The Initial DUI Traffic Stop

Police officers are not supposed to pull people over at random. They must have “probable cause,” or otherwise a good reason to do so. In order for a police officer to pull you over on suspicion of drunk driving, they must have either first received a report about your drunk driving (as in another driver calling 911) or, they must have observed you either driving erratically, or violating a traffic law.

Once a police officer pulls you over, he or she will ask for your license and registration. At this point, they will be observing your behavior. They will be looking for obvious signs of “intoxication.” Obvious signs can include slurred speech, alcohol on the breath, loud and obnoxious behavior, or even openly admitting that you had been drinking. Once an officer suspects you are intoxicated, they will ask you to step outside of the vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests.

Field sobriety tests are standardized tests used by all law enforcement. They are based on the observations of the police officer. These tests are used to test your balance, coordination and your ability to follow directions. A person who is in fact inebriated would fail these tests miserably in most cases. For example, the “one leg stand,” tests a person’s balance. A drunk person would keep dropping their other leg to the ground and would therefore fail that test.

One Way Trip to the Police Station

If a police officer feels they have probable cause to arrest you for DUI, then you will be transported to the police station. There you will be asked to submit to a chemical test. Most of the times you will be asked to breathe into a breathalyzer. At this point in time, you will be fingerprinted and you will have your mug shot taken. After you are booked, you will be held in jail until the following day, where you may be released or arraigned.

Being arrested for DUI is a very nerve-wracking experience. Hiring an attorney immediately after your arrest is extremely important to the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman, a Michigan DUI lawyer from our firm will represent you at your arraignment. It is essential that you speak with us before you plead guilty or no contest. We may be able to help you receive a reduction in the charges against you, so that your freedom and your driving privileges are not compromised.

Contact a Michigan DUI attorney from our firm for a free initial consultation today!