L.A. DUI DEFENSE LAWYER

Los Angeles area communities are cracking down on California drunk drivers. A popular method used by law enforcement to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel is setting up sobriety check points – the placement of temporary roadblocks on highways, streets, and other public roadways.

Southern California sobriety checkpoints – also called DUI roadblocks - are subject to stringent guidelines to ensure law enforcement does not violate your constitutional rights. In fact, several states have outlawed checkpoints as illegal searches and seizures.

If you are detained in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange or San Bernardino Counties, pursuant to a California sobriety checkpoint, keep in mind a few critical rules, and contact an L.A. DUI defense attorney if you are charged with a California drunk driving offense or believe the stop was illegal.

First, all sobriety checkpoints must be publicly announced prior to their use.

Next, the DUI roadblocks must be visible, and give drivers the opportunity to turn around to avoid the roadblock. You cannot be detained solely based on your decision to turn around.

The stop must also be based on neutral and random criteria. Police officers cannot target specific individuals or types of cars.

Further, the stop must be brief. Law enforcement cannot unreasonably detain drivers.

If you show signs on intoxication, law enforcement may administer Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) or request blood alcohol testing.

Additional rules govern the conduct of sobriety checkpoints that must be followed. If law enforcement fails to follow these guidelines, any California DUI charges may be thrown out or reduced.

Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a DUI following a stop at a sobriety checkpoint/DUI roadblock, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer. When you contact The Chahine Law Firm, we will investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and DUI charges and will aggressively defend your rights.

Please contact The Chahine Law Firm at 1-800-950-7755 for a free consultation.