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What Is Probable Cause When It Comes To DUI Stops?

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A DUI is a serious court case that can have a considerable negative impact on our lives. DUI cases often hinge on the probable cause that law enforcement uses to pull individuals over. Experienced lawyers, like those at Amanda Hall Injury Law, can help you argue your case and even help get that probable cause thrown out.

Here’s how it works.

What is Probable Cause?

The concept of probable cause is very openly defined by its nature. The most basic definition of probable cause is that it occurs when a police officer as an indication that someone is either actively breaking the law or could be breaking the law.

The second part of this is what leaves it open to interpretation. There are a lot of things that could be breaking the law, but are perfectly legal. This is especially the case when it comes to examples of DUI probable cause.

Examples of DUI Probable Cause

There are a lot of different driving behaviors that could be indications of a DUI. These are typically focused on an individual’s control of their vehicle as well as breaking other laws while driving. You are with a few of the most common DUI probable causes.

  • Causing Traffic Accidents
  • Speeding
  • Driving Too Slow
  • Drifting Lanes
  • Sudden Swerves
  • Excessive Braking
  • Running Stop Signs or Lights

How a Lawyer Can Help Your DUI Case

An experienced lawyer, like the legal team at Amanda Hall Injury Law, can help you with your DUI Case. There are few big reasons why a lawyer can turn the tide of your legal situation.

It all comes down to what your DUI case looks like in front of a judge. It often comes down to the word of the individual being accused of a DUI against the word of law enforcement. Having an experienced legal team by your side is the best way to gain an advantage in this imbalanced situation.

Experienced lawyers can also help you navigate the complicated world of legal proceedings. They know how to handle everything from filing important paperwork to the most advantageous arguments and strategies for improving your odds in your DUI case.

So, how do you find the right legal representation?

How to Find the Right Legal Representation for Your Case

The right legal team for you is going to have years of experience handling the types of cases that you’re up against. This will give you an edge in the courtroom that you won’t be able to have when you’re on your own. You also want to find a legal team that has a track record of helping people like you win their cases.

Any reliable lawyer is going to have a section on their website, like Amanda Hall Injury Law, that outlines their legal experience and how they can help you with your DUI case.

What To Do & Not To Do At A Georgia DUI Stop

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Facing a confrontation with a police officer is intimidating in many circumstances, particularly if you’ve been stopped under suspicion of driving under the influence. Few people talk about what you should and shouldn’t do in this situation, making it challenging to do the right thing for your benefit. If you’re suspected of driving under the influence, the following will help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do to protect your rights and ensure your case goes more smoothly.

What You Should Do

When you first pull over, it’s essential to keep your hands visible on top of the steering wheel to prevent any issues. If you have passengers in your car, instruct them to stay calm and quiet. Don’t let anyone else say or do anything that could put you at risk or implicate your guilt. Always stay inside your vehicle unless the police officer asks you to exit. If they do ask you to exit, do so promptly and with no resistance. In most cases, you won’t be asked to leave your vehicle. Answer questions politely and treat the officer with respect, even if you feel the stop was unwarranted. Many officers now wear body cameras and record all encounters, recording any bad behavior that can be used against you. If the officer reads your rights, always answer yes, but let them know you wish to speak to an attorney. Let them know you will agree to the test after you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Doing this will give you the right to request an independent test, which could work in your favor. The officer must then transport you to the testing facility of your choice. It’s often best to choose a hospital or 24-hour clinic in an adjacent county to eliminate bias.

What You Should Not Do

The law requires you to provide an officer with your name and address to verify your identity. However, any information beyond that is voluntary, and answering any questions after that is optional. Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation because you could inadvertently harm your case. Don’t react angrily or drop names in an effort to get out of being charged with a DUI. It’s also essential to follow an officer’s commands. If you fail to do so, you are only putting yourself in a worse situation, reducing your chances of a successful case. However, keep in mind that this rule doesn’t apply to roadside tests. These tests are completely optional. Many of these roadside tests are challenging for sober individuals as well, making them unfair and irrelevant to your DUI case. In Georgia, you can’t contact a lawyer from the side of the road, which is why it’s best to decline answering any questions beyond those designed to verify your identity. Use your right to remain silent to prevent incriminating yourself further.