Phoenix DUI Law Blog
When it comes to fighting for clients, our DUI attorneys will always make sure that your rights are observed in court. It's important that we fight diligently on your behalf to ensure that the system is fair and serves the entire public good. If there are cases of civil liberties not being observed, we need to take them very seriously.
Right now we would like to focus on the nature of sobriety checkpoints, what they are, and when they may be put in place. These checkpoints tend to catch a number of drunk drivers, so it's important that you know how they operate.
About Sobriety Checkpoints
Sobriety checkpoints are random stops along busy roads that are set up by law enforcement. With these checkpoints in place, law enforcement stops every vehicle in order to find out if the driver of a vehicle is sober and able to drive.
How These DUI Checkpoints Work
The law enforcement tend to check a driver's license and registration to make sure that everything is order. They will often ask the driver a few questions to help assess sobriety. If law enforcement suspects drunk driving or that there is something out of the ordinary, the driver is asked to pull over to the side in order to be fully assessed.
If asked to pull to the side of the road away from the sobriety roadblock, law enforcement will resort to DUI tests if needed. This includes breathalyzer tests or even field sobriety tests to check if cognition and motor skills are impaired in any way.
Why are DUI checkpoints in place?
DUI checkpoints are put in place in order to serve the public good and ensure that people are driving responsibly. They are good things in that they prevent potential injury and death from drunk driving accidents, though it's important that law enforcement treats these checkpoints professionally and in accordance with the civil rights of drivers.
Common Times That DUI Checkpoints Are Enforced
Most DUI checkpoints are put in place during weekends, at night and in the early morning. These are the times that drunk driving arrests are most common, and they often coincide with hours that bars and clubs are operating or are closing.
Other Events That May Result In Sobriety Checkpoints
There are many other times that sobriety checkpoints may be put in place. Some examples of this include:
- New Year's Eve
- The Fourth of July
- Memorial Day
- St. Patrick's Day
- Halloween night/weekend
It's also worthwhile to consider the possibility of sobriety checkpoints to coincide with the following:
- Major sporting events
- Major concerts
- Large conventions
- Large scale parties or social gatherings
How Our Legal Team Can Help with DUI Defense
When you visit our legal team, we will examine the circumstances of your case to ensure that your stop and arrest was handled professionally and properly. If not, we will work to overturn your arrest and hold the irresponsible parties accountable for their actions. We will also work to ensure that any legal punishments are lenient and help advise you on your best course of action.
Learn More About Drunk Driving Litigation
For more information about sobriety checkpoints, drunk driving stops, and many other defense matters related to traffic stops, be sure to contact our Arizona DUI and criminal defense lawyers today. Our entire legal team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you have a fair shake in a court of law.