NHTSA Manual

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a manual that aids law enforcement in detecting impaired drivers. NHTSA training is generally taught to all law enforcement officers and many experienced DUI lawyers are familiar with the manual, including the Columbus criminal defense lawyer with Luftman, Heck and Associates.

The NHTSA Manual states that there are three phases to an OVI / DUI arrest:

• The first phase is the Vehicle in Motion Phase
• The second phase is the Personal Contact Phase
• The third phase is the Pre-arrest Screening Phase

During each of the three phases the officer is taught there are cues and clues that someone who is potentially too impaired to drive will exhibit and to look for them. If the officer observes the cue or clue, they are taught to note it mentally in determining whether to arrest the person. They are also taught to write it down in detail in their arrest report for use by the prosecutor in obtaining a plea or conviction, or to refresh their memory should they be called to testify at a later point in time.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we can help you confront the Ohio criminal justice system from your arrest through to your trial. By advocating for your rights and thinking strategically about your case defense, we will maximize your chances of obtaining a positive case result. If you’ve been charged with OVI, call us today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.

Charged with DUI in Columbus? Contact Us.

If you’ve been charged with a OVI / DUI, it’s important to know what you’re up against. If you have any questions left unanswered by this page, or if you need a competent, experienced Columbus DUI attorney to fight for you in court, please contact us at (614) 500-3836 or via email at advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.