Unique Challenges Women Face in DUI Defense

“Unique Challenges Women Face in DUI Defense: Understanding the Impact of Gender on DUI Charges”

Anchorage DUI Defense Attorney Leigh Ann Bauer As a DUI defense attorney based in Anchorage, Alaska, I’ve observed a significant rise in the number of women arrested for DUI in recent years. Unfortunately, defending women in these cases presents unique challenges due to physiological factors that can complicate their defense and sometimes work against them in the legal process.

Defending women accused of DUI is often more complex because there are numerous potential defenses that must be carefully considered. For example, breath testing instruments are typically calibrated without accounting for the differences in how women metabolize alcohol. This one-size-fits-all approach can create a range of defensible issues when women are involved.

When a female driver is asked to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) or submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, additional complications arise. Many breathalyzer machines, for instance, tend to yield higher readings for women because they are primarily calibrated for male physiology. This discrepancy means that if a woman had taken a blood test instead of a breath test, her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) might have been significantly lower than what the breath test indicated.

Another challenge women face during DUI arrests is that the majority of arresting officers are male. During late-night traffic stops, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas, it’s understandable that women might feel nervous about performing roadside tests. This hesitation, however, can be misinterpreted as a refusal to cooperate or even as an indication of guilt.

When it comes to breath testing, expert testimony has repeatedly shown that women are often disadvantaged by inaccurate results from these machines. Studies have demonstrated that many breath testing devices fail to account for the biological differences between men and women, leading to false positives or inflated BAC readings for female drivers.

Similarly, field sobriety tests can be particularly problematic for women. These roadside tests are challenging enough on their own, but for women, they can be even more daunting. Women often react differently to stress, and being asked to exit their vehicle on a dark road can understandably heighten their anxiety. This increased stress can negatively impact their performance on these tests.

Moreover, women are frequently asked to perform these tests in footwear that is not conducive to balance and coordination, such as high heels, or even in bare feet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has acknowledged the difficulties women face in these situations, yet these challenges are still often overlooked during DUI arrests.

In light of these issues, it is crucial for women facing DUI charges to have a defense attorney who understands these nuances and can effectively challenge the evidence presented against them.

Actual Client Reviews of Leigh Ann Bauer

Reviews by Actual Clients of
Law Office of Leigh Ann Bauer
Rating: 10 out of 10 based on 25 reviews

Great to Work With ☆ CASE REDUCED

Leigh Ann and her staff were very professional, great to work with and was interested in seeing and telling my side of the story. If I ever need another lawyer in the future (which I hope I don't) Leigh Ann would be my first call.

N.S.

Worth Every Penny ☆ GREAT OUTCOME

Leigh Ann was worth every penny. Now with that (and everything else in life) there are pros and cons, ups and downs, and here is no different. I had a handful of issues as a first-time defendant and some of those "issues" were with this office. However, the good things here far outweighed any delay or complaint that I might have had. They are highly experienced and extremely busy. My best advice is; to help them help you, you may need to do some homework and provide some evidence to arm them with certain details for your specific case. If you are willing to wait and put in some effort, this office will handle the rest.

E.J.

Amazing Job ☆ DISMISSAL

Leigh Ann did a amazing job with my case Put in a lot of work an got me off the hook
Highly recommend her, they are very busy if it takes a while to hear from them just give it time they will be in touch with you an keep you vary up to date as things move along

Highly recommended ☆ CASE DISMISSED

Best possible outcome, professional representation. Highly recommended!

She was able to get my whole case dismissed ☆ DUI DISMISSAL

I was recommended Leigh Ann Bauer, and I'm very glad I called her. She was able to get my whole case dismissed, it took some time but it was well worth the wait! Don't hesitate to call the office and see what they can do for you. 10/10 Highly Recommend.

Z.B.

