If you have been stopped at a DUI checkpoint, it's important that you exhibit behavior that will not lead to an accidental arrest. This way, you can continue about your evening without being affected by additional questioning, jail time, or charges. Here are three important behaviors to exhibit:
- Be Prepared: Be ready to present your driver's license and registration to the officer. Remember that the officer is checking for drunk drivers, so it's important that you present yourself in a calm and collected manner. If you haven't been drinking and you're not acting rambunctious, then the officer will likely have no reason to keep you at the checkpoint. Also, be sure that if there are any passengers with you, you have them acting calm and collected, as well. Although it won't matter if they have been drinking because they are not driving, the officer may still think it's dangerous for them to be acting up if they are too rambunctious. It also is an indicator that you, the driver, have probably been drinking as well and need to go through a test or breathalyzer.
- Comply if Asked to Pull Over: If you are pulled over for whatever reason after going through the checkpoint, you are going to want to comply. Do not be disrespectful or try to fight it since this only leads the officers to further believe they have a reason to pull you over. Not complying is against the law, and you can be charged for misconduct.
- You Can Deny Sobriety Tests: Although you must comply with everything the officer asks, the one thing that you do not have to comply with is a sobriety test. You can even refuse the breathalyzer. Just be ready to be taken to the station where you will have a blood test to determine your blood alcohol level. The reason this is generally the best option is because, if you have not been drinking, the blood alcohol test is the best way to prove your innocence since it is conclusive. The other tests are inconclusive, but can still be held against you.
When you do these three things when being stopped at a DUI checkpoint, you are more likely to get through it without any charges against you, unless you actually were drinking and driving. If there are charges against you, be sure to hire a criminal law attorney from a law firm such as Larson, Latham, Huettl Attorneys who can help protect your rights, as well as help drop severe charges against you, especially if this is your first time offense.
