Signs of Intoxication
When the police contact
a driver they are looking for specific symptoms of intoxication.
Typically, and almost without
fail, these include the odor of alcohol on a person's breath or
body, bloodshot or watery eyes, a flushed face, and slurred speech.
The officer will also watch to see if the driver fumbles when
trying
to get his or her driver's license out. Generally, if an officer
observes one or more of these clues, she will ask the driver
whether
he or she has had anything to drink. An individual is not required
to answer a potentially incriminating question and could refuse
to answer or ask for an attorney. Most people say that they have
had a "couple" of drinks which is not necessarily incriminating.
However such "statements of consumption" will be used
against them at later hearings. Whether a driver admits to drinking
or not, if the officer believes the driver has consumed alcohol
prior to driving, she will ask him to get out of the car. At this
point, the officer will be looking to see if the driver staggers
when getting out the vehicle, sways when walking, or leans against
the car for support.
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Sobriety Tests)
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