DUI FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about DUI charges that our legal team has answered to help you understand the process:

What do the Police Watch for When Looking for Drunk Drivers?

In Mercer County, just like in the rest of Pennsylvania, law enforcement officers are specifically trained to identify signs of erratic or inconsistent driving. These behaviors are usually the first red flags for a potential DUI. If officers spot these driving patterns, they will likely pull your vehicle over. Some common examples include swerving between lanes, driving significantly below the speed limit, or straddling the center lane marker. If they suspect you are driving under the influence, they will instruct you to pull off the roadway safely.

What Will the Police Do After They Stop You?

Once you are pulled over, officers will look for physical symptoms of severe intoxication. They might notice you fumbling to find your driver’s license, detect the smell of alcohol in your car or on your breath, or observe slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and general confusion. They will also try to talk with you to see if you can understand and answer their questions clearly. In certain situations, a Mercer criminal lawyer knows that police may ask you to step out of your car to see if you are unsteady or swaying on your feet.

What do I Say if the Police ask Whether I Have Been Drinking?

It is extremely important that you never admit to drinking alcohol if law enforcement asks you. Anything you say can be easily taken out of context and used against you later in court. It is highly recommended to remain silent until you have a Mercer DUI attorney by your side. If an officer continues to question you, politely decline to answer and ask to contact your legal counsel. Furthermore, do not act aggressively or provoke the officer if they decide to arrest you.

Does a Field Sobriety Test Affect the Charges, Should I Take the Test?

Legally speaking, field sobriety tests absolutely impact your case. However, the reality is often complicated. In many situations, police have already decided that you are impaired before they even give the test, using it merely to gather more evidence against you. By willingly performing the test while intoxicated, you simply hand them more proof. On the other hand, refusing the test can reinforce their belief that your blood alcohol level is over the legal limit. In these tricky scenarios, a seasoned Mercer criminal lawyer usually advises politely declining the test and asking to speak with your attorney.

Should I Take Blood or Breath Tests?

Chemical testing, which includes breath, blood, or urine tests, is used to determine your exact BAC (blood alcohol concentration). You can face driving under the influence charges if your BAC registers at 0.08% or higher. Keep in mind that refusing these chemical tests can lead to an automatic one-year suspension of your driver’s license.
Refusing to cooperate comes with both pros and cons. If your BAC is between 0.08% and 0.099%—which is classified as General Impairment—and you do not have any prior DUI offenses, it is generally better to take the test to lessen potential penalties. However, if you consumed a large amount of alcohol and have prior convictions, an experienced Mercer DUI attorney might note that refusing the test could help you avoid the harshest punishments.

Isn’t it mandatory for the Police Officer to Read Me My Miranda Rights?

Miranda rights are only required to be read during a custodial interrogation, not during a standard traffic stop for DUI suspicion. Because of this, an officer might not read you your rights immediately on the side of the road.

If I See a DUI checkpoint, can I Turn Around and Go Back the Other Way?

Are you allowed to turn around if you spot a DUI checkpoint ahead? In Pennsylvania, you absolutely have the legal right to avoid these checkpoints. However, you must make sure that you do not break any other traffic laws, like making an illegal U-turn, which will attract unwanted police attention.

For a free consultation regarding your case, reach out to a dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer online today or call us directly at 412.387.6901. Logue Law Group is available 24/7 to assist you.