If you are arrested for driving under the influence, there are a number of different documents that you will need to provide to the police. One of these documents is a DUI police report. A DUI police report is essentially a detailed account of what happened during your arrest. In order to be properly prepared for your case, you should get an idea of exactly what is written in your DUI police report. This post by DWI Guys office in Albany will give you an idea of what is included in a typical DUI police report, including those pesky field sobriety tests.
The Probable Cause For The DUI Stop
Whether it was a tail light out, a swerve, or the fact that you were too close to the car in front of you, the police report will include an exact description of what caused them to pull you over. This is also where they will note that your ability to drive was impaired. They may include whether or not you smelled of alcohol, slurred speech, difficulty walking, etc. The likelihood that this amount of detail can be found in a DUI case usually depends on the strength of the evidence in the case.
The Officer’s Observations Of The Motorist
In addition to the probable cause statement, the officer will describe their observations of the motorist and their action or example; these officers may note that the motorist’s eyes were glassy, his speech was slurred, that he had trouble with balance and coordination or any other signs that indicate an impairment. The officer may also note whether they were nervous or had difficulty performing field sobriety tests.
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are typically performed by the officer who made the stop. The officer will ask you to walk a straight line, recite the alphabet backward, balance on one foot, , count backward from 20-9, and do other exercises requiring focus and attention. If you fail a field sobriety test, the officer will note that you did and may also include this on your arrest report. However, if you are able to perform the field sobriety tests, you will not be charged with any offense. But, the officer will write in your arrest report that you had “probable cause” to stop you.
The BAC testing
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a measurement of the percentage of alcohol that’s present in your blood. After you are arrested, the officer will typically take you to a DUI processing station, where they will test your blood alcohol content. The police report also includes the BAC results and whether or not the motorist refused to submit to the BAC test.
The Breathalyzer Test if You took One
If you agreed to take a breathalyzer test, the police officer might have asked for your permission to print out the results to keep them as evidence in case there is a trial. In addition, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, the police officer may write this on their police report to show that you refused.
The Arrest Report
If the officer determines that you are too impaired to drive, they will call for backup. You will be placed under arrest and taken to the local precinct where your rights will be read. The police officer will then search you and take your fingerprints. If you refuse a chemical test, the officer is required to note this on the police report. A refusal in itself may not be used as evidence against you, but it may be argued that your refusal was voluntary, not compelled by force or fear of harm. It’s critical to have a DUI attorney on your side if you refuse a chemical test. They can argue that this refusal was done out of fear of harm by questioning and challenging negative factors during the stop.
Although the content of the DUI police report is different every time, it is a good idea to know what is included in one of these reports. This way, if a police officer ever approaches you, you will be prepared and know what to do. However, if you are ever faced with a DUI charge, the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact an experienced DUI attorney in your area.
This will ensure that your rights are protected and you get the best representation possible.Be sure to contact a knowledgeable DUI attorney with experience in every stage of the process.They can collect and analyze evidence, build the best defense possible, fight for lenient sentences and aggressively defend your rights.