St. Louis DWI Lawyer | Police Observations
Police Observations as Evidence
St. Louis DWI Lawyers Brian Millikan and Scott Millikan have extensive experience in DWI cases. As former police officers, they know first hand the steps required by law in making a drunk driving case. They also know the short cuts and mistakes police officers can make.
Nearly all drunk driving cases include the observations of the arresting police officer as part of the DWI evidence (defendant statements, field sobriety tests, portable breath tests, BAC tests). These observations usually form the probable cause needed to stop and detain a person for a DWI investigation. In the majority of drunk driving cases, the officer observes erratic driving and/or a traffic violation.
When investigating a possible DWI case, police officers look for a variety of possible indicators of intoxication, including:
- order of consumed alcohol
- alcoholic beverage containers
- slurred speech
- watery eyes, flushed face
- inability to speak coherently
- inability to perform field sobriety tests
- difficulty maintaining balance
- difficulty staying focused on simple tasks (producing driver´s license, etc.)
The issue with these observations is, again, they are very subjective. Many of these physical conditions are indicative of many other possibilities, not just intoxication. Other possible causes of these physical conditions include: nervousness, exhaustion, illness (common cold, etc.) and other physical ailments.
In addition to statements made made by a suspect, police officers make specific observations during field sobriety tests conducted along the roadside. The field sobriety tests are used to further indicate possible impairment if the driver is unable to perform specific physical and mental tasks.
You are NOT required by law to submit to a field sobriety test. Many police officers will attempt to pressure or scare a driver into submitting to field sobriety tests and portable breath tests. There are no consequences to refusing a field sobriety or portable breath test.
Our experience as former police officers provides us with a unique perspective on every criminal defense case. If you or a loved one has been charged in Missouri or Illinois with DWI/DUI, it is important that you speak with an attorney who is experienced in DWI | DUI defense.
Contact us online or call a St. Louis DWI Lawyer 314-621-0622 for a FREE Consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation.
The St. Louis lawyers at Millikan & Millikan, LLC provide DWI Defense, Criminal Defense, Injury and Workers Compensation representation to individuals in the greater St. Louis Area, including: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Madison County and St. Clair County.
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