Law enforcement in Ohio considers intoxicated drivers to be a very serious problem, and they are constantly seeking to arrest these offenders for DUI violations. While you can be pulled over for suspected DUI, you can also be subjected to a DUI checkpoint that is set up by police. These checkpoints can be very intimidating, and you may feel as though your guilt is assumed even if you have done nothing wrong. DUI checkpoints can be setup at the discretion of police departments, but they are common on weekends, during holidays, and on days when certain events are taking place that may involve a lot of alcohol consumption. Do not forget that you have rights if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint, and there are numerous things that you must keep in mind during these stops.
Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates to speak with our skilled DUI lawyers about protecting your rights after a DUI charge that resulted from a DUI checkpoint. For a free consultation regarding your case, call us today at (614) 500-3836.
What to Do at a DUI Checkpoint
When you’re going through a DUI checkpoint, there are likely a number of thoughts and questions running through your head. To help you answer some of these concerns, we’ve compiled the following lists of tips to better help you understand what you should do during one of these stops:
Stay Calm
It’s always best to keep your cool while behind the wheel, interacting with police, and certainly while doing both. Police are concerned about their safety and the well-being of the people around them, so they are frequently on the lookout for aggressive or dangerous drivers. However, keep in mind that officers understand that DUI checkpoints can be stressful even for sober drivers who are following the law, and your stop can be quick and painless if you remain calm and polite.
Provide Police with The Information That Is Required by Law
You are always required to identify yourself when police stop you in public, and state law requires you to provide more information when you are driving a car on a public road. At the officer’s request, you must provide:
- Your driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration
Understand Your Rights During the Stop
Your rights do not stop if you are pulled over for DUI or stopped at a DUI checkpoint. You do not have to incriminate yourself, and therefore the police cannot force you to answer questions regarding whether or not you have been drinking. You also have the right to refuse any sobriety tests such as the use of a breathalyzer or physical tests such as standing on one foot. However, refusing an offer for such a test can result in a suspension of your license even if you’re sober, so use your best judgment in this situation and remember that you can demand to speak with your lawyer.
Do Not Volunteer Any Additional Information
While you don’t need to answer any questions regarding if you’ve been drinking or where you’re going, you should also be sure to not go ahead and offer any such information while at a DUI checkpoint. Many people feel the need to explain themselves to police. There is no reason to do this, as you may accidentally provide the officers with some grounds to further detain or arrest you. Stay calm, cooperative, and don’t speak too much.
Contact Your Attorney
You always have the right to call your attorney. People sometimes hesitate because they fear that it will make them look guilty, but police are used to lawyers being present while protecting the rights of their clients. It’s advisable to call your lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve been arrested.
Luftman, Heck & Associates Can Help After Being Stopped at DUI Checkpoints
Police stops and DUI checkpoints can be stressful for anyone, and this is certainly the case for those who are doing nothing wrong. It’s important to be calm and provide the police with you’re the proper documents as required by law, but it’s also crucial that you understand that you have rights that cannot be ignored. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact Luftman, Heck & Associates as soon as possible in order to begin your defense and clear your name.
Contact us today to speak with an Ohio DUI defense lawyer about your case. Call our office at (614) 500-3836.
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