What is Included in a DUI Police Report?

A DUI police report is a detailed record of a traffic stop for suspected drunk driving. It includes why, when, and where the stop happened. It lists information about the driver, like their name and car details. It also notes if they have car insurance. Police write down signs that show the driver might be drunk, like how they look or act. They include results from tests to check if the driver is sober. The report covers how the arrest was made, if the driver was read their rights, and what happened when they were booked. This information helps people understand what comes next after a DUI arrest.

Initial Reason for Traffic Stop

The main reason for pulling someone over must be written down clearly in a DUI police report. This helps show why the officer decided to stop the car. Common reasons include strange driving, breaking traffic rules, car problems, or acting in a way that seems suspicious.

Officers usually describe what they saw, like a car swerving between lanes, driving much slower than the speed limit, running red lights, or having broken taillights.

The report should say exactly when and where the stop happened and what was going on. These details are important because they might be checked in court to see if the stop was right.

If there were any witnesses to how the person was driving or the situation leading up to the stop, they should be mentioned in the report, too.

Basic Driver Information and Documentation

When police stop a car, they must write down important information about the driver and the car. They take note of the driver’s full name, birth date, home address, and driver’s license number. They also check which state issued the driver’s license.

Officers also write down details about the car, like its brand, model, year, color, and license plate number. They look at the car’s registration status too.

Officers also make sure the driver has car insurance. They write down the insurance company’s name, the policy number, and when the insurance runs out. If anything is wrong, like old documents or information that doesn’t match, they include this in their report.

If there are passengers in the car, officers might write down their basic information too, as they could be witnesses. All this information helps to know who is involved and if they are following driving rules.

Physical Signs of Impairment

Police officers look for signs that show a driver might be impaired. Some common signs are red or watery eyes, talking strangely, smelling like alcohol or drugs, and having trouble moving well.

Officers check if the driver has a hard time standing up, drops things when getting their license, or acts oddly. The report describes signs like being sleepy, confused, or upset.

Officers see if the driver’s face is red, pale, or sweaty. They also look for eye movements that happen on their own, big or small pupils, and if the driver can pay attention.

If there are open alcohol bottles, drug tools, or medicine bottles in the car, they write that down, too. The report includes notes about what the driver is wearing, how they look, and any injuries or health problems that might change how they act.

Field Sobriety Test Results

Officers need to write down detailed results from field sobriety tests when checking for signs of being drunk.

For field sobriety test results to be admissible in court, they must be administered in strict accordance with guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If an officer fails to follow these standardized procedures, the results may be deemed unreliable and should not be used as evidence. As part of the DUI investigation, officers carefully document whether the individual followed instructions correctly, whether they refused any portion of the test, and whether external factors, such as weather conditions, may have affected performance. They also record the number of observable signs of impairment during each test and evaluate the results based on NHTSA standards to determine whether the individual appeared to be under the influence. This documentation plays a crucial role in supporting or challenging the validity of the DUI charge.

Driver’s Statements and Behavior

During a DUI stop, police listen to what the driver says and watch how they act. They write down things like if the driver speaks with a slur, says things that don’t match up, or admits to drinking alcohol.

Police also look at how the driver moves. They check if the driver has trouble with balance, coordination, or does odd things like fumbling with papers or needing support to stand.

Officers also watch the driver’s mood to see if they seem confused, angry, or overly emotional.

These notes help police decide if the driver is under the influence and can be used in court.

Breathalyzer Test Details

Breathalyzer tests are important in DUI cases. The police report will have details about the breathalyzer device, its calibration, and how the test was done.

Here’s what is usually included:

• The times when each breath sample was taken and the wait time between them.

• Blood Alcohol Content levels are measured in grams per 210 liters of breath.

• The officer’s ID number and proof that they followed the right steps.

• Records show the breathalyzer was working and checked properly.

The report should also say if the person refused to take the test, tried but couldn’t give enough breath, or had any health issues that might affect the test.

Vehicle Inspection Notes

Vehicle inspection notes are a critical component of a DUI police report, as they help establish the context and possible contributing factors surrounding the arrest. When an officer pulls over a driver suspected of DUI, they often conduct a visual and sometimes physical inspection of the vehicle. These notes may include observations such as open alcohol containers, the smell of alcohol or drugs, drug paraphernalia, or any signs of recent consumption like spilled liquor or bottles within reach. Additionally, officers may document the condition of the vehicle, such as whether it had mechanical issues, visible damage, or signs of a recent collision, which could support or contradict the driver’s behavior or explanation.

