What happens in a DUI traffic stop?

  • If you are ever stopped while driving for suspicion of DUI, it is absolutely critical that you make every attempt to remember all of the details possible, because that is the only information your attorney will have, and because the officer making the stop will also have access to a myriad of details (from their perspective)
  • In making their detailed report of the stop, the police will write down everything that happened, but the may omit or gloss over significant details
  • If you are stopped, the police officer may not tell you exactly why you were stopped; you can politely ask why you were stopped
  • When stopping you, the officer will have several factors in mind; one would be the traffic basis for the stop, other is time of day. In the evening, driving under the influence is more common
  • The officer will observe your behavior, your appearance, your clothes
  • He or she will listen to see if your speech is slurred, whether they can smell alcohol on your breath
  • Don’t get out of the car unless asked by the officer; then, get out and follow instructions
  • You may be asked to take an agility test; if you have any physical impediments that could negatively affect your performance, make sure to tell the officer before taking the test
  • If you are asked any questions, answer them objectively and truthfully; do NOT exaggerate or underplay the facts. Doing so could bite you later in court when the officer could testify that you lied to him or her.
  • It is perfectly permissible to not answer any questions