We all know that when you fail to follow the traffic rules, you can get pulled over. In the best case scenario you may drive away with a speeding ticket, and in the worst case you might end up in an accident and be charged with a crime. Some possibilities include vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and DUI. Any of these more serious crimes can lead to the loss of your driver’s license and time spent in jail. In order to avoid being stopped at all, it is best to take the wheel only when you are fit to do so, and have not been drinking or taking any other prohibited substance. However, there are certain driving behaviors that mimic driving while intoxicated, and it is important to know what those are so you can also take measures to avoid engaging in suspicious behavior.
Three driving patterns that may get you pulled over and charged with a DUI are:
- Driving at a speed other than the posted speed limit. When this type of driving pattern is mentioned most people automatically think of driving too fast, but did you know that driving too slow can also get you pulled over for suspicion of DUI? And, driving well below the speed limit can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. Any time you drive in a way that puts other motorists at risk of danger, you can appear to be driving while intoxicated and pulled over for the offense. If this does happen to you and you have been drinking, you will likely be arrested for DUI if you fail the field sobriety test. However, if you are pulled over under these circumstances and have not been drinking you can still receive a ticket.
- Changing lanes quickly, and often can appear to others as though you are driving while intoxicated. This type of driving habit is hazardous, and can cause serious injury if a wreck happens. Even if you are not drinking while making too many quick lane changes, you can still receive a traffic citation for reckless driving.
- Failing to stop at stop signs, railroad crossing, traffic lights, or failing to obey other traffic signals and signs. Disregard of the signs posted to regulate how a driver should behave while behind the wheel is an offense, and if you are caught not following the rules of the road as posted by these signs, you can be pulled over and given a ticket.
For help with a traffic ticket (cite from site) or DUI, call our office. We have experience defending against all sorts of traffic violations, from speeding to first or subsequent DUI cases. We can also help with traffic tickets for things like reckless driving or DUI manslaughter.
For more information about DUI and other traffic cases, call our office today. 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.