Driving Under the Influence and Sobriety Checkpoints

Sobriety checkpoints in Sacramento and other Northern California counties are becoming more and more common. Sobriety checkpoints, in order to be legal however, must abide by certain laws and regulations. California DUI law has created a number of factors to consider in determining whether a checkpoint (and hence the arrests that stem from the checkpoint) are legal. For example, there should be advance publicity about the checkpoint such as in the form of a news or press release. Also, drivers approaching the checkpoint zone should be given advance warning via signs, etc… that a checkpoint is ahead. Likewise, drivers approaching the checkpoint zone should have an opportunity to turn around and/or avoid the checkpoint without violating the traffic laws. Thus, if an officer sees a car turn around to avoid a checkpoint, an officer cannot detain or stop that car for merely attempting to avoid the checkpoint unless the car violates another traffic law in doing so (such as making an illegal turn). In short, if you are arrested at a sobriety checkpoint, you should consult with an experienced DUI lawyer such as Jonathan Turner to find out your rights and see if your arrest was, in fact, illegal. Contact Sacramento DUI attorney Jonathan Turner for a free consultation.