Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are more serious than minor traffic infractions. They result in criminal charges rather than just citations. Those accused of impaired driving are at risk of probation, jail time and even a driver’s license suspension.
Many people facing DUI charges worry that the state has a strong case and that they may have a difficult time proving that they were sober enough to drive. In some cases, motorists might have questions about the circumstances leading to their arrest and prosecution.
The law limits the conduct of law enforcement professionals in a variety of scenarios. For example, Washington is one of the states that does not allow DUI checkpoints or sobriety roadblocks. However, there are many other opportunities for police officers to arrest people on suspicion of a DUI offense. The following are the most common reasons that people face DUI charges
Involvement in a crash
When people get into car crashes, law enforcement professionals have to investigate and put together a collision report. Part of that process involves determining the underlying cause of the crash. Officers may ask both drivers to submit to chemical tests. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault for the wreck, a motorist who fails a chemical test could face DUI charges.
Clearly impaired driving
Sometimes, drivers have such a hard time following traffic rules that other motorists report them to the authorities. If police officers receive calls from concerned citizens, they may conduct a targeted traffic stop. Other times, officers are the primary witnesses who see a driver swerving all over the road or otherwise displaying impaired ability. When drivers show clear signs of intoxication, police officers have reason to initiate a one-on-one traffic stop, ask them questions and further investigate their suspicions.
Unrelated traffic stops
Quite a few Washington DUI arrests occur because of an unrelated traffic concern. Perhaps the driver has a vehicle issue that they may not know about, such as a burned-out brake light. An officer might pull them over to inform them, only to notice signs of potential intoxication. Maybe the driver ran a red light or exceeded the speed limit. Minor traffic offenses and vehicle issues can lead to traffic stops that may culminate in DUI arrests. Even if a driver didn’t demonstrate poor capabilities, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the limit can be enough of a reason to arrest them.
The circumstances leading to DUI charges can have a direct bearing on the best defense strategy to use. Reviewing what happened before a driver’s arrest with a skilled legal team could clarify viable options for a criminal defense strategy.