Being stopped for suspicion of Driving While Impaired (DWI) in Charlotte, North Carolina normally involves the following steps:
Before you are pulled over, an officer must be able to observe that an individual is driving in a manner that suggests the driver is impaired, in order to establish reasonable suspicion. A Police officer will observe the driver and compare the witnessed behavior to established DWI factors. These include things like: crossing the centerline, weaving in traffic, almost colliding with other vehicles, etc. Once they've established reasonable suspicion to pull a driver over, they can flash the blue lights and begin the DWI stop process.
Once the driver has been pulled over for a suspected DWI, they will begin interacting with the driver in order to evaluate their suspicions for impairment. Typically, the first question will be to ask for a license and registration. Often, the police officer will ask a follow up question or two to establish intoxication, such as: "Have you been drinking tonight" or "How many drinks have you had tonight?" In addition to listening to your answer, they will be attempting to detect the odor of alcohol, slurring of words, or signs of overall impairment. If they feel that the driver is indeed potentially intoxicated, they can ask for a field sobriety test.
Upon request to perform field sobriety tests, the individual has the right to decline or refuse these tests. Unfortunately, refusal to perform field sobriety tests will generally lead to an arrest for suspicion of DWI, and an immediate revocation of driving privileges. If you consent to a field test, you may be asked to perform a variety of functions designed to evaluate motor skills, hand eye coordination, and mental acuity. Often times, at the end of these tests, the officer will ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test to determine the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.
Following a field sobriety test, if the officer believes the individual shows signs intoxication or impairment, the police officer will make an arrest for suspicion of DWI. After the arrest, the officer will typically restrain the individual, make arrangements for a tow truck or sober passenger to handle the vehicle, and drive the individual to the police station for processing.
If you have been charged with a DWI, don't hesitate to Contact Us at Minick Law, P.C. for a free consultation. We will zealously fight your charges in order to receive the best possible outcome of your case.
Before you are pulled over, an officer must be able to observe that an individual is driving in a manner that suggests the driver is impaired, in order to establish reasonable suspicion. A Police officer will observe the driver and compare the witnessed behavior to established DWI factors. These include things like: crossing the centerline, weaving in traffic, almost colliding with other vehicles, etc. Once they've established reasonable suspicion to pull a driver over, they can flash the blue lights and begin the DWI stop process.
Once the driver has been pulled over for a suspected DWI, they will begin interacting with the driver in order to evaluate their suspicions for impairment. Typically, the first question will be to ask for a license and registration. Often, the police officer will ask a follow up question or two to establish intoxication, such as: "Have you been drinking tonight" or "How many drinks have you had tonight?" In addition to listening to your answer, they will be attempting to detect the odor of alcohol, slurring of words, or signs of overall impairment. If they feel that the driver is indeed potentially intoxicated, they can ask for a field sobriety test.
Upon request to perform field sobriety tests, the individual has the right to decline or refuse these tests. Unfortunately, refusal to perform field sobriety tests will generally lead to an arrest for suspicion of DWI, and an immediate revocation of driving privileges. If you consent to a field test, you may be asked to perform a variety of functions designed to evaluate motor skills, hand eye coordination, and mental acuity. Often times, at the end of these tests, the officer will ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test to determine the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.
Following a field sobriety test, if the officer believes the individual shows signs intoxication or impairment, the police officer will make an arrest for suspicion of DWI. After the arrest, the officer will typically restrain the individual, make arrangements for a tow truck or sober passenger to handle the vehicle, and drive the individual to the police station for processing.
If you have been charged with a DWI, don't hesitate to Contact Us at Minick Law, P.C. for a free consultation. We will zealously fight your charges in order to receive the best possible outcome of your case.
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