DWI Stops in College Station

DWI stops in College Station can be stressful and overwhelming experiences. No one wants to be pulled over for suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even people who are stone-cold sober may be angry, frustrated, and scared during these stops.

Fear is a reasonable response. Texas takes drunk driving seriously. An officer’s decision to stop you can impact your freedom, finances, and future. At The Greening Law Group, we help you avoid or minimize those effects. Call today to speak with an experienced DWI defense attorney.

What to Expect During a DWI Stop

Texas law gives police broad authority to conduct DWI traffic stops. College Station law enforcement uses that discretion to pull over drivers they expect to be intoxicated. In addition to looking for suspicious driving behavior, law enforcement may increase stops after significant events like football games, when people may be more likely to drink and drive.

While the police have broad discretion to pull people over, they still have to follow all applicable rules and laws, which makes traffic stops predictable. During a traffic stop, you can expect an initial questioning where the officer will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. They observe you for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or alcohol odor.

If you are suspected of being intoxicated, the officer will have you perform field sobriety tests. These tests assess coordination and balance, but they are subjective. In some cases, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer or blood test to test your blood alcohol content.

While drivers should be cooperative and non-combative during traffic stops, that does not mean complying with all law enforcement requests. Drivers need to understand their rights to make educated decisions about how to proceed during a stop, such as:

• You can remain silent;
• You can refuse field sobriety tests;
• You can refuse a breath test; and
• You have the right to legal representation.

The right to remain silent is probably the most underutilized of these. Suspects do not have to answer any questions, including about drinking. That right against self-incrimination extends to participating in subjective tests like field sobriety and chemical tests.

However, the rules against self-incrimination are not absolute. While drivers can refuse breath tests, doing so comes with consequences. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and the state can suspend your driver’s license if you refuse breath or blood tests.

Potential Errors in DWI Stops

DWI stops can be an effective way to keep dangerous people off of the road. However, they are also subjective, leaving them prone to errors by officers. Understanding some common mistakes by law enforcement can help people understand when they can challenge a DWI stop, such as:

• Stopping people without reasonable suspicion;
• Misconduct in field sobriety testing;
• Faulty breathalyzer tests;
• Failure to read suspects their Miranda rights; and
• Due process violations.

One job of a College Station attorney is to investigate every detail of a DWI stop carefully to determine if there were any errors. If so, they can offer a reason to seek the case’s dismissal or challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Talk to a Lawyer About DWI Stops in College Station

The penalties for DWIs can be severe and often start before you even have a conviction. Charges can impact your reputation, threaten your job, and even put you in student disciplinary proceedings if you attend a local college or university.

Do not try to handle these challenges on your own. Schedule a consultation with The Greening Law Group to learn more about College Station DWI stops.