Probable Cause to Stop

In any drunk driving case, the officer must demonstrate that he or she had probable cause to stop the driver in order to be allowed to testify about evidence against the driver.  This essentially means that an officer must justify his or her reasons for stopping a vehicle.  If an officer is unable to demonstrate sufficient probable cause, any evidence found during the stop will not be allowed to be used in the case.  Even if the officer had probable cause to stop a motorist, the prosecution must offer additional evidence to justify any further investigation, such as field sobriety tests, or arrest.  If the additional evidence is insufficient to justify the further investigation or arrest, any evidence against the driver the officer obtained as a result of that investigation or arrest will not be allowed as part of the prosecutor’s case, including blood, breath, or urine tests.  Lacking sufficient probable cause can result in the suppression of critical evidence obtained against the driver, thus weakening the prosecutor’s case. An experienced Columbus OVI lawyer can help fight your case in court.

If you have been charged with an OVI or DUI in Ohio, contact our Columbus OVI lawyer at Funkhouser Law today!

This site is intended as general information and does not establish an attorney client relationship with the office of Douglas A. Funkhouser Co., L.P.A.

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