Two DUI charges dropped ☆ DUI Dismissed

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

I would just like to thank Lean Bauer and her team for their hard work in helping me get not one but two DUI charges dropped. The first one was a few years back and just recently they pulled through for me once again. I wouldn't call on anyone else for legal assistance because they never hesitate when it comes to having my back and they're just flat out good at what they do. Period.

Thanks again and keep up the great work!!!!

D.P.

Leigh Ann Bauer got it Dismissed ☆ DUI DISMISSAL

Positive: Professionalism, Value

Pretty much I got a DUI and Leigh Ann Bauer got it Dismissed. Very big thank you to her and her whole staff who helped. I had no idea this firm existed actually someone for sure recommended her to me and I called her right away. Best decision I ever made. Now I will for sure recommend her to whoever would need her in the future, no doubt in that.

K.R.

You won't regret it, she's amazing ☆ DUI DISMISSED

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

I was a client for Leigh Ann Bauer for about 13 months. I was very pleased with the open lines of communication. They explained everything very Thoroughly and walked me through the legal process and what to expect.

I am so grateful and thankful that I hired Leigh and her team. As far as I'm concerned there is Leigh then everyone else. If you need legal help do yourself a favor and call Leigh first. You won't regret it, she's amazing.

James M.

Ultimately the case was dismissed ☆ DUI DISMISSED - EVIDENTIARY HEARING WON

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Attorney Bauer represented me in a dui case and it was the best decision I have made. She goes the full mile and looks at every piece of evidence.In my case the data master results were challenged, the trial to dismissed lasted approximately 2 1/2 years and attorney Bauer never flinched. Ultimately the case was dismissed despite a relentless assault by the state and crime lab.

Attorney Bauer is the real deal and you won't regret having her represent you!!!

Ryan S.

Best money I ever spent ☆ DUI DISMISSED

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value

Well received a Dui last year, which was certainly my fault. Asked if Lee Ann Bauer would take my case and she agreed. Clearly a very busy woman, however she employs an amazing staff to do the leg work it takes to win a case or just to do the research required to be successful. Reasonable retainers and fees, nothing in this world is free certainly when you do the screwing up. I will recommend this firm and there amazing staff of professionalism i received. This case was a year long still never actually went to court. I couldn't of been more please with the results. Huge thank you to Connie, Liz, and Lee Ann for taking care of my case. I really want to thank Jeanne she is an amazing person who words can't describe. These are some of the busy lady's I know working in your Best interest. Best money I ever spent and hope I never have to again. I wish you all many more years of success. Thank you

S.T.

Leigh Ann is a Awesome Attorney ☆ DUI Dismissed

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Awesome!! Leigh Ann and Staff, helped me understand what I was facing in Court. I have never been in trouble before and didn't understand the process. Sometimes would be very impatient with Leigh Ann and her staff, but they were very understanding at patient with me. Leigh Ann is a Awesome Attorney, who got my DUI charges dismissed.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, LOOK NO FURTHER this is the office for you. I am so glad that I did!!!!

F.H.

FIGHTS LIKE A PITBULL ☆ DUI - Case Status

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

READ ME ~ Leigh Ann Bauer is amazing. Her support staff in Liz and Connie are fantastic. The entire service side of things is impeccable! Now to performance- LEIGH ANN DOESN'T PLAY AROUND, HAS AN EXPERIENCE LEVEL THAT SHOWS IN EVERY ASPECT AND FIGHTS LIKE A PITBULL TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS, FREEDOM AND RECORD! ⭐️ Highly recommend if you want a tactical advantage in your case.

Do yourself a favor and stop your search now - shes the REAL DEAL!

C.C.

