Around major holidays, it is not uncommon to hear about law enforcement establishing sobriety checkpoints to ensure drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even when it is not a holiday weekend, there are typically cops on the road patrolling for drivers they suspect may be inebriated. There are many reasons why police may target you for such a traffic stop.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing this situation, there are a few possible outcomes you can expect. Regardless of what happens, you should remain calm, obey an officer’s requests and be respectful at all times. The following are three potential results that may occur.
1. Free to go
It is possible, of course, that law enforcement will pull you over on suspicion of DUI and ultimately let you go. One reason why officers commonly initiate a traffic stop is because of a failure to signal or because you are driving without your lights on. If police pull you over for one of these reasons, an officer may ask if you have been drinking, and if the answer is no, he or she may let you off with a warning.
2. Sobriety test
If police pull you over on suspicion of DUI, it is more likely, however, that you will be subject to a sobriety test. Field sobriety tests are a common occurrence, and an officer may request that you perform one to determine whether you are inebriated. It is up to you whether you comply with such a request, but failure to do so will typically result in the next possibility.
3. Arrest
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, there are close to 60 arrests made each day on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is also possible for an officer to arrest you for DUI even if you confirm you have not been drinking and pass a field sobriety test. A DUI arrest does not have to derail your life, though. You can fight the charges and seek justice if this has happened to you.
