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3. Odem, David: Why Were You Stopped? In order to be pulled over by the police, they must have a reason to do so. They may see an abnormal driving behavior such as weaving, a mechanical problem with your vehicle such as a broken head light, or a driving infraction such as an illegal turn. Swerving for a reason, operating a motor vehicle that has a broken taillight, or making an improper lane change is a driving infraction - it is not a crime. However, the police have been trained to equate abnormal driving behavior with alcohol and/or drug impairment and will probably already have concluded (in their own mind) that you are driving under the influence . Pull over when requested, show your proper documentation and do not volunteer any other information. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to sort through all the red tape and will have a better chance of defending you if you leave the legalities to them. The police may pull your vehicle for a number of reasons including broken lights, expired plates, etc. and may, when they pull you over suspect that you are driving under the influence . They may also suspect that you are driving your vehicle while under the influence if you demonstrate "abnormal" driving behavior. NHTSA (the National Highway Transportation Safety Association), in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies have come up with a set of "clues" that they say may determine that you are DUI. They are as follows: Problems Maintaining Proper Lane Position: Weaving, Weaving across lane lines, Straddling a lane line, Swerving, Turning with a wide radius, Drifting, Almost striking a vehicle or other object. Speed and Braking Problems: Stopping problems (too far, too short, or too jerky), Accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason, Varying speed, Slow speed (10+ mph under limit). Vigilance Problems: Driving in opposing lanes or wrong way on one-way, Slow response to traffic signals, Slow or failure to respond to officer's signals, Stopping in lane for no apparent reason, Driving without headlights at night, Failure to signal or signal inconsistent with action. Judgment Problems: Following too closely, Improper unsafe lane change, Illegal or improper turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.), Driving on other than the designated roadway, Stopping inappropriately in response to officer, Inappropriate or unusual behavior (throwing, arguing, etc.), Appearing to be impaired. Once they have stopped your vehicle, there are several additional "clues" that they will look for. They are as follows: * Difficulty with motor vehicle controls * Difficulty exiting the vehicle * Fumbling with driver's license or registration * Repeating questions or comments * Swaying, unsteady, or balance problems * Leaning on the vehicle or other object * Slurred speech * Slow to respond to officer or officer must repeat * Provides incorrect information, changes answers * Odor of alcoholic beverage from the driver There are hundreds of reasons why you may exhibit any of the above signs and none of them can be proof that you are, in fact, driving under the influence .

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