What Do Officers Look for When Identifying Drunk Drivers?
When the police pull an erratic driver over, they will look for signs of intoxication. As such, understanding what physical and behavioral signs are indicative of alcohol or drug consumption is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and how a Bergen County, NJ DWI attorney can help if you’ve been arrested for drunk driving.
What Signs of Intoxications Will Officers Look For?
Before the police even attempt to pull you over, the first sign that you are intoxicated will be displayed through your driving. Because of the impact alcohol has on your brain, it can severely affect your ability to safely drive a vehicle. You may speed, drive too slowly, swerve in and out of lanes, disobey traffic signs, or drive on the wrong side of the road. These behaviors all warrant the police to pull you over.
Once you have been pulled over, the police will physically examine you during the traffic stop. This includes looking at the physical symptoms, like bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and sweating. In addition, the officer will also take note of the smell of alcohol or marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
Finally, the officer will take note of your behavior during the interaction, such as slurred speech, repeating the same phrases, or speaking in unclear terms.
If the officer has any suspicions that you have been drinking, they will likely ask you to perform a breathalyzer test. If your breathalyzer shows that your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is at or over 0.08% you will immediately be placed under arrest, as this is the legal limit. It’s important to note that you can also be charged with a DWI if you have any amount of alcohol in your system that the officer determines has impacted your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
What Penalties Will Drunk Drivers Face?
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you’ll find the penalties can be incredibly severe, even if it is just your first offense.
If you have a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%, you will face a license suspension until you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, up to $400 in fines, insurance surcharges, and the potential for up to thirty days in jail for this offense. The higher your BAC is, however, the more intense the penalties become.
It’s important to understand that there may be other reasons that you could be displaying symptoms of intoxication, even if you have no alcohol in your system. For example, you may find that certain medical conditions can impact your physical appearance or behavior.
When you are facing legal troubles, it’s imperative to ensure you connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide you through these complicated times. At the Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC, our team will examine the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action. If you need help, our firm is here. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you.