How Zachary Marshall Reviews DUI Traffic Stops Step-by-Step.
A DUI case is only as strong as the traffic stop that starts it. When I review a DUI investigation, the first step is always to break down the stop moment by moment and compare every decision to the accepted legal and technical standards. This structured approach is what allows attorneys to see the reliability of the evidence and identify whether the foundation of the case is strong, weak, or somewhere in between.
Step 1: The Initial Observation
Every review starts with the reason for the stop. I assess whether the alleged driving behavior clearly meets the threshold for reasonable suspicion and whether the reported cues actually correlate with impairment indicators under NHTSA guidelines. Video, written reports, and dispatch logs are compared for consistency.
Step 2: First Contact and Presentation
Once the vehicle is stopped, I evaluate the officer's timeline, observations, and decision-making. This includes speech, coordination, divided attention performance, and environmental factors that may influence those observations. I look for whether the officer followed a structured, consistent approach—or if critical steps were skipped.
Step 3: Field Sobriety Testing Review
SFSTs must be administered the correct way to be reliable. I analyze the entire process: instructions, demonstrations, cadence of clues, timing, and whether the officer adhered to standardized procedure. Even small deviations can change the outcome, and my review highlights those issues clearly.
Step 4: Investigative Expansion and Decision to Arrest
Next, I examine how the officer transitioned from investigative detention to probable cause. This includes their evaluation of performance, verbal statements, odor and appearance factors, and whether the timeline supports a well-reasoned conclusion.
Step 5: Post-Arrest Processing and Evidence Integrity
The final step focuses on documentation, implied consent warnings, breath test considerations, or the lead-up to blood analysis. I evaluate whether each part adhered to the necessary requirements and whether the case file reflects a complete and consistent narrative.
Attorneys use this structured method to assess the strength of a DUI case early, long before trial or negotiations. A clear, objective breakdown of the traffic stop often becomes one of the most valuable tools in shaping the defense strategy.
If you need a technical, step-by-step analysis of a DUI traffic stop, I provide national consulting and in-depth case evaluations through Legal Limit Consulting, LLC.
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