When a Routine Traffic Stop Turns Into a DUI Arrest

A late-night drive home can change course in a matter of minutes. What starts as a routine traffic stop for a broken taillight or a rolling stop can quickly escalate into a full DUI investigation, complete with field sobriety exercises, a breath test request, and, in many cases, an arrest. Understanding how these stops typically unfold can help drivers know what to expect if they ever find themselves in that situation.

How Officers Build a DUI Case

Florida law enforcement is trained to look for specific cues once a vehicle is stopped, including the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady movements. From there, officers often ask drivers to perform a series of field sobriety exercises designed to test balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions. Officers also frequently request a breath, blood, or urine sample to measure blood alcohol content.

The Legal Threshold in Florida

Florida Statutes Section 316.193 sets the legal standard for driving under the influence in the state. A driver can be charged if their normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance, or if their blood alcohol or breath alcohol level reaches 0.08 grams or higher. Because the statute allows for either an impairment standard or a numeric threshold, an arrest can happen even when a driver believes they are only slightly over the legal limit.

What Happens After the Arrest

Once arrested, a driver is typically transported for booking and may face both criminal penalties and separate administrative consequences through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, including a potential license suspension. These two processes move on different timelines, which often surprises people who assume the criminal case is the only proceeding they need to track.

Every Stop Has Its Own Set of Facts

No two traffic stops look exactly alike. The reason for the initial stop, the conditions under which field sobriety exercises were administered, and the way a breath or blood test was handled can all vary significantly from case to case. These details often matter a great deal to how a case ultimately unfolds.

Reach Out to Our Team

Being pulled over and questioned about alcohol or drug use is unsettling, and the hours that follow can feel like a blur. If you or someone you know has been stopped and arrested on suspicion of DUI, our Miami DUI attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos are available to review the circumstances of the stop and discuss what comes next. Contact our firm to arrange a time to talk through your case.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/316.193