Sobriety Checkpoints

Sacramento DUI Lawyer

Sobriety checkpoints are used by law enforcement to identify and arrest individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement must adhere to specific guidelines and standard procedures regarding the operation of a checkpoint, including:

• The checkpoint must be announced to the public
• The checkpoint must be in operation for a specific and limited time
• The checkpoint must be in a safe location
• Driver’s cannot be stopped based on race, age or similar factors
• All drivers that are stopped must be asked the same types of questions
• There must be a turnout for drivers who do not want to pass through the checkpoint

The purpose of a checkpoint is to ensure public safety. When a driver is stopped, law enforcement will observe their physical appearance and other behavior to determine if they are driving while impaired. If the person is believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will be given a field sobriety test. If you have been arrested for DUI at a sobriety checkpoint, contact a Sacramento criminal defense attorney or legal advice and to review the procedures that were used leading up to your arrest. The laws pertaining to checkpoints are very specific, and any errors that were made can help your defense and may even lead to a case dismissal.

DUIs Issued at Checkpoints

It is unlawful to randomly stop vehicles at a sobriety checkpoint. Law enforcement must follow exact procedures when stopping motorists in order to prevent discrimination. Checkpoint procedural violations that resulted in an illegal police stop and unlawful search and seizure can be used in a DUI case to suppress evidence, and may even result in a reduction in charges or the dismissal of your case. Wise Law Group, PC is a highly experienced DUI defense firm that can analyze law enforcement’s activities at the checkpoint to determine if any checkpoint laws or guidelines were violated. They will make sure that you were not discriminated against and that your rights under state laws are fully protected. The firm provides aggressive DUI defense, and will fight with unyielding resolve to prevent a guilty verdict in your case.