How Indianapolis Law Enforcement Determines If You’re “Under the Influence”

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, charge can have a serious impact on your driving record and the status of your driver’s license. But how exactly does law enforcement define “under the influence,” and what tests do they use to determine if you are? Before you end up needing an Indianapolis DUI attorney, understand your rights as a driver and the process involved in determining a DUI.

A DUI happens when you are stopped for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances. The incidents leading to your traffic stop with a law enforcement officer may be enough alone to give suspicion of being under the influence. If you are driving erratically, weaving, or in any way operating your vehicle in an unsafe manner, a police officer may see fit to pull you over for further evaluation. The officer will assess your behavior during your interactions, looking for signs such as slurred speech, poor motor coordination, inability to understand or follow simple directions, and unfocused or glazed eyes.

They may also look for more obvious signs such as open containers or the scent of alcohol on your breath. While officers may also administer field sobriety tests, they must be performed in accordance with the law — and an Indianapolis DUI attorney may be able to counsel you on whether or not your sobriety tests were performed legally. Field sobriety tests can include tests of cognition, motor coordination, and balance. Officers may also administer a breath test using a portable breathalyzer to determine blood alcohol content.

If you have been charged with a DUI and feel your rights have been infringed upon, speak with an Indianapolis DUI attorney at Potts Law LLC. When DUI charges can affect your ability to legally drive, you deserve to be informed regarding laws and regulations centering around DUI stops, field sobriety testing, implied consent, breathalyzer testing, and the rights you have as a citizen. Contact us today for more information and a free consultation at (317) 951-0087 or click on the online form.