Police officers who are patrolling the streets have to comply with many laws and regulations. One thing that some people may not realize is that an officer can’t initiate a traffic stop just because they feel like it. Instead, all traffic stops have to be based on reasonable suspicion.
There are various ways that the standard of reasonable suspicion can be met. In the case of a suspected drunk driving stop, the officer has to see something that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the driver is too impaired to drive.
What are some signs that could lead to reasonable suspicion?
Impaired drivers often exhibit similar behaviors, one of which is swerving between lanes. They may also stop without a valid cause or almost hit things on the side of the road. Some drivers drive too fast or too slow for the current road conditions. Other signs, such as failing to turn on lights or wipers when necessary, can also signal impairment.
What happens if the officer initiates the traffic stop?
If the officer decides to initiate a traffic stop, they will try to determine what’s going on with the driver. This will usually involve them talking to the driver and assessing the situation to see if there are any other signs that point to impairment or another cause. If they still believe that impairment is the cause, they may ask the driver to take a field sobriety test or a roadside breath test. Those may lead to them seeking a chemical test that’s admissible in court and the driver being arrested.
People who are facing a drunk driving charge should explore their options for a defense strategy as quickly as possible. It may be beneficial to work with someone who’s familiar with how these cases work so they can offer guidance throughout the process.