How can an officer establish probable cause for a DUI arrest?

Establishing probable cause for a DUI arrest is a comprehensive process that requires a combination of various types of evidence. The correct approach involves integrating observations made by the officer, the results from Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), and the outcomes of any breath or chemical tests conducted. This multifaceted approach ensures that the officer has a well-rounded basis for believing that a person is operating a vehicle while impaired.

Observational evidence might include the driver’s behavior, physical appearance, or erratic driving patterns. SFST results provide standardized assessments of a driver's physical and cognitive abilities, crucial in determining impairment. Breath or chemical test results offer objective data regarding blood alcohol concentration (BAC). All these facets together help build a robust case that meets the legal threshold of probable cause, ensuring that the arrest is justified and defensible in court.

In contrast, relying solely on breathalyzer results may provide information about a driver's BAC but does not encompass the broader picture needed to establish probable cause. Similarly, witness statements can be helpful, but relying on them exclusively does not provide sufficient evidence to meet the legal standards required for an arrest. Reasonable suspicion based solely on hearsay lacks the necessary direct observations or evidential support to justify an arrest. Thus,