But There’s No Dashcam or Video!”

Another common misunderstanding I see is that people think they can’t be stopped or convicted without dashcam, surveillance, or other recordings to “prove” the officer’s story is false.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Arizona law does not require dashcams or body cameras to make a stop valid — those are tools for accountability, not legal prerequisites.

If the officer documents what they saw and testifies consistently, that’s usually enough. Body-worn cameras can help clarify what happened, but they aren’t required to justify a stop, and portions of the video may be blurred or muted for privacy reasons.

So while I always request full discovery (including unredacted footage when possible), the absence of perfect video rarely makes a stop unconstitutional.

Why Good Lawyers Don’t File Every Motion

Here’s something most people don’t realize: not every legal argument is worth making.

In fact, part of being an effective defense attorney is knowing when not to file a motion. Judges see hundreds of cookie-cutter motions claiming “no reasonable suspicion” every year. When an attorney files one that clearly has no merit, it can actually hurt their credibility in future negotiations and hearings.

The best defense attorneys are strategic. They pick battles that can be won. Filing weak motions wastes time, energy, and goodwill with the prosecutor and the court — and that can impact your ability to negotiate later.

Sometimes, the smarter move isn’t fighting the stop at all, but negotiating for a charge reduction, such as from an Extreme DUI (BAC over 0.15) to Impaired to the Slightest Degree. That can mean the difference between 30 days in jail and one day served, a fine cut in half, and avoiding mandatory extended jail terms.

The Difference Between Strategy and Stubbornness

It’s normal to want to fight your case — nobody wants to plead guilty to something they don’t think is fair. But strategy requires stepping back and asking: What actually helps me the most in the long run?

If your attorney tells you a motion won’t succeed, that’s not because they don’t care or don’t want to fight. It’s because they’ve seen how judges rule on these issues, and they know when the law is stacked against you.

Pushing an argument just to “make a point” can backfire. It can make plea offers worse, delay your case, or even expose you to harsher penalties at sentencing.

A good DUI defense isn’t about finding loopholes — it’s about navigating a complex system intelligently.

AI and “Google Law” Can’t Replace Experience

AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI summaries are incredible for general education, but they are not legal authorities. They can summarize case law, but they can’t tell you how judges in Tucson, Oro Valley, or Pima County actually apply it.

They don’t know which prosecutors are reasonable, which judges are strict on Rule 8, or how the MVD hearing officer in your case usually rules on license suspensions. Those are the details that matter.

There’s a reason lawyers go through years of education, clerkships, and trial experience — not to memorize the law, but to understand how it works in practice.

So while it’s great to do your research, the best approach is to use what you learn online as a way to ask better questions, not to replace your lawyer’s strategy with AI screenshots.

When Clients and Lawyers Disagree

A healthy discussion with your attorney is a good thing. You should feel comfortable asking questions, understanding the plan, and knowing why certain decisions are made.

But at the end of the day, your lawyer’s job is to give you their best professional advice — not to tell you what you want to hear. If you ever feel your attorney isn’t listening or if you truly disagree with their strategy, you’re always free to seek a second opinion or hire different counsel.

Mutual trust and respect are essential in any attorney-client relationship. Without that foundation, the defense can’t function effectively.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the internet can give you information — but not judgment. It can quote the law — but not strategy.

If you’re facing a DUI in Arizona, the smartest thing you can do is hire an attorney who knows both the law and the courtroom, and then trust them to guide you through it. Ask questions, stay informed, but also understand that not every argument you read online applies to your situation.

The goal isn’t to win an argument; it’s to protect your future.

About AJB Law Firm

At AJB Law Firm, we handle DUI and criminal defense cases across Tucson and Pima County with a straightforward, client-centered approach. We believe in honest advice, clear communication, and realistic strategies that get results — not internet myths.

If you’re ready to talk about your case with a Tucson DUI attorney who will give you the truth and fight for the best possible outcome, contact us today to schedule a consultation.