There are many things that come to mind about drunk-driving traffic stops. Trying to figure out what to do and what will happen can be challenging. You have to consider the specific scenario that you are in so that you can make the most strategic decisions.
One of the first things that you need to determine is why you were stopped by the police. This might be because the officer saw you driving erratically or it might be because you were involved in an accident. The reason you need to know this is because it can have an impact on how you handle your defense if you are charged with drunk driving.
When the officer stops you, they are also assessing you and your condition to ascertain whether you are sober or possibly intoxicated. Smelling like alcohol, having red eyes and acting erratically are all signs that you might be impaired. The officer might ask you to perform field sobriety tests or take a chemical test.
If you fail the field sobriety test or opt not to take it, you will almost certainly be asked to take a chemical test. This can be a breath, urine or blood test. The test results will determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. For most drivers over 21 years old, anything at or above .08% is considered impaired.
Those facing criminal charges for drunk driving also need to address the administrative process to retain their driving privileges. Working out your defense strategies with your criminal defense attorney can take time, so get started right away.