Arrests based on drunk driving charges are one of the most common types of arrests that law enforcement officers make throughout the country, including in Pennsylvania. Every day in State College, Lock Haven and across Pennsylvania, people make the mistake of getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming too much alcohol. But, how do police officers find drunk drivers? What driving behaviors might tip off a police officer that a driver is intoxicated?
Drunk driving often draws the attention of police through bad driving. For instance, when a driver accelerates too quickly, or decelerates by slamming on the brakes, that may attract the attention of a nearby police officer or passerby who decides to notify the police. Driving too fast or too slow are also signs that a driver might be intoxicated. Traffic violations, such as weaving over the center line or off to the right over the white line, or failing to use turn signals, are also driving behaviors that might pique the interest of a police officer.
Even when a driver isn’t intoxicated and commits these driving mistakes, it might lead to a traffic citation. However, if the driver is intoxicated, a drunk driving charge can be life-altering.
What many of our readers might not know is that the initial reason for conducting a traffic stop might be an issue to question in a drunk driving case. The question is, did the police officer have a valid reason to stop the vehicle in the first place? If not, the entire interaction between the police officer and the driver may be subject to a legal challenge.
This is why it is important that you always consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before agreeing to plead guilty. You may learn that there are grounds for a dismissal or reduction of your charges.