Signs of Intoxication
When the police contact
a driver they are looking for specific symptoms of intoxication.
Typically, and almost without
fail, these include the odor of alcohol on a person's breath or
body, bloodshot or watery eyes, a flushed face, and slurred speech.
The officer will also watch to see if the driver fumbles when
trying
to get his or her driver's license out. Generally, if an officer
observes one or more of these clues, she will ask the driver
whether
he or she has had anything to drink. An individual is not required
to answer a potentially incriminating question and could refuse
to answer or ask for an attorney. Many people say that they have
had a "couple" of drinks, which is not necessarily incriminating.
However such "statements of consumption" will be used
against the person at later hearings. Whether a driver admits to
drinking or not, if the officer believes the driver has consumed
alcohol prior to driving, she will ask him to get out of the car.
At this point, the officer will be looking to see if the driver
staggers when getting out the vehicle, sways when walking, or leans
against the car for support.
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Sobriety Tests)
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