In an article posted on January 6, 2014, the Aiken Standard published an article on the steps a person goes through in a DUI arrest. Although based on a DUI arrest in South Carolina, it is the same progress that occurs in a Georgia DUI Arrest. First, the police must have an articulable suspicion of a criminal or traffic violation to make a traffic stop. Second, the Police Officer makes personal contact and looks for an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, red and glassy eyes, and fumbling fingers. Third, the Officer performs standardized field sobriety evaluations like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, the nine-step walk and turn, and the one-leg stand. NHTSA validation studies have indicated a statistical correlation between clues on these tests and blood alcohol levels if performed exactly as trained. Finally, the Officer must inform the suspected DUI driver of his or her implied consent to chemical testing for drugs and alcohol to obtain an alcohol breath test, blood test, or urine test. Next, the Officer must follow the prescribed testing protocol to make sure that testing is accurate. Finally, the suspect is jailed, must bond out, and go to court. DUI arrests are very difficult and stressful. Having a qualified lawyer to guide you through the process and protect your legal rights is essential.
