Millions of people have experienced at least one DUI arrest in their lifetime. It is a crime that anyone can easily be arrested for, even celebrities. Just a couple of weeks ago, the famous Bruce Springsteen was arrested for a DUI in New Jersey. After Springsteen was seen taking a shot of tequila by an officer, he was pulled over on his motorcycle and a DUI investigation was conducted on him. In this case, the DUI investigation consisted of the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test, which Springsteen refused, the field sobriety tests, which according to the officer, Springsteen did not perform well, and the observed symptoms of intoxication, which Springsteen did show.
The PAS test is essentially a hand-held breathalyzer that the police will ask you to take following your field sobriety tests but before your arrest. If you are pulled over for a DUI, it’s best to refuse the PAS test if you have consumed any alcohol, which Springsteen did, because that test is voluntary. After you are arrested, the police will then ask you to complete either a breath test or a blood test. This test, unfortunately, you cannot refuse. If you refuse this test, that will result in an automatic one-year license suspension. Even if you do refuse, the police will obtain a warrant for you to take a blood test. When given the options for this test, it’s best to choose the blood test. Blood tests provide more accurate results, are preserved, and can be retested at a later time, and it often takes time for a blood test to be conducted. This can be helpful to your case because your alcohol level may decrease during the waiting period of your blood test, it may not be a dramatic decrease, but every little bit helps. Springsteen’s blood alcohol level is unknown, but he has been charged with drunken driving, reckless driving, and consuming alcohol in a closed area.
To learn more about Bruce Springsteen’s DUI arrest, take a look at the New York Times article on the subject.
To learn more about the legality of DUI’s and the possible defenses, take a look at our website. And remember, if you are facing DUI charges, then choosing the right DUI defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your case!