Not long after the kids go back to school, “bugs” start going around and it just a matter of time before your entire house can be bedridden with the flu or common cold. These conditions usually start with fever, itchy and watery eyes, muscle aches and pains, or an inability to keep down solid foods. Most medical conditions are identifiable by their symptoms, and it is those symptoms that doctors look for when coming up with a treatment plan. Just like a physician knows what to look for when you come to a doctor’s appointment for a virus, a police officer has a list of some common characteristics of drivers who have been drinking before turning the key in the ignition.
An organization devoted to putting an end to drinking and driving has this list, which includes five of the most frequently cited “symptoms” that a person was drunk while behind the wheel:
- Driving too fast, or too slow for the posted speed limit.
- Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs.
- Weaving in and out of traffic, or within the driving lane.
- Slow response time from a stopped position, either at a light or stop sign.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road, or straddling the center line. Hugging the shoulder is also a sign that the driver is incapacitated in some way.
Other driving patterns that might indicate the driver has been drinking include driving on sidewalks, hitting parked cars, or tailgating other vehicles. When a police officer witnesses any of these actions, the driver can be pulled over on suspicion of DUI. When the driving behavior includes a violation of traffic laws, like speeding, the officer is likely to make a stop for that infraction and “discover” the DUI during the stop. In some instances there are other factors that cause an officer to believe a person has had too much to drink before driving, such as texting while driving or driving fatigued. These facts are all a part of your defense, and should be brought to the Court’s attention when defending your case.
If you have questions about DUI defense, call our office for help. Contact us today schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. The first visit is a free initial consultation.