Being stopped for a DUI is a stressful experience.  You can be stopped for DUI in a variety of ways. The most common are:

• an officer stops you for some type of traffic infraction (or perceived traffic infraction) such as speeding, weaving, or failure to yield.
• an officer responds to an accident scene where he does not necessarily witness you driving.

Either way, just about every DUI police report will begin with the Officer’s observations of signs of alcohol ingestion, such as odor of alcohol and bloodshot, watery eyes. Notwithstanding the fact that these are signs only indicative of ingestion, not necessarily impairment, the Officer will use this as a basis for “further investigation.”

“Further Investigation” in this context means asking you to step out of your car and perform field sobriety tests. The Officer will pay close attention to how you exit the car, the manner in which you provide him with your driver’s license, registration and insurance and the manner of your speech. Then the Officer will ask you to do Field Sobriety Tests. Depending on what the Officer observes and his suspicions, he will place you under arrest for DUI.

So, if you’ve been stopped for DUI, how do you respond? First — and most importantly — you must be courteous. Don’t try to bargain your way out of this. Be respectful. Second, ask for a private place to speak to an attorney. The Officer probably will not allow you to speak to one immediately, however, if he ultimately does not honor your request, your entire case can be thrown out.

State law requires all persons who seek the reinstatement of Arizona driving privileges following an alcohol or drug-related revocation to provide the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) with a current substance abuse evaluation. The evaluation is required as part of the Revocation Investigation packet administered by the Arizona MVD. Stonewall Institute offers DUI evaluation services in order for individuals to be considered for the reinstatement of driving privileges in the state of Arizona.

To schedule a DUI Substance Abuse Evaluation Tempe, contact Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468.