DWI checkpoints are administered to deter intoxicated driving and keep drivers
safe from drunk motorists. Typically, law enforcement set up these checkpoints
along busy highways and roads that are notorious for drunk driving incidents
during weekends and holidays.
These checkpoints often consist of roadblocks along intersections, where
officers stop random vehicles at random intervals and check for signs
of intoxication. If you encounter one of these checkpoints, you must remember
your rights and avoid being arrested and charged with a DWI.
The following are a few tips to follow whenever you encounter a DWI checkpoint:
-
Be polite. Treat the police officers with respect since they can use your behavior
against you. Do not answer any questions that may incriminate you or cast
you in a negative light. Keep in mind, you have the right to remain silent.
-
Provide the proper documentation only when asked. You are required to hand over your license, registration, and insurance
information if the police request it. However, unprompted movements to
your pocket or glove compartment may appear like you’re reaching
for a weapon, so only retrieve those documents when asked.
-
You have the right to deny search and seizure. You have the right to be protected against unreasonable search and seizure.
Police are trained to look for “probable cause” which would
enable them to search your vehicle. If you do not provide consent and
law enforcement searches your vehicle anyway, your attorney may be able
to argue that the search was unlawful and any evidence gathered against
you is inadmissible in court.
-
You can refuse
field sobriety tests. It is not mandatory to perform a field sobriety test when asked. Furthermore,
field sobriety tests can produce inaccurate results, which may lead to
false arrest and charges.
If you were arrested for a DWI,
contact a Salisbury criminal defense attorney at
William R. Hall, P.A. for a free consultation today.