DUI charges and convictions are all too common in Florida. Such was the case for a south Florida Instagram model who calls herself the “Cuban Kim Kardashian.” Katherine Ferreiro, 25, was arrested for drunk driving several days ago as she was leaving a popular Florida nightclub. Allegedly, Ferreiro was initially stopped by police for running a stop sign, and she continued to drive even after a police officer activated his emergency equipment. When she finally pulled her vehicle to the side of the road, Ferreiro allegedly blew a 0.198 in a breathalyzer. In Florida, DUI convictions can result in heavy fines, loss of employment, limited job prospects, and even jail time. If you have been charged with a DUI, you want an experienced defense attorney in your corner representing you at every stage of your case. The DUI criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group may help formulate a good legal defense to your DUI charge and can represent you throughout your case—and in court, if necessary.
How People Are Arrested for DUIs
In most cases, people are arrested for DUIs as part of pretextual traffic stops, where the police stop a vehicle for speeding, running a red light, or some other relatively minor traffic infraction, all the while suspecting that the driver has been drinking or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To arrest a driver for DUI, the officer must have probable cause that the driver has been operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. An officer may develop probable cause whenever noticing:- Bloodshot eyes Odor of alcohol
- Slurred speech
- Erratic movements or behaviors
- Appearance of intoxication
- Admissions to drinking alcohol
- Breathalyzer test results
- Performance on field sobriety tests
Erratic Driving
When it comes to erratic driving, police officers are trained to look for certain characteristics that might point to driving while under the influence. Common examples of erratic driving might include weaving within a lane or weaving in and out of traffic, abruptly stopping and starting, quick changes in speed, failing to use turn signals and other types of similar movements and actions.
Appearing Intoxicated
While Driving Police officers are also trained to observe drivers’ appearances, facial features, and other physical characteristics to determine whether the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. These physical characteristics include the scent of alcohol, glassy eyes, or slurred speech, and may constitute probable causes to arrest a driver for DUI.
Admissions to Drinking
If a driver makes any kind of statement about drinking alcohol, that statement may be used as probable cause for an officer to make a DUI arrest.
Field Sobriety Tests
An officer who suspects that a driver is under the influence of alcohol may ask the driver to perform field sobriety tests, such as the walk and turn or one leg stand test. If the driver performs poorly on the test, the officer may have the probable cause necessary to make an arrest.
Contact an Experienced St. Petersburg DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a Florida DUI offense, it is absolutely essential for you to have experienced legal representation throughout your case. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a St. Petersburg, Florida, DUI lawyer, please call us today at (727) 269-5300 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
Rohom Khonsari
Lawyer
Mr. Khonsari founded and is principal/partner of the Khonsari Law Group. With experience in both criminal and civil law, Mr. Khonsari built the law firm with the standard of doing everything possible for each and every client. With over forty jury trials, he has used his trial advocacy in successfully representing clients charged in criminal court and also those who have cases in the civil realm.
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