DUI and DWAI arrests take place whenever the Greeley Police gather enough probable cause to make an arrest against someone who is suspected of drinking and driving. But what exactly do the Greeley Police look for when they think a person may be driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired? And what exactly do they need to have enough probable cause to arrest you? Learn more in the blog below with information provided by the best Weld County Driving Under the Influence lawyers, then contact us today if you’ve been charged with DUI or DWAI.
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1. Greeley Police Look for Signs of Drinking and Driving | Swerving, Speeding, and More 2. The Weld County Sheriff May Pull You Over for a Minor Traffic Offense First |
1. Greeley Police Look for Signs of Drinking and Driving | Swerving, Speeding, and More
If you were pulled over for DUI or DWAI, one reason is because a Greeley Police Officer observed how you drove and noticed signs that you might have been drinking and driving. Some of these signs include:
- Swerving in and out of your lane.
- Inability to maintain a consistent speed – i.e., speeding up and slowing back down.
- Nearly crashing into other cars or objects.
Once the officer pulls you over, they will then observe you to see if there are any signs of intoxication. There are many signs, but a few of these include:
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes, or eyes with heavily dilated pupils.
- Slurred speech.
- An odor of alcohol or marijuana.
2. The Weld County Sheriff May Pull You Over for a Minor Traffic Offense First
In some cases, a DUI / DWAI charge starts with being pulled over for a minor traffic offense by the Weld County Sheriff. The Deputy might not even suspect you of drinking and driving at first, but may instead pull you over for something like failing to signal, expired tags, running a red light, or speeding. When the Deputy approaches your car, they will then look for signs of intoxication. If they think you drove under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or another substance, you could be charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired. However, the Deputy needs to gather enough probable cause before they can make the arrest.
3. What is Probable Cause for DUI in Ault and Fort Lupton?
In Ault, Fort Lupton, and throughout Colorado, probable cause is the standard that a police officer must meet to arrest a person who is suspected of committing a crime. This protects people from being rounded up and arrested for no good reason, because an officer needs to justify why they made an arrest. In the context of DUI / DWAI, probable cause will likely mean a combination of the following:
- Observations of your driving.
- Observations of your appearance.
- Your Blood Alcohol Content / BAC. A BAC of 0.051 – 0.079 generally means DWAI charges, but a BAC of 0.08 or higher will usually mean being charged with DUI.
- Performance on field sobriety tests (which you should always politely decline).
- Statements from other people who witnessed your driving – e.g., passengers in your car or other drivers on the road.
The more the officer can gather demonstrating that you drove while intoxicated, the better justified they are in arresting you.
4. Contact a Top Greeley DUI Lawyer Today
The good news is that with a top Greeley DUI lawyer, many of these pieces of DUI / DWAI arrests can be challenged at the Weld County Court. Our attorneys can successfully dismantle the District Attorney’s arguments by challenging whether there was enough probable cause in the first place. Depending on your case, this could even mean total dismissal of your charges. If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired, do not wait to get in contact with the best Weld County DUI lawyers so that you can get the help you need to protect your future.
If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired, remember to be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss your case today with a top Greeley DUI lawyer. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Court is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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