Ocala DUI Traffic Stop Defense Attorneys
Do you know how a DUI arrest occurs? Police will pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation, reckless driving, or an accident. If police determine that you are intoxicated, they may have you perform field sobriety tests. Then they may test your blood alcohol content (BAC). Anything can go wrong during these tests and you could soon be arrested and behind bars—even if you weren’t truly intoxicated. Contact an Ocala DUI traffic stop defense attorney to protect your driving privileges and your future.
What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop?
Police will look for signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, red eyes, alcohol odor on the breath, and empty beer bottles in the vehicle. If police believe that the driver is intoxicated, they may ask the driver to perform field sobriety tests. They may ask questions, such as whether or not the driver was drinking. Police may also ask the driver to take a Breathalyzer test.
Remember, in Florida, it is against the law to drive:
- With a BAC of 0.08 or above.
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol if they cause impairment.
What this means is that a BAC of 0.05 to 0.08 can be a gray area. It may be determined that one of the driver’s faculties was impaired at 0.06. This will require additional evidence for the prosecutor.
If the police officer has probable cause to arrest the driver for DUI, the driver will be taken to the local sheriff’s department. The driver’s car will be towed and impounded. The driver may be released later that night and given a citation to appear in court. If the person was extremely intoxicated or has a history of DUI convictions, they may be forced to stay in jail until they appear in court.
What Not to Do
When pulled over by police for a DUI traffic stop, do not do the following:
- Answer questions. If a police officer asks you if you were drinking, you do not have to answer. You have the right to remain silent and contact an attorney.
- Refuse a BAC test. Even if you are not intoxicated, refusing a blood, breath, or urine test will result in having your driver’s license suspended for one year.
- Allow police to arrest you for no reason. The police officer does not know what you were doing before the traffic stop. Make sure the traffic stop was warranted. Why were you pulled over? Why do police suspect you are intoxicated?
Contact an Ocala DUI Traffic Stop Defense Attorney Today
Getting pulled over for a DUI traffic stop can be scary. A DUI conviction comes with many penalties. You could face fines, jail time, license loss, probation, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, counseling sessions, substance abuse treatment, increased insurance premiums, and more.
Let the criminal defense attorneys at Meldon Law help you with your case. We will work aggressively to keep a conviction off your permanent record. Schedule a consultation with our Ocala DUI traffic stop defense attorneys today by calling (800) 373-3000.
