DUI Checkpoints – How They Work

Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore is very knowledgeable about sobriety checkpoints, which are also known as DUI checkpoints. DUI checkpoints are roadblocks that law enforcement officials set up on public roads, usually on weekend nights or on holidays. New Year’s Eve is especially popular, due to the large number of people celebrating the holiday out on the town with plenty of champagne.

DUI roadblocks are not good tools for cracking down on driving under the influence, says Broward DUI Lawyer William Moore. The DUI checkpoints nab troublingly few motorists who are actually suspected of driving under the influence, however, which is just one serious problem with their usage. For example, a checkpoint in northern Florida last weekend caught one DUI suspect, yet stopped 700 sober drivers. That particular sobriety roadblock was probably more successful than many for nabbing even a single suspect.

In reality, says Broward County DUI attorney William Moore, the best reason for a roadblock is sheer profitability. Police departments can potentially issue hundreds of citations and dole out hefty fines for much more minor offenses: everything from seat belt violations to flawed car registration papers and recently expired drivers licenses. The law enforcement officers conducting the sobriety checkpoints must put into place certain protections for the benefit of the motorists and to prevent profiling. For example, the police force must have a predetermined and unbiased plan for which vehicles to stop, such as every third vehicle, every seventh, or every single one that passes through the roadblock.

Police departments must also advertise the existence of the roadblocks in advance. Frequently, they are publicized in the local newspaper, including the location. The roadblock must provide an alternate route of passage or a place to turn around – no driver is forced to go through the checkpoint, although the flashing lights and general environment can be intimidating, and many motorists may feel as though they would actually be drawing attention to themselves by obviously driving in a different direction.

The law governing DUI checkpoints is complex and each roadblock is required to abide by a number of rules in order for the stop to be constitutional. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence at a DUI roadblock, contact an experienced DUI lawyer immediately.

Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore provides outstanding DUI defense in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale-Dade Counties. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer William Moore, P.A.

This article should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice nor as implied representation of any person.

Article contributed by Mallory Shipman, Esq.