Reader’s Question:

I just want to be cautious because I often times drive myself after a little drink. What reason that an officer in Los Angeles, California could arrest me? I also want to know if I have to consent to the field sobriety tests.

Martha

Los Angeles, CA

Police officers in Los Angeles, California must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a person is driving under the influence before they can be asked to pull over. An officer may be able to suspect that a person is impaired by alcohol or drugs if he/she is engaging in uncharacteristic driving behaviors. These uncharacteristic behaviors could include disobeying traffic signals, making irregular stops, speeding and swerving.

If you were asked to pull over because of a DUI suspicion in Los Angeles, California, you actually do not have to consent to field sobriety tests. In many DUI cases, a police officer would not tell you of your right to refuse to submit to the field sobriety tests. But it could be in your best interest not to consent to these tests because they tend to be inaccurate and you are not obligated by law to do so.

Tags: DUI, DUI advice, DUI arrest