These details help paint a clearer picture of the circumstances and can be used as supporting evidence in court. Vehicle inspection notes can strengthen the prosecution’s case by corroborating other indicators of impairment, such as erratic driving or failed field sobriety tests. Conversely, the absence of incriminating findings during a vehicle inspection may be used as a defense strategy to challenge the severity or legitimacy of the charges.

Weather and Road Conditions

Weather and road conditions in a DUI police report help explain what happened during the incident. These things can change how a driver acts and how a car works, so they are important to know.

• Weather details tell us about how well someone can see. This includes fog, rain, snow, temperature, wind, and whether it was daytime, dusk, or night.

• Road surface conditions tell us if the road was dry, wet, icy, or covered in snow. It also mentions if there was any debris or hazards.

• Infrastructure factors include the type of road, number of lanes, presence of traffic lights, and road markings.

• Information about construction or maintenance, like temporary signs, barriers, or lane closures, is also important because they can change driving conditions.

Witness Statements and Contact Information

Police need detailed witness statements and contact information to make an accurate record of a DUI incident. Officers write down the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of all witnesses who were there. This includes passengers, bystanders, and other drivers who saw how the suspect was driving.

The report has exact words from witnesses about what they saw, like how the suspect was driving and acting, and what they said before, during, or after being arrested. Officers also check if witnesses seem believable and clear-headed.

If someone doesn’t want to give a statement, this is written down too. People like emergency workers, store staff, or security guards who talked to the suspect can also give important information for the record.

Evidence Collection Methods

Officers collect different kinds of evidence during DUI checks, using set methods to make sure it can be used in court.

• Physical Evidence: Officers gather items like open bottles, drug tools, medicine bottles, and car damage. They take pictures and write down details.

• Chemical Testing: Samples of blood, breath, or urine are collected. Blood samples are taken by trained medical workers.

• Field Sobriety Tests: Officers use car cameras and body cameras to record how people perform walking and balance tests. They also write down what they see.

• Digital Evidence: Officers collect security camera footage, GPS information, phone records, and receipts from places where alcohol was bought.

Arrest Procedures and Timeline

During a DUI arrest, police officers follow a set of steps they must write down in order. They note the time they first talked to the person, when they gave sobriety tests, and when they did chemical tests. They also write down when they told the person their rights and if the person chose to use or give up these rights.

The steps include taking the person to a testing place, getting to the police station, and finishing the chemical tests. Officers write down any hold-ups, if the person refused tests, or if there were any problems with the tests.

They also note when the person was officially booked, had their picture taken, and had their fingerprints taken. If the person was let go after paying bail, or if they stayed in jail, this is also recorded.

This list of events is important for both the criminal defense attorney and the court.

Miranda Rights Documentation

Documenting Miranda Rights is very important in DUI police reports. Officers must write down when and how they told suspects about their rights during a DUI arrest. This shows the legal steps were followed and protects the officer and department from lawsuits.

Key parts of Miranda Rights documentation include:

• The exact time when the rights were read to the suspect.

• If the suspect said they understood their rights.

• Any statements made by the suspect after being read their rights.

• If there were language problems or if special help was needed.

Officers often use standard forms or body camera videos to help with their reports. This method keeps things consistent and helps make sure that statements or evidence can be used in court.

Booking Process Details

The booking details in a DUI police report show how a suspect is first processed at the jail. It usually has the date and time of booking, the arresting officer’s name, and the booking officer’s ID.

The report also shows the suspect’s personal info like their full name, address, birth date, what they look like, and any marks or tattoos.

It gives the suspect an inmate number and lists their items taken by the police. Other notes might include health check results, fingerprints taken, the suspect’s photo, and which cell they are in.

If there are special things to know, like health problems or behavior issues, those are also written down.

Getting a Copy of the DUI Police Report

Getting a copy of a DUI police report means following the steps with the police department that made the arrest. You can ask for these reports if you need them for court or to know what happened.

• Call or check the police department’s website to start the request. You usually need to know the case number or when and where the arrest happened.

• Fill out any forms they need and show ID to prove you can get the report.

• Pay any fees they ask for. The cost can change based on where you are and how much information you need.

• Wait for the report. It usually takes 5-10 business days, but some places can get it faster if you pay more.

This process helps you get the important details about the DUI incident.