Your Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney request your free consultation

Posted on March 30, 2017 in Crime,Drunk Driving,Traffic Violations

How Do Police Officers Detect a DUI?

Maybe you were hanging out with friends or catching the last of the big game at your local bar, and you had one too many. You don’t feel “drunk,” and think you can make it home safely. Unfortunately, driving “buzzed” and driving drunk is the same thing in the eyes of the law. Before you get behind the wheel, know how the police detect a DUI, how they charge drunk drivers, and what kind of punishments you can expect for operating a vehicle under the influence.

Telltale Signs of a Drunk Driver

There are a number of signs that police keep a lookout for, which may indicate a person is operating their vehicle under the influence. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Accelerating or decelerating quickly
  • Tailgating
  • Almost driving into barriers or vehicles
  • Drifting in and out of lanes
  • Failing to signal
  • Stopping erratically or without cause
  • Straddling center lane
  • Driving with headlights off
  • Turning with little warning
  • Driving more than 10mph below the speed limit
  • Making wide turns
  • Slow response time to traffic signals

Despite popular belief, speeding is not really a red flag for drunk driving, as it indicates a person has quicker reflexes and judgment time.

Warning Signs of Intoxication After Being Pulled Over

Once the police have probable cause for stopping you, they will look for further evidence that you’re intoxicated, which include the following:

  • A flushed appearance
  • Alcohol on the breath
  • Fumbling with wallet when asked for identification
  • Not comprehending an officer’s requests or questions
  • Unsteady on feet, including swaying and leaning on vehicle for support
  • Being defensive or combative
  • Disheveled appearance
  • Not knowing the time or location
  • Slurred speech

How Else Can A Police Officer Determine If Someone Is Drunk?

A police officer may use several tactics to determine if you’re under the influence of alcohol or any other substance, including:

Field Sobriety Testing

If a police officer suspects you have too much alcohol or another drug in your system, they may require you to complete a series of tasks. Examples include standing on one leg, walking in a line heel to toe, or repeating a set of numbers or phrases. If you fail, they might detain you or ask you to take another chemical test. From a legal standpoint, it’s in your best interest to respectfully decline all field sobriety testing, as this carries no penalties. If you refuse a field sobriety test after you are arrested, you can get your driver’s license suspended for a substantial amount of time and you should consult with a field sobriety testing attorney.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Testing

Officers may also ask you to submit to a chemical test that measures the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream. This can be taken directly from your blood, or more usually, by a mathematical calculation from your breath. If you test above a .08, you are above the legal limit and may be charged with drunk driving. You can refuse to take a breathalyzer or other chemical test during a stop, but an “implied consent” law says that this refusal may result in your driver’s license automatically being suspended. Remember, if your case makes it to trial, a jury may still see your refusal as an admission of guilt.

Contact the DUI Defense Lawyers at Orent Law Offices In Phoenix To Get Legal Assistance Today

For more information, contact the DUI defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.

Search Our Site

Call Now Button