Most of us grew up respecting police officers and the hard jobs they have. As a Raleigh DWI Lawyer and former Prosecutor, I can tell you that they don’t have an easy job. When we are stopped by a police officer for a basic traffic violation (speeding, running a red light), or suspicion of DWI, we have a natural inclination to follow the officer’s instructions because that’s just how we were raised, we don’t want to get in further trouble, and lots of times feel if we comply with what the officer wants, the encounter will end and we will be on our way.
From the point that an officer smells any odor of alcohol coming from the passenger area of a motor vehicle, a DWI investigation has begun. The officer is trying to build a case. If it’s late, they are probably going to assume you are over the limit. If you are chewing gum or have breath mints or smoking a cigarette, they will think you are trying to mask the odor of alcohol. Continue reading DWI Traffic Stops Part One: Don’t Answer Those Innocent Little Questions!