When police officers stop or detain a Florida motorist, they usually ask a series of questions designed to find out information, which is why you should consult with a Jacksonville DUI lawyer when it happens to you. Officers use their interrogation skills to ascertain if you, the driver, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Of course, few people will admit to being unfit to drive, so the police ask questions in a manner purposely designed to confuse you. These divided-attention questions force you to focus intently. An inability to do so could provide the evidence needed for officers to heighten up the interrogation, perhaps even leading to an arrest, necessitating you contact a Jacksonville DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
The legality of Divided-Attention Questioning by the Police
You may believe such divided-attention questions a bit underhanded and sneaky. However, the authorities claim to have the public interest in mind. Drivers, or others, under the influence of an inebriating substance, pose a danger to all in their vicinity. By asking questions that force you to do or think about more than one thing at the same time, the police replicate the type of attention required to handle a motor vehicle, work on the job or care for children. If you cannot handle this series of questions to their satisfaction, the police might assume you unable to be engaged in whatever activity you had been presently doing.
Common Types of Divided-Attention Questions and Tests Posed by Police
Police will often ask for a driver to produce two things at the same time; perhaps, a driver's license and vehicle registration. During standard questioning, they may also begin posing distracting questions that have little to do with the situation at hand. A drunk driver, for example, may lose their train of thought under any of these forms of interrogation. There is also the walk-and-turn test. During this exercise, you will have to perform a physical task, along with answering difficult questions. Likewise, the one-leg test has you maintain your balance while counting large numbers. In general, the police may stop you and apply these techniques in any form or combination. Again, the overall aim is to distract you, so that they can discern whether or not you have been drinking or using drugs. The next step, assuming there is some degree of suspicion, will be the field sobriety test, as provided under state law.
Get Legal Help with Traffic Stops from a Compassionate Jacksonville DUI Lawyer
If during a traffic stop, the police asked questions to rattle you, contact a Jacksonville DUI lawyer, such as one at Canan Law, at (904) 849-2266, today.
