DUI, DWI, What Police Look For

What do police officers tell us that they look for during the initial arrest and detention for drunk driving (DUI DWI)?

We are often asked just what do police look for after a motor vechicle stop to determine whether or not a particular dirver is driving drunk (DUI/DWI). While just as in a DUI/DWI stop there are countless possible answers, there are some that we hear from officers in Court time and time again. The following traditional symptoms of intoxication taught at the police academies are:

•                Flushed face

•                Red, watery, glassy and/or bloodshot eyes

•                Odor of an alcoholic beverage on breath

•                Slurred speech

•                Fumbling with wallet trying to get license or registration

•                Failure to understand the officer’s questions

•                Staggering when exiting vehicle or walking

•                Swaying/instability on feet

•                Leaning on car for support

•                Combative, argumentative, jovial or other “inappropriate” attitude

•                Soiled, rumpled, disorderly clothing

•                Stumbling while walking or standing

•                Disorientation as to time and place

•                Inability to follow directions given by the arresting officer

To see an actual "Drinking and Driving Report", a checklist is in general use throughout New Jersey in DUI/DWI Drunk Driving matters, click the link. This is a checklist formulated by the office of the New Jersey Attorney General for use in Drunk Driving, Dui, Dwi matters, whcih is in use in every police department in the state. If you are caught on a DUI/DWI Drunk Driving arrest, at least you will be forewarned as to what they will be looking for and what you should avoid. Naturally the best practice is to avoid drinking and driving in the first place!

It is important to remember your physical state when you were stopped. There may be other reasons that these symptoms are appearing and our DUI/DWI Drunk Driving lawyers can use your explanations when negotiating with prosecutors or trying your case.

If you've received a Traffic Ticket, a DWI-DUI or arrested for Drunk Driving anywhere in New Jersey, you are facing fines, surcharges, loss of license, jail…

To keep you safe, you need the most experienced DUI-DWI-Drunk Driving Lawyer you can find!!!


Former Municipal Court Judge* Robert Avery, Esq., has over 35 years of experience in the analysis and defense of DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses. 


Mr. Avery regularly defends DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses in all Municipal Courts in the Northern New Jersey region, including those in Bergen County, Hudson County, Passaic County and Morris County, as well as those in the Central Municipal Court in Hackensack, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Court.


You are invited to call the offices of Avery & Avery, Esq., at 201-943-2445, or to contact us through our contact page, to schedule a free initial consultation, to see how we can help you with your  DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses.

For answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding DUI DWI and Drunk Driving in New Jersey, including fines and penalties, CLICK HERE.

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