Bethesda DUI Traffic Stops
During a Bethesda DUI traffic stop, an individual should expect that an officer is going to ask for their license and registration if they are driving a vehicle. The officer is also going to ask them at some point whether or not they have consumed any alcohol.
If an officer suspects driving under the influence of alcohol or while impaired by alcohol during that traffic stop, they are likely going to ask a person to step out of the vehicle to begin participating in a number of standardized field sobriety tests.
If you have been charged with a crime as a result of a Bethesda DUI traffic stop, it is pertinent that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to help reduce any consequences associated with your charge.
Field Sobriety Tests
A person might be asked to follow a stimulus with eyes, which is referred to as the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, perhaps walk and turn on a line, which is going to be a divided attention test associated with motor skills, and perhaps balance on one foot or a one leg stand test, which tests for balance and motor skills as well as the ability to follow instructions.
A person might be asked to submit to a preliminary breath test, which is a small portable device to blow into by their vehicle. Subsequently, they may be placed under arrest, depending on the results of all of those tests, taken to the station, and offered a more formal breathalyzer test at the station.
Charging an Individual
If an individual is arrested during a Bethesda DUI traffic stop and is offered a formal breathalyzer test and if the officer believes it is appropriate, they may be charged with a number of different traffic violations, as well as incarcerable criminal violations for driving under the influence or while impaired by alcohol.
Usually, a first time DUI offender for standard DUI, and even second or third-time offender for standard DUIs, are not likely to be held for extended periods of time. Likely, they are released immediately after they are processed at the station, but are not given access to their vehicle for usually anywhere between 12 to 24 hours, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Subsequently, the individual is given a series of papers involving court dates and motor vehicle administration hearings that an attorney with experience in these kinds of cases can help them navigate through.
Cooperating with an Officer
During a Bethesda DUI traffic stop, a person should keep in mind that it is important to cooperate with the officer. Even if the person does not want to cooperate with the officer, the person should be polite when rejecting to cooperate by saying that they are not comfortable taking field sobriety tests or not comfortable making certain statements, which most officers understand.
Law enforcement is well aware of constitutional principles. They have been trained on constitutional principles, and many of them will respect the fact that the person is invoking their right to remain silent to not incriminate themselves by not making certain statements.
It is only when people find themselves in situations when they are combative, a situation might escalate to something more than it needs to in a particular case. If declining to cooperate with an officer’s questions or investigation, a person should be polite about it. Even if they feel the officer is being aggressive, it is important to make the situation as calm as one can possibly make it.
Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid during a Bethesda DUI traffic stop is to be combative or hostile with the police officer. No matter what, people should recognize that in most of those circumstances, it is the police officer who has the power as a police officer’s word is likely going to be given weight than the driver’s words when it comes to a recitation of the events in a court room.
It is important to be polite and cooperative, even if the person’s intention is not to provide the officer with any additional information. Simply saying to an officer that an individual respectfully wishes to have their attorney present is a perfectly fine answer when interacting with the police officer throughout the DUI traffic stop.