DUI Arrests
New Jersey law enforcement rely on reasoning and evidence for DUI arrests. To make an arrest, they must have solid evidence. Barring this evidence, they must have a probable cause to arrest.
But what is a probable cause to arrest? Today we will look into the signs an officer may look for. These signs may point to DUI-related crimes. When combined with failed field sobriety tests, they give officers a reason to arrest you.
Probable cause and arrest
FieldSobrietyTests.org examines probable causes to arrest in relation to DUI incidents. Officers look for signs of intoxication in a driver. They use these signs to make their arrests. Of course, this is barring the presence of a failed blood alcohol content (BAC) or breath test. Officers often use these signs and field sobriety test results to make arrest decisions.
Signs of probable cause in DUI drivers
The first thing officers look for are bloodshot eyes. Alcohol often causes the eyes to become red. Watery eyes are also a potential indicator of a DUI driver. Next, they look for slurred speech. Studies show speech patterns go through significant changes as BAC levels rise. Slurring one’s words is a sign typical of intoxicated drivers. Finally, officers look for the smell of alcohol. In many DUI drivers, the smell of alcohol lingers on their breath or clothing.
But drivers should understand that these signs to not guarantee driver intoxication. They are only probable causes to arrest. They do not prove that you are guilty. This is especially true for probable causes. Many have potential explanations that have nothing to do with alcohol.
