You may have heard that police must have probable cause to pull you over for any kind of traffic violation, but what you may not know is just how broad the phrase “probable cause” truly is. Obviously if you commit a noticeable traffic violation such as running a red light or speeding, then police will have cause to pull you over. However, did you know that police can pull you over simply for swerving or drifting in your lane?
The truth is that there are many driving behaviors that may indicate a negligent or dangerous driver, and something as minor as drifting in a lane can be cause for concern. Often, fatigued individuals who are falling asleep at the wheel drift over before snapping back to consciousness and correcting themselves. The same can be said of drunk drivers who lose focus on the road or whose vision is so blurred that they cannot tell where the center of the lane is.
Of course, while drifting in a lane can certainly be cause for concern, it can also be absolutely nothing. Simply taking a moment to respond to your passengers could provide a momentary distraction that makes you drift, but is otherwise totally harmless. Unfortunately, even such a harmless act can be probable cause, which might get you pulled over.
If you are pulled over, police officers often approach you with an idea that something might be amiss. As a result, if they even think that they smell alcohol, for example, they may decide to check your sobriety. The truth is that a series of unfortunate events or coincidences may result in you being accused of drunk driving, and a conviction could have a negative impact on your entire life. If you have been accused of drunk driving in Florida, visit our webpage to learn how we can help you defend against the charges.
