DUI Traffic Stop FAQs

The Initial DUI Stop

Most DUI investigations in Harrisburg begin as a standard traffic stop for a minor infraction. This could be something as simple as rolling through a stop sign, speeding, or driving with a broken taillight. During this initial interaction, if the police officer observes behavior that suggests alcohol consumption—such as the smell of alcohol or fumbling movements—they will likely escalate the stop. The officer will typically ask you to perform one or more field sobriety tests on the side of the road. Generally, law enforcement officials must observe at least two specific signs of impairment to justify administering these tests.

Signs of Intoxication

Police officers in Dauphin County are trained to look for specific physical and behavioral indicators that suggest a driver is under the influence. However, it is important to remember that many of these “signs” can actually be caused by fatigue, allergies, or nervousness. If you are pulled over, the officer will be watching for:

• Watery, glassy, or bloodshot eyes
• Slurred or slow speech
• Confusion or difficulty understanding questions
• Swaying or inability to stand still
• Inappropriate attitudes, such as being argumentative or overly cheerful
• Stumbling or staggering when walking
• Inability to follow simple instructions
• A flushed or red face
• The distinct odor of alcohol on your breath
• Difficulty retrieving a license or registration from a wallet
• Using the vehicle for balance when exiting
• A messy or disheveled appearance
• Disorientation regarding time or location

If you exhibit several of these behaviors, the officer may proceed with an arrest. In this situation, securing a Harrisburg DUI attorney is essential to help challenge the subjectivity of these observations in court.

The Blood and Breath Test Requirement

Pennsylvania operates under an “implied consent” law. This means that by obtaining your driver’s license and driving on state roads, you have been deemed to have given consent to chemical testing (blood or breath tests) if an officer suspects you of DUI. While you technically have the physical ability to refuse the test, doing so comes with severe administrative consequences. A refusal results in an automatic driver’s license suspension for a minimum of one year, regardless of whether you are convicted of the DUI. Furthermore, prosecutors can argue in court that your refusal is evidence of guilt. If you are facing these charges, the Harrisburg DUI attorney at Logue Law Group can provide the guidance you need.

Field Sobriety Tests

To standardize the way officers assess impairment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established a battery of field sobriety tests. These are designed to test a driver’s physical coordination and ability to multitask (divide attention). Common tests used during stops include:

• Reciting the alphabet: Testing memory and speech.
• The One-Legged Stand: Testing balance and ability to follow instructions.
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Tracking a light or pen with the eyes to check for involuntary jerking.
• Finger-to-Nose test: Testing coordination and motor skills.
• Walk-and-Turn: Walking in a straight line, turning, and walking back.

Navigating the legal aftermath of these tests requires specialized knowledge. While you might seek a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer for federal jurisdiction cases, state-level traffic offenses require a defense strategy tailored to Pennsylvania’s specific vehicle codes.

DUI Penalties

The consequences for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania are tiered based on the severity of the offense and prior history. A first-time offense for “general impairment” can lead to probation, fines, community service, and license suspension. However, if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is found to be above 0.10 percent, or if there are other aggravating factors, the penalties increase significantly. Repeat offenders face even harsher mandatory sentences.

Convictions often result in:

• Mandatory jail time for high BAC or repeat offenses.
• Installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
• Requirement to attend Alcohol Highway Safety School.
• Court-ordered drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment.

Given the complexity of these tiers, having a knowledgeable Harrisburg DUI attorney from Logue Law Group is vital to mitigating these potential penalties and protecting your future. Don’t face a DUI charge alone. Call Logue Law Group today at 412-387-6901 for a confidential consultation and experienced legal guidance.