BEST ATTORNEY IN ALASKA! ☆ DUI - DISMISSED

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

BEST ATTORNEY IN ALASKA! I hired Leigh Ann last year when I was arrested for a DUI. I called Leigh Ann and hired her on the spot. I have never been in trouble before and didn't understand the process. When I talked to her on the phone, she walked me through the process and made me feel very comfortable in her ability to handle my case. If I received a DUI, I would lose my job, so I was extremely impatient out of fear. I would call all the time wanting to know the next steps and learned really quick to just trust she had my best interest. I read some of the bad comments on here when I was nervous and started to wonder if they were true. She is very busy and at times I can see where people could feel they're not getting a good quality attorney, but I can tell you from my own experience you will not get a better attorney! If she is able to sit on the phone all day, and then she wouldn't be doing her job. All you have to do is contact Liz and she will answer your questions. It's best if you email Liz, she responds within a timely manner.

Last week I received an email from Leigh Ann and the DA dropped my case!!! I will be forever grateful for Leigh Ann and Liz. I highly recommend Leigh Ann she will work hard for you, just trust the process and be patient. My case took a year to get dropped.

E.R.

Leigh Ann Bauer and her staff are awesome ☆ DUI - DISMISSED - Reduced to Reckless Driving

Leigh Ann Bauer and her staff are awesome. Leigh Ann was able to get my case reduced to Reckless Driving. I would recommend her to everyone. NO ONE could find a more capable and caring office to help them through a difficult time.

E.K.

She had a Spanish Interpreter to come to court with me ☆ DUI DISMISSED - Reduced to Reckless

Attorney Bauer and her staff help me with my case. I am Mexican and English is my 2nd language, Ms. Bauer understood that due to this I need someone who would fought for my rights.

They got an Spanish Interpreter to come to court with me so that I could understand what was happening in Court. They got my case reduced to a Reckless Driving so I will not have a DUI on my record. Attorney Bauer and her staff was awesome.

J.C.

Looking for help, Leigh and her office would be a great choice! ☆ DUI DISMISSED

Leigh and her staff helped me with a case that came up, and were helpful and professional the throughout the entire process. Whenever I had a question, either her or her assistants would respond promptly and regularly kept me updated. If you are looking for help, Leigh and her office would be a great choice!

Z.D.

They will go the extra mile ☆ DUI Dismissed - Reduced to Reckless - Evidentiary Hearing - Evidence Suppressed & Dismissed

Attorney Bauer and her staff helped me on a very difficult case. English is my second language and with Attorney Bauer's hard work we were able to get my case reduced. We had to take my case to an evidentiary hearing which we won. Attorney Bauer helped me by getting awesome interpreter's. They helped me when other attorneys couldn't. I can't recommend Attorney Bauer and her staff enough. they will go the extra mile to make sure they get an excellent results for their clients.

Attorney Bauer was available anytime I needed help even at night and on the weekends.

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La abogada Bauer y su personal me ayudaron en un caso muy difícil. El inglés es mi segundo idioma y con el arduo trabajo del abogado Bauer pudimos reducir mi caso. Tuvimos que llevar mi caso a una audiencia probatoria que ganamos. El abogado Bauer me ayudó a conseguir un excelente intérprete. Me ayudaron cuando otros abogados no pudieron. No puedo recomendar a la abogada Bauer y su personal lo suficiente. harán un esfuerzo adicional para asegurarse de obtener excelentes resultados para sus clientes.

El abogado Bauer estaba disponible en cualquier momento que necesitaba ayuda, incluso por la noche y los fines de semana.

J.C.

I won't have a DUI on my permanent record ☆ DUI DISMISSED - Reduced to Reckless

I'd like to give a big thank you to the Law office of Leigh Ann Bauer, both to Attorney Bauer herself and to Liz and the other staff that helped me with my case. Attorney Bauer's office was very efficient and performed above and beyond with every aspect of my case. Through hard work and determination, she was able to get my sentence reduced to a Reckless Driving.

It gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing I won't have a DUI on my permanent record. She even met me in the middle when I expressed concern about finances.

Thank you for providing your invaluable legal expertise to Alaska residents!

K.L.

Bauer lives up to her name!

Leigh Ann "Kick Ass" Bauer lives up to her name!

