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-Let's talk about vehicle code section 23152a.
This is driving under the influence of alcohol,
or drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs.
In order to convict you of this offense,
a prosecutor has to prove that you were operating a motor
vehicle under the influence.
And under the influence is defined as a state
where you do not have the skill and caution
characteristic of a sober person.
In making their case, a prosecutor
will generally point to five types of evidence.
First is the driving pattern.
If you were weaving, if you were in an accident, if you were
driving erratically, then the officer or other witnesses
will testify about that.
The second is what we call objective symptoms
of intoxication.
So that is a flushed face, red bloodshot eyes,
the odor of alcohol, slurred speech,
what's sometimes called an unsteady gait,
or an unsteadiness on your feet.
Third is the performance on the field sobriety tests.
Fourth are sort of statements, or admissions,
that you made out on the field.
So if you told the officer, you know, I do feel kind of drunk;
I did have a lot to drink; I know
I shouldn't have been driving; then usually, they
can introduce those statements against you.
And by the way, it's a very bad idea,
if you're ever detained for DUI, to make statements
like that to the police.
Finally, fifth is the result of the chemical test,
so the reading on the blood or breath test.