What is a DUI and how to proceed when you get one?
People basically think that driving under the influence (DUI) means driving while drunk or while intoxicated. Yes, we agree and even though the definition of a DUI is self-explanatory, it can get a little complex when it comes to the law.
The Stop
In most DUI cases, police pull the motorist over because of signs of impairment (such as swerving) or a traffic violation (even something minor like a broken taillight will suffice). Generally, a stop is legal so long as police had reasonable suspicion of a crime or probable cause to believe the driver committed a traffic violation. If the police truly had no reasonable cause to pull you over, later in your case your lawyer can bring a motion to suppress, which can result in the entire case being thrown out.
Police Observations
Traffic detentions typically begin with the officer asking for your license and registration. The officer is likely to take note if, during this interaction, you show signs of impairment—things like fumbling around with your documents or the odor of alcohol or marijuana. Any such observations will undoubtedly show up in the police report, which you’ll typically see for the first time at your arraignment.
Police Questioning
During a DUI stop, police almost always ask the driver if they’ve had anything to drink. In response, most motorists say something like, “just a beer or two with dinner”—usually an underestimation of what they actually drank. Police, having heard these types of responses innumerable times, isn’t likely to stop there—especially if there are other indicators that you’re drunk or have been using drugs. After receiving confirmation that you’ve been drinking—whatever the amount—most cops are going to want to investigate further. (Learn about the right to remain silent in response to police questioning.)
When Police Can Search Your Car
Generally, if police have probable cause to believe there’s incriminating evidence inside your car, they can search it without a warrant. For instance, an officer might see or smells things during a DUI stop that give them a reason to suspect there are drugs in the car. If that’s the case, police could be justified in not only searching the interior of your car, but also the glove box, trunk, and closed containers such as backpacks. Another common justification for an automobile search is driver consent: Generally, police can look inside your car if you give them permission to do so.
Roadside Tests
An officer who suspects someone of drunk driving will often seek to confirm the suspicions using some roadside tests: field sobriety tests (FSTs) and a “preliminary alcohol screening” (PAS) test (commonly called a breathalyzer). These tests are typically voluntary.
Field Sobriety Tests
There are lots of different FSTs that police use. But the most common is the three “standardized” FSTs, the:
• horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN)
• walk and turn, and
• one-leg stand.
Police Reports
Most people are curious to see the DUI police report, which describes in the officer’s words what happened. In most states, the police report isn’t available until your first day in court, the arraignment. Because the report describes the case against you, it’s an important tool for deciding how best to handle your case. An experienced DUI attorney can often identify the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s case by reviewing the police report.
Mandatory Chemical Tests and Implied Consent
All 50 states have “implied consent” laws that require motorists lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to chemical testing. The purpose of the testing—usually of the breath or blood—is to measure the number of drugs or alcohol in the driver’s system. Motorists who refuse to test normally face consequences that can include:
• license suspension
• fines, and
• having to install an ignition interlock device (IID).
And if the case goes to trial, the prosecution can normally tell the jury about the defendant’s refusal. In some states, you can even be convicted of a separate crime for refusing a chemical test. In these states, a refusal can lead to two separate criminal convictions: one for DUI, and another for the refusal. However, in 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court held that laws criminalizing refusal to take a blood test were unconstitutional. But the Court did say that it’s generally okay for a law to criminalize refusing to submit to a breath test. (To read more about the Supreme Court’s decision, see DUI Testing: Breath, Blood, and Warrants.)
Arrest, Detention, and Release
If police determine there’s probable cause to arrest you for driving under the influence, you’ll likely be cuffed and taken to the local jail or police station. When police arrest for a DUI, they typically take your driver’s license and give you a temporary paper driving permit, which is the DUI citation.The temporary permit is normally effective for only ten days. We can then commence the process of fighting the suspension and obtaining a permit that will generally last as long as the issue is being litigated at the DHSMV. At the jail or police station, police will book and cite you for the offense. You’ll normally stay in jail until someone bails you out or a judge releases you on bond or pre trial release. If you were arrested on a Friday, and not bailed out, you might have to spend the entire weekend in jail. The good news is that you’ll get credit against any future sentence imposed for the time you’ve already spent in jail.
Get Legal Help
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, it’s a good idea to get in contact with Carlos Gonzalez, an experienced DUI attorney in Miami, Florida. DUI laws vary by state, and the facts of every case are different. A qualified DUI lawyer can help you understand what the law is in your state and explained any possible defenses you might have.