No one likes getting pulled over. Just seeing flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror can induce stress in the best of times. This is especially true if you had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel. Law enforcement officers pull over cars every day, but this might be the first time you have ever been stopped. The police know this is usually the case and will leverage your apprehension, fear, or confusion to get you to act against your own best interests.

If they suspect that you are driving while intoxicated, they will apply pressure in an attempt to get you to admit to drinking or consent to a search of your vehicle. But regardless of the circumstances of the traffic stop, you have certain constitutionally protected rights no matter how much pressure law enforcement officers apply. Staying calm and knowing your rights will help you smoothly navigate most interactions with law enforcement. In the instances where Houston Police treat you unfairly or violate your rights, the Doug Murphy Law Firm, P.C. is here to help.

WHEN CAN YOU BE STOPPED? REASONABLE SUSPICION AND PROBABLE CAUSE

First off, it is important to know when the police are even allowed to stop your vehicle. Law enforcement can't simply pull over a car and detain a driver on a whim. To initiate a traffic stop, police must have at least a reasonable suspicion that you have violated a traffic law or other statute. The police are held to a higher standard, known as probable cause when they want to search your car without a warrant or arrest you for DWI.

Original article: https://www.dougmurphylaw.com/rights-at-a-dwi-traffic-stop