What Happens When a Police Officer Stops You for a DUI

What Happens When a Police Officer Stops You for a DUI

DUI Attorney

When a police officer pulls you over, your first thought is likely “what did I do?” followed quickly with feelings of anxiety and stress. Usually, we assume that we must have been driving over the posted speed limit or that we may have a taillight out. Clearly, when a police officer pulls someone over, they do so because they have a specific reason. It would not make sense for a police officer to randomly begin pulling people over and attempting to find things the driver did wrong. So, when it comes to suspected driving under the influence, a police officer needs to have a good reason for pulling you over. Attorneys have seen people being pulled over for a DUI without reasonable suspicion, and this is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Thus, if you believe your Fourth Amendment has been violated regarding a DUI charge or arrest, please contact us now.

When can a police officer pull me over for a DUI?

When we think of police officers searching your property, most people know that to come into your home and search it you either need to let them in or they need a judge to give them a warrant. However, the laws are completely different when it comes to cars. To pull you over, they simply need a reasonable suspicion that you are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

  1. Checkpoints. To deter people from driving drunk or under the influence of drugs, many states have encouraged police officers to use checkpoints during times of the day and week that people are most likely to be driving under the influence. Thus, even if you were not driving in a way that was suspicious—and even if you did not have a sip of alcohol—once you hit a checkpoint a police officer has the right to examine you. While it may seem inconvenient for drivers on the road, it is a legal way to deter drunk driving.
  2. Suspicion of Intoxication. If you are driving in a way that makes a police officer suspect you of drunk driving, they have a right to pull you over. This could be from you not using your turn signal, swerving in and out of lanes, or driving too quickly or slowly.
  3. Pulling You Over for a Routine Traffic Stop. If a police officer pulls you over for another reason (you were speeding, you rolled through a stop sign) and sees an open bottle of alcohol in the front seat or can smell alcohol on your breath, they have a reason to begin examining you to see if you are driving under the influence.

If a police officer did not legally have a reason to pull you over and examine you for driving under the influence, though, this is a violation of your rights, and you should speak with a DUI attorney in Virginia to see how they can help you if you were charged with a DUI. Please give a law office a call as soon as you can.  

Thanks to the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense and police stops for a DUI.

No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and law practices. Such materials are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or counsel. Information may not reflect current legal standards. For legal advice specific to your needs, contact an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Do not rely on any statement on this website for any reason whatsoever. Furthermore, the information contained in this website is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice or representation. Your review or use of this web site, its information and links does not create an attorney-client relationship or an attorney-client privilege between this law firm and you. Statements made to this firm before the formation of an attorney-client relationship may not be privileged and confidential.


Other Resources
Truck Accident Lawyer DC | DC Car Accident Lawyer | Elizabeth, NJ Workers Comp Attorney | DC Personal Injury Attorney | Baltimore Automobile Accident Lawyer | Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Truck Accident Lawyer Baltimore | Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer | Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore | Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer | Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyers | Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyers | Baltimore Wrongful Death Lawyer | Defective Product lawyer Denver CO | Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Attorney | Car Accident Law Firm Indianapolis | Who is the Top Bankruptcy Lawyer in Cypress TX | Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Los Angeles CA


© COPYRIGHT 2024 CRIMINAL LAWYERS OF WASHINGTON, DC | POWERED BY SEO Marketing For Attorneys