DUI Arrest Suspect?

Question

I was driving on a busy Southern California city where me and my friend were driving next to a suspected drunk driver. He almost hit us and as a result I kept a safe distance behind him. He almost hit another car as he was weaving in and out of lanes. He then drove on top of a grass median causing damage to the median. My friend and I followed him until he gunned it to about 90mph. We caught up to him after he had stopped in the middle of the street. He then made a U-Turn and we again followed him until he pulled into his drive way. We were on the phone with 911 practically the whole time giving all the info. We were no longer at the scene when police called me to ID the man. My friend and I identified the man. Police told me that they could only do a DUI arrest only after we identified the man. Police confirmed the damage done to the median. Finally my question, can I face any legal problems? I know i might have to go to court if this guy fights the case.

Answer 1

y would u have to face any legal problems u were only trying to avoid anyone getting hurt

and as far as going to court i hope they hang the guy so tell the truth

Answer 2

You should not face any legal problems.  However, the officer is correct in that you may have to go to Court as a witness if the driver decides to go to hearing.  You are the one who will be needed to established probable cause for the DUI being issued.

Answer 3

You won't, but hopefully, the suspect will.

Answer 4

No - you won't face any legal problems.

You were simply a witness and a good citizen.

Answer 5

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

Okay, guess I can focus a little more on the issues now.  Is it likely you'll have legal problems?  Not very.

Can it happen?  It can, but see above.

The guy could maybe sue you if he's found not guilty and claims you identified the wrong man and he lost all kinds of money and such as a result of that arrest.  He'd almost certainly have to show that you identified him as part of a malicious scheme to ruin his life instead of just a simple mistake, though.

The guy could start stalking you and harrassing you for turning him in.  That's not really *your* legal problem, but it would be a problem for you.  

I don't know - I'm having a real hard time thinking of how you would suffer any kind of legal problems here.  I just don't see it happening in this case and have never heard of it happening in any case.

Did I already say thank you?  You're my newest hero.

Answer 6

Jimmy, I'm proud of you because you did the right thing.  A guy who drives that drunk needs some sort of intervention.  He's already said he doesn't care about your life, or your family or loved-one's lives by getting behind the wheel.  Just tell the truth and go to court if subpoenaed.  Thank you.

Answer 7

Good  job, no you will have no legal problems. As with most DUI's he will probably plead out. If not it will be a good experience for you to go to court. You did the right thing.