DRE Checklist, Step 2: Interview the Arresting Officer

By San Diego Attorney on April 26, 2012

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) must follow a checklist that breaks down into twelve components. The next few blogs will examine each step in detail

Step 2: Interview of the Arresting Officer

If the DRE did not personally arrest you, then they will need to speak to the arresting officer before they begin their evaluation. Some of the questions the DRE will ask the officer are:

• How was the subject’s driving?
• Was it fast or slow?
• Was the car drifting or swerving?
• Was a collision involved, and if so, did the subject suffer any apparent injuries?
• What kind of attitude has the subject exhibited?
• Has the subject responded to the officer’s questions?
• Has the subject exhibited any unusual behavior?
• Has the subject admitted to drinking or using drugs?

This step is crucial if you are the one being pulled over. You should exercise your right to remain silent and politely refuse to answer any questions. Ask to speak to your attorney immediately and do not make any statements until he’s present.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI with drugs, call our offices today for a free consultation with San Diego criminal defense attorney James N. Dicks, who specializes in DUI cases. As a member of The National College for DUI Defense and with over 25 years of legal experience, he can help you.

Source: A training manual for the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program