Ryan S.

Judge dismissed my DWI charge ☆ DWI DISMISSAL

Ms. Bauer fought hard and the Judge dismissed my DWI charge. She saved my military career.

Shannon E.

I blew a .292 ☆ COURT DISMISSED DWI CHARGE

Ms. Bauer filed a motion and the Court dismissed my DWI charge. I blew a .292.

James P.

"Don't expect me to throw you a life-line."

Judge responding to an Officer on the witness stand during cross-examination by Ms. Bauer, "Don't expect me to throw you a life-line."

Anchorage District Court Judge

We went to trial ☆ Jury acquitted me

We went to trial and the jury acquitted me.

They didn't buy the prosecutor's argument that the machine wasn't malfunctioning. I still have my job on the slope because she fought my case all the way.

Jason H.

This is the best money we ever spent

My daughter made a poor decision. With Leigh Ann we knew it was going to be okay. We will never forget all their help, care, concern and belief in K. This is the best money we ever spent. Thank you guys.

Rebecca F.

You guys did so much

It was such a blessing in my time of need to find all of you. You guys did so much to help me. Thank you.

Michael S.

Recent DUI Case Results

2024 Alaska DUI Case Highlights

Fairbanks, AK DUI DISMISSED: Leigh Ann Bauer successfully got a dismissed in Fairbanks after filing a motion to suppress.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: Leigh Ann Bauer got a Municipality of Anchorage Case DUI dismissed after auguring regarding Blood.
Alaska DUI: Attorney Bauer got clients credit for inpatient treatment.
Ketchikan, AK Evidentiary Hearing Won: Attorney Bauer successfully won at an evidentiary hearing.
Ketchikan, AK DUI DISMISSED: State of Alaska dismissed Case due DUI Defense Attorney Leigh Ann Bauer winning evidentiary hearing.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: After filing a Motion to Suppress, the Municipality of Anchorage dismissed the case.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: Attorney Bauer argued successfully for a client and case was dismissed.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: Attorney Bauer filed Motion to Suppress and Case was dismissed due to the outstanding arguments.
Anchorage, AK DUI DISMISSED: Attorney Bauer successfully argued case with prosecutor and got case dismissed.

2023 Alaska DUI Case Highlights

DUI REDUCED: Attorney Bauer successfully got the case reduced to negligent driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The State dismissed the case after Attorney Bauer pointed out issues with the State's evidence.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed after Attorney Bauer successfully argued to suppress all of the state's evidence.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving
DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed due to Attorney Bauer successfully argued for case to be dismissed.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed by the prosecution.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Infraction Careless driving.
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Reckless Driving

2022 Alaska DUI Case Highlights

DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed after Attorney Bauer successfully pointed out the deficiencies in Muni's case.
DUI DISMISSED: The State dismissed the case after Attorney Bauer filed a Motion with all of the deficiencies in the case.
EVIDENCE SUPPRESSED: During an Evidentiary Hearing, Attorney Bauer successfully had the blow suppressed.
DUI DISMISSED: The State dismissed the case after Attorney Bauer pointed out issues with the State's evidence.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed after Attorney Bauer successfully argued to suppress all of the state's evidence.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was dismissed due to Attorney Bauer successfully argued that the state could not prove who was driving at the time of the incident.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DUI DISMISSED: The case was reduced to Reckless Driving.
DISMISSAL OF EVIDENCE: Evidence was dismissed.
DISMISSAL: The state dismissed all DUI charges.
EVIDENCE DISMISSED Blood results suppressed/dismissed.
DMV HEARING DISMISSED: without prejudice.
DUI/DRUG DISMISSED: Reduced to reckless.
DUI DISMISSED
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Infraction Careless driving.
FELONY DUI: Wellness Court Completed.
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Reckless Driving
DUI DISMISSED
DUI DISMISSED: Reduced to Reckless Driving