Strong Criminal Defense Forged By
Over 20 Years Of Experience

Certain behaviors that could lead to a drunk driving traffic stop

On Behalf of | Oct 1, 2019 | DUI |

When you’re driving home from dinner after having a nice evening with your friends and family, seeing the flashing lights of a police car in your rearview mirror can ruin your entire night. Facing DUI charges is a serious legal concern, and the penalties you are up against can change the course of life. It’s in your interests to start thinking about ways you can defend yourself against these charges. 

Many people don’t understand why they get pulled over for suspected drunk driving. While people under the influence of drugs or alcohol may think they are driving safely, they may often be displaying certain behaviors that could catch the attention of law enforcement. There are certain actions that may be grounds for Florida police to stop a driver and determine if sobriety tests are necessary.

Common reasons for a DUI traffic stop

Police cannot simply pull a person over because they have to meet a certain quota or they do not like the color of that person’s hair. There are laws that protect the rights of citizens, including the right against unnecessary searches and stops by law enforcement. In order to make a valid traffic stop, police must have a reason to do so. This includes seeing things that could indicate a driver may be breaking the law. Some of these things include:

  • Swerving or drifting between lanes
  • Following other vehicles too closely
  • Braking for no reason and other erratic behaviors
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road or straddling the center line
  • Accelerating or slowing the vehicle too quickly
  • Hitting stationary vehicles or almost hitting stationary objects
  • Running red lights or through intersections
  • Making turns that are too wide
  • Holding their faces too close to the windshield

Even with reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop, a law enforcement officer must have valid grounds to make an arrest. There are also certain procedures they must follow when initiating sobriety tests and dealing with potential defendants.

Your defense starts now

Whether it’s your first offense or you have previous DUI convictions on your record, you will benefit from having a strong and thoughtful defense strategy ready to go. You can start on this process as soon as possible after an arrest, beginning with seeking an assessment of your case. Your future is worth protecting, and you do not have to fight back against these serious criminal charges alone.