Common Triggers of DUI Traffic Stops
Before police can decide a driver is a suspect of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) they must have probable cause (aka reasonable suspicion) to pull the driver over. By pulling a driver over with suspicion of DUI and without probable case, police are breaking the law themselves.
Arrested for DUI in Polk County, Florida? Call Musca Law at 863-512-5269 for a free consultation.
To justify reasonable suspicion of DUI, law enforcement must see a driver violating a traffic law. The most common causes of DUI traffic stops are (in no particular order):
- Driving too slow
- Weaving, Swerving
- Driving the Wrong Way
- Disobeying traffic signs or lights
- Driving too fast
By avoiding any of the above, many DUI arrests would be avoided; or at least justified ones. However, non DUI related traffic stops can sometimes turn into a drunk driving arrest if the driver exhibits certain behaviors.
If an officer pulls someone over for, lets say, their brake lights being out, the stop can still result in a DUI arrest if the driver:
- Smells of alcohol
- Has bloodshot eyes
- Has slurred speech
- Isn’t making sense with their speech
If an officer decides their is reasonable suspicion that the suspect is drunk they may ask them to perform field sobriety tests. These tests, to many’s surprise, can be refused without penalty.
My point with this post: Many DUI arrest can be avoided. Don’t give police the right to pull you over and you will be fine.
If you have recently been unfortunate enough to be charged with DUI in Bartow, Lakeland, Polk City or elsewhere in Polk County we can help you. It may seem like avoiding a conviction is impossible, but we assure you that is far from the case. Call 863-512-5269 to schedule your free consultation with a Florida DUI attorney at Musca Law now.
