Under Pennsylvania law, law enforcement agents must have reasonable suspicion of a crime in order to detain and interrogate someone. The reasonable suspicion standard does not mean that a person cannot be arrested for a DUI offense outside of a traffic stop, however. Instead, as demonstrated in a recent Pennsylvania ruling, evidence obtained while a police officer is performing community caretaking duties can serve as a basis for a DUI arrest and conviction. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is smart to speak to a Pennsylvania DUI defense attorney about your options for seeking a just outcome.
Factual and Procedural Setting
It is alleged that in November 2019, a Pennsylvania state trooper observed the defendant’s vehicle on the side of the road. The trooper approached the vehicle and spoke to the defendant, at which point noticed the defendant’s glassy and bloodshot eyes, along with a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle and the defendant himself. The defendant admitted to having consumed alcohol when questioned by the Trooper and was asked to perform field sobriety tests.
It is reported that the defendant was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence. He filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained from what he argued was an illegal seizure. Specifically, he claimed that the activation of police lights and the approach of the troopers constituted an investigative detention without reasonable suspicion. The court, however, determined that the Trooper’s actions fell within the community caretaking doctrine and denied the defendant’s motion. The defendant was convicted following a bench hearing. He appealed. Continue reading