DUI or drinking under the influence of any substance like alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense in many states. It is also considered a serious health hazard and causes numerous traffic accidents, personal injuries and even death. Studies revealed that 39% of vehicle-related fatalities annually are caused by DUI offenses and it continues to threaten many individuals with being hurt or killed.

People have implied that this type of entrapment is against their fourth amendment rights and some states don’t even authorize these checkpoints. It seems that the policy’s detractors feel the police often don’t have good probable cause to pull over the vehicles that they stop. Many people feel that they are being unfairly scrutinized or persecuted in an attempt by local officers to meet their “monthly quota” of required tickets. This issue has caused a lot of resentment toward policemen in some cities around the nation.

According to the law, driving a motor vehicle, aircraft, boats, horse driven vehicles or even bicycles while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is punishable. When proven guilty, the penalties for DUI offenses can include fines, license suspension or revocation and possibly even a prison sentence. Other offenders may find themselves on probation, in drug or alcohol therapy and DUI schools.

One of the most important things is that the DUI checkpoints should be published with advance notice. This is usually done through radio advertisements or in newspapers.

On the other hand, some states allow convicted drunk drivers to drive as long as an ignition interlock device is installed in their automobiles. The ignition interlock device enables the car’s system to identify the driver’s capacity to drive by analyzing the driver’s breath. It will then automatically disable the ignition if the driver has been drinking.

Perhaps most importantly, any stops that policemen initiate must be related to some sort of traffic violation and cannot be random pull-overs or so-called “profiling”. The officers must also clearly post signs and warning lights that will alert traffic in all lanes that a slow-down is imminent. If you are by chance stopped by the police, it is mandatory that they give you any necessary tests to determine your sobriety but then you legally have the right to be released immediately if everything checks out.

Some of the other rights you have to protect yourself against any kind of police harassment during these kinds of stops are the right to refuse a search, unless there is probable cause and the right to remain silent so as not to possibly incriminate yourself in a court of law at some later point. Although it’s important to protect yourself, it’s also important to remember that these kinds of checkpoints are ultimately put in place for the safety of the general public on the roads.

So, although they may seem unconstitutional to some, DUI checkpoints are legal and they are for ensuring everyone’s health and safety. So the next time you see a roadblock, be prepared to stop and thank an officer for keeping your friends and family safe.

Keep your criminal record clean hire DUI Lawyers or Impaired Driving Lawyers, drinking and driving is a crime.

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