Philadelphia DUI Defense AttorneyEveryone knows that drunk driving is against the law, and most of us know that the repercussions from a DUI conviction have become significantly harsher over the years. You might have heard stories about how, decades ago, the police would tell drunk drivers to go home or would offer them a ride home. Regardless of the accuracy of these accounts, selective enforcement is almost unheard of today. If the police suspect that you may be driving drunk, you will be arrested and charged with DUI.

So, how do police catch drunk drivers? The information below will explain some of the more common ways that police make initial contact with drivers.

DUI Checkpoints

The most overt method by which police enforce DUI laws is by setting up a DUI checkpoint. All drivers must pass through the checkpoint. Police randomly stop cars to carefully observe the driver. While critics question their constitutionality, checkpoints have consistently been upheld by courts as legal when they are carefully tailored to comply with certain rules.

Traffic Stops Based on Non-Moving Violations

The police often use a non-moving violation as a reason to stop a driver when he is driving late at night or leaving an area that has many bars or restaurants. While there may be no indication that a driver has been drinking based on his driving, the fact that the vehicle has expired plates or a broken taillight can give an officer justification to stop a car to speak with the driver.

Traffic Violations or Erratic Behavior

If officers observe a vehicle driving erratically, weaving, driving too slowly, speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, or showing other signs of possible driver intoxication, they may stop the car because they suspect that the driver is drunk.

Not Every DUI Arrest Leads to a Conviction

A police allegation that you were driving while drunk does not make it true. An experienced lawyer may find evidence to cast doubt upon the claim that you were driving while intoxicated and may be able to discover procedural errors that could cause your case to be dismissed. For these reasons, if you have been arrested for drunk driving, you should have your case reviewed by an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can.

Call Skinner Law Today to Speak with a Philadelphia DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Pennsylvania, you are likely facing serious consequences, including probation, fines, the loss of your license, community service, and even jail time. As a result, it is imperative that you have your case reviewed by an attorney immediately. To schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia DUI defense lawyer, call us today at 610-436-1410 or send us an email through our online contact form.

Article Author

Michael J. Skinner, the founder of Skinner Law Firm LLC, is a former prosecutor with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

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