Getting Stopped for a DWI in Missouri
Before a driver can be cited for driving under the
influence, a police officer has to have a reason to contact that
person. There are several ways that this contact can come about:
- A traffic accident
- A stop due to traffic infractions observed by the officer
(i.e., speeding)
- A sobriety checkpoint
- Through investigation of another crime
- A stop due to unusual driving or actions observed by the officer.
Those are just the most typical. There are countless others.
In order for a police
officer to lawfully stop a moving vehicle, he or she must have "reasonable suspicion" that
a crime is being, has been, or will be committed. Of course,
this includes
traffic infractions like speeding, weaving out of a lane, or running
a stop sign.
If you are involved in a traffic accident that involves an injury
or death, or that does more than $500.00 worth of damage to the
vehicles or property involved, you are required by law to contact
the nearest police agency. In the event of an accident involving
less damage, you must exchange information with the other driver
and any police officer investigating the accident.
Frequently, law enforcement
agencies will set up "sobriety
checkpoints" where all drivers are required to stop. There
are very specific rules and regulations pertaining to this practice,
and they are illegal if not administered properly. Your attorney
can explain this area of the law to you.
 Go
to next document (Signs
of Intoxication)
Go to DWI
Guide table of contents
top of page
|
