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It is a safe assumption that everyone can think of one person who was involved in a traffic stop. The scenario is played out in real life and on television every day. An individual is driving down the road and suddenly the blue and red lights are flashing. The vehicle comes to a stop. Now what happens? There is no clear cut set of reasons for an OVI or DUI traffic stop. There are some misconceptions that a stop can only occur if a moving violation has been committed. A vehicle can be stopped for any traffic or equipment violation.

Reasons for a traffic stop can include the following:

  • Marked lanes violations
  • Speeding
  • Running a red light
  • Having only one headlight
  • Having no front license plate

A vehicle stop can occur in a parking lot or on private property. The victim of an auto accident may be charged with OVI or DUI if the officer suspects alcohol or drug consumption even though the individual did not cause the accident.

Were you charged with DUI or OVI during a vehicle stop? Contact us online or call us at (513) 929-9333!

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE YOU ARE STOPPED?

Once stopped, an officer will approach the vehicle and ask for a combination of documents, including a driver’s license, insurance card, and proof of registration for the vehicle. If you do not have a license on you, the officer will ask for a few identifying pieces of information (name, date of birth, social security number) to locate more descriptive information about you in a computer database. While obtaining these documents or information, the officer is checking for signs of intoxication or impairment.

The officer will observe you closely for signs of the following:

  • Slurred speech
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • An odor of an alcoholic beverage
  • Problems locating or holding the requested documents

It is wise to have the documents in your hand before the officer approaches the vehicle. This eliminates the possibility of an officer watching you fumble or drop the documents in your vehicle. Do not answer questions regarding the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. Ask to speak to an attorney before you say or do anything.

QUESTIONS AN OFFICER MAY ASK

The officer will likely provide a short explanation of the reason for the traffic stop and may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • Have you been drinking?
  • What kind and quantity of alcohol was consumed?

The officer will also ask you to step out of the vehicle and submit to a series of field sobriety tests. More likely than not, the officer has already made a determination regarding a pending arrest no matter how well or poorly you perform on these tests. Your performance on the field sobriety tests only provides the government additional information and evidence to use against you in Court.

ACC-- USED? SPEAK WITH OUR TOUGH CINCINNATI DUI / OVI LAWYERS!

Given that these tests are voluntary, politely refuse to submit to all tests and ask to speak to an attorney. Our aggressive attorneys at The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC will defend your decision to refuse and explain away any concerns regarding your alleged insobriety during the traffic stop.

For the passionate criminal defense you need in Cincinnati, turn to our firm for assistance without delay.

Are you or someone you know facing DUI / OVI charges? 

If you are facing DUI charges, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.

Steven R. Adams
Steven R. Adams was a criminal defense lawyer dedicated to DUI, OVI, and criminal defense in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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