A program developed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office rewards drivers with $100 if they call in a tip about an erratic driver, NBC News reports.
But the program has a problem: it provides financial incentive to citizens, whose opinions and observations may not rise to the probable cause standards under the law. A well-trained West Palm Beach DUI attorney can sniff out the improper actions of law enforcement if you are arrested for DUI in South Florida.
According to the NBC News report, the sheriff's office created the Mobile Eyes Against Drunk Driving program to encourage drivers to report suspicious activity on the roads of Palm Beach County.
According to the Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc., officers are supposed to make arrests after receiving calls based on their own judgment. But it is certainly possible that law enforcement will take the lay person's observations as a large factor in making an arrest related to DUI -- even probable cause for making the stop should be questioned.
Based on the fact that officials are offering a $100 reward for tips, similar to how Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards about crimes, people are often accused of providing useless information hoping to score free cash. Mobile Eyes could have similar problems in West Palm Beach. According to NBC, though, more than 1,000 DUI arrests have been made since January 1. The report doesn't state how many of those arrests turned into convictions.
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution guards against unreasonable searches and seizures and governs the reasons police can have to pull you over and arrest you for DUI in Fort Lauderdale. DUI penalties are stiff and can alter your life forever if you don't get proper representation.
Never lay down for the state. Always fight for your rights. But don't do it alone. Consult with a Miami DUI defense lawyer who will stand by you in court and plan the strategy for your case.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet is an aggressive and experienced drunk driving defense attorney, representing clients facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.
