Being pulled over because a law enforcement officer suspects that you’ve been drinking can be stressful. Having an idea of what to expect if this happens may help you to make more informed decisions about how to handle yourself during a traffic stop.
Once you’re stopped, the police officer will need to determine what’s going on. Typically, the process starts with talking to you. During that process, the officer may look for signs of impairment, such as slurred words or a smell of alcohol on your breath.
Determining impairment
The officer may ask you to take a field sobriety test. While there are many tests they may perform, there are only three that are reliable enough to be used as evidence in a drunk driving case. The standardized field sobriety test is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because it can provide accurate indications of impairment when it’s administered properly.
Another way they can determine if a driver is impaired is through administration of a chemical test. During the traffic stop, while you’re on the side of the road, the officer may conduct a preliminary alcohol screening breath test, but these aren’t always accurate because of issues with calibration and the administration of the test. They may request a more accurate test to determine your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC).
A stationary breath test is often used to determine a BAC that can be entered into the record. This is also possible through a blood test or urinalysis. These samples and the testing method must be handled in accordance with established protocol. Any discrepancies could lead to you challenging the evidence during trial.
It’s critical for you to seek out legal assistance if you have drunk driving charges levied against you. This can help you to learn your options so you can determine which one is best for your circumstances. Ideally, you’ll do this quickly since some options might only be available for a limited time.