Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What legal principle underlies the authority to arrest for DUI if an individual shows intent to operate a vehicle?

1. Public safety standard

2. Reasonable suspicion

3. Probable cause

4. Judgment call

The correct answer is: Probable cause

The legal principle that underlies the authority to arrest for DUI when an individual demonstrates the intent to operate a vehicle is based on probable cause. Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on factual evidence, that a person has committed or is in the process of committing a crime. In the context of DUI, if officers observe actions such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or other signs of impairment, these factors can contribute to establishing probable cause for the arrest. In situations where an officer witnesses clear indicators that suggest a driver is about to operate a vehicle under the influence, the existence of probable cause allows law enforcement to intervene before the act—thus enhancing public safety. This is vital in DUI cases, wherein preventive measures can avert potential accidents or harm on the road. While reasonable suspicion is a lower standard used for initial stops, what solidifies the authority to arrest in this scenario is the higher threshold of probable cause that a crime is indeed occurring or is about to occur. The public safety standard refers more broadly to the overarching goal of protecting the community, while a judgment call implies a subjective decision without legal backing. Thus, it is the principle of probable cause that provides the necessary legal basis for arresting individuals who show intent to operate