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If you’ve enjoyed a few hours at a local bar in Alameda, California, unwinding with friends, the last thing you expect is to be stopped and charged with DUI on your drive home. Whether you’ve been sipping a craft beer at the Black Horse London on Union Street, enjoying the festive beer buckets at The Bus Stop on Union, or unexpectedly hitting a DUI checkpoint in Alameda, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the signs that could lead to a DUI stop.
Historically, DUI checkpoints in Alameda have been set up on Union St. and Alameda Avenue, as well as Park Street and Blanding Avenue. Knowing this, it’s essential to be aware of your driving behavior, especially if you’ve been enjoying a night out.
Those behind the wheel can be stopped for various driving or behavioral patterns often associated with impaired driving. If you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, remember two key actions: limit communication with law enforcement to just providing your name and address, and immediately ask for an attorney’s presence.
What Police Officers Observe When Stopping a DUI Suspect
When you get pulled over for a suspected DUI, police officers closely monitor your driving behavior first and foremost. Following this, they will assess your physical condition, evaluate your performance on field sobriety tests, and finally, consider the results of any breath or blood tests performed.
While many people might assume that speeding is a primary indicator of impairment, it doesn’t even make the top 20 concerning driving patterns. Instead, look out for the following behaviors that may raise suspicion:
- Making overly wide turns
- Straddling the center line
- Swerving
- Driving 10 mph or more below the speed limit
- Stopping in traffic without reason
- Drifting
- Erratic braking patterns
- Inconsistent signaling
- Stopping in inappropriate places or manners
- Driving with headlights off after dark
- Tailgating another vehicle
Key Behavioral Signs During a Traffic Stop
If you’ve been pulled over, a police officer will be looking for specific post-stop behaviors that may lead to requests for field sobriety tests or a handheld breathalyzer test:
- Fumbling with your driver’s license or registration
- Repeating the officer’s words or questions
- Struggling with the vehicle’s controls
- Experiencing slurred speech
- Slow or delayed responses to officer questions
- Swaying or showing signs of unsteadiness
- Relying on your vehicle for support
- Offering inaccurate answers to inquiries
- Having an odor of alcohol
- Altering responses during questioning
The Drawbacks of Field Sobriety Tests
Importantly, it’s critical to recognize that participation in field sobriety tests is entirely voluntary. There’s limited justification for taking these tests, particularly as even those without impairment can struggle with them.
Multiple factors can negatively impact the results of a field sobriety test:
- Being overweight
- Age
- Physical fitness level
- Balance issues
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Previous leg or back injuries
- Specific medications in use
- Conducting the test on uneven surfaces
- Personal health issues
- Wearing high heels
Even healthy individuals may find that the standard one-leg stand test is only about 65 percent accurate in determining impairment. Minor missteps, such as placing your foot down, swaying to maintain balance, or using arms for support, can lead to serious consequences—including handcuffing and arrest.
Securing Legal Support After DUI Charges in Alameda
If you face DUI charges in Oakland, seeking a knowledgeable DUI attorney like Nabiel C. Ahmed can make a significant difference. Our law firm will meticulously analyze every detail of your case, investigating any potential mistakes made during your traffic stop and the credibility of the breathalyzer tests administered.
Mistakes often occur during DUI stops and arrests, and an experienced attorney can leverage these missteps to strengthen your defense. If you agreed to participate in field sobriety tests, our team will assess the evidence from your arrest thoroughly, explaining your legal options—including the possibility of negotiation or a robust defensive strategy against the charges you face.
Connect with the Law Offices of Nabiel C. Ahmed today for a complimentary review of your case. We’re available to help you understand your situation better and to craft a solid defense. Contact us at 510-576-5544 for a no-obligation consultation. Serving clients across the East Bay, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and beyond, we are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation.
If you find yourself in handcuffs, remember we offer phone consultations and jail interviews. Don’t hesitate to fill out our confidential contact form for a free consultation about your case. Start your journey toward the strongest possible defense by calling 510-576-5544 today.
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