What Signs of Impairment Does the Officer Look For?

Orlando’s DUI Defense Attorneys – Finebloom and Haenel

Finebloom and Haenel has been serving drivers in Orlando as Florida’s experienced DUI Defense lawyers.  Through our experiences in speaking with law enforcement officials as well as examining thousands of DUI cases in and around Orlando, we’ve learned that officers look for certain signs of impairment when they pull over a driver and suspect DUI.

3 Signs That Tells Police a Driver is Impaired (DUI)

1. Speech Patterns – When an officer approaches the vehicle, he/she is listening to the driver’s speech patterns.  Slurred words or stammering is often a dead giveaway that the driver is operating the vehicle under the influence.  Police also listen for nervous, racy intonations.  Rambling or unnecessary answers are often more subtle indicators that the driver may be hiding something and can also be perceived as cause for the officer to conduct further sobriety testing. Remember, a driver does not need to be “fumbling and slurring” drunk in order to be over the legal BAC limit and charged with DUI.
2. Motor Skills / Movement – Police will watch for signs of irregular physical movement or motion when observing for evidence of DUI.  The more obvious signs include a lack of coordination.  A driver who misses the latch on the glove box or who fumbles excessively is likely to raise suspicion of a DUI.  Police are highly trained and experienced in detecting signs of impairment.  They can tell the difference between a routine traffic stop with a clumsy individual from a DUI stop with a driver who is truly impaired by alcohol or other substances.
3. Odor (Alcohol or Beer) – If one or more of the vehicle occupants has been drinking, an officer can detect the smell of alcohol coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Police will also watch for alcohol on the breath of the driver.  Less obvious “tells” may include if the driver is chewing gum or a mint or if there’s an exorbitant amount of cologne or perfume freshly sprayed in the car.

DUI Defense Lawyers in Orlando

The items discussed above can heighten your awareness about what police are paying attention to when the pull someone over anywhere in Florida.  The best way to avoid getting a DUI in Orlando is to make the decision not to drive after you drink. However, if you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with DUI in or around Orlando, call the focused Orlando DUI Defense Lawyers at Finebloom and Haenel today.  Our experience and knowledge of what the police and prosecution need to prove in a DUI case will work to the benefit of building your defense. Call Finebloom and Haenel for a free case evaluation today!