CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

What Initial Physical and Behavioral Symptoms Do Police Officers Look For During a DUI Stop?

What Are The Signs The Police Officer Will Look for When Investigating A DUI Stop in Los Angeles?

When a police officer pulls a driver over in Los Angeles for a driving violation, they are on the lookout for any indication that the driver might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These signs could be anything from swerving or speeding to driving too slowly. Once the officer approaches the vehicle, they will actively seek out particular signs in the driver’s behavior and physical appearance that may arouse suspicion.

A qualified DUI lawyer in Los Angeles is well versed in the signs of intoxication that the police officer will look for, as well as how a driver’s behavior and physical appearance can be misinterpreted, leading to an investigation, and even an arrest. Todd Spodek, an experienced DUI lawyer, can argue in court against the validity of some of these signs and defend a driver against any misinterpretations of the officer’s observations.

The Scent of Alcohol

One of the first things that the officer will look for is the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath. However, the odor can also come from other passengers in the car, not just the driver. The smell of alcohol alone is not proof of intoxication, as different types of alcohol produce stronger or weaker odors, and bodies metabolize them differently. A police officer’s observation of the smell of alcohol may mislead them and encourage them to conduct further investigations.

Speech

The police officer will also engage the driver in conversation to judge their speech patterns. They will listen for fast or slow talking, slurred words, mumbling, high or low volume, or the driver being “unintelligible.” Intoxication means a lack of control over speech, which may include physical slurring and difficulty with mental clarity, making it challenging for drivers to answer questions appropriately. However, many reasons could contribute to a driver’s inability to speak normally, such as fatigue or illness, nerves, or being naturally inarticulate.

Poor Physical Coordination

If an officer suspects that a driver has been drinking, they may request the driver to do a field sobriety test, which is a formal exercise. In this exercise, a driver may become nervous and unsteady, with shaking hands, clumsiness, or lack of coordination. Nonetheless, there are numerous reasons a driver may seem unsteady or fail to conduct physical exercises correctly that are unrelated to being under the influence. A driver may have been sedentary for a long time, tripped on their own shoes, or just be naturally uncoordinated.

If you have been arrested or charged with driving under the influence, Todd Spodek recommends hiring an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney who can offer a comprehensive defense against those charges. He or she will consider your individual circumstances and prepare a defense tailored to your case. Todd Spodek is your man. Contact Todd Spodek today.

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