What To Do If You Are Stopped At a DUI Checkpoint

Tips To Get Through a DUI Checkpoint In Arizona

Each year, Arizona law enforcement agencies participate in DUI task forces and checkpoints on specific holidays with the hope of reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities as they enforce traffic laws. One of these tools is a DUI checkpoint, or DUI roadblock, in which all drivers who pass the checkpoint are required to be screened for DUI violations. Learn more from a Mesa DUI defense lawyer about what to do if you encounter one of these checkpoints.

What Do I Do If I Am Stopped At a DUI Checkpoint In Arizona?

There are several things you should do if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint:

Slow down your vehicle and enter the DUI checkpoint area safely.
Stay in your vehicle.
Follow the law enforcement officer’s instructions.
Cooperate with the officer and provider of your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information when asked.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent and can let the officer know that you wish to exercise that right.
You also have the right to contact your attorney. Let the officer know if you wish to do so.

In many cases, you will be given back your identity and insurance information, and permitted to leave the DUI checkpoint area.

Sometimes, you may be asked to step out of your vehicle to perform field sobriety testing. It’s important to realize that you are not required to take field sobriety tests. They are subjective and can be used to build evidence against you. Although you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, you should not necessarily refuse all other tests. Arizona recognizes implied consent laws, which mean that a person who is driving a motor vehicle gives consent to tests of their blood, breath, or urine to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if there are any allegations of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you refuse the tests, the officer can obtain a search warrant which will require a blood draw and result in a 12-month suspension of your driver’s license.

You always have the right to consult with a Phoenix DUI defense lawyer and should do so as soon as possible after any criminal investigation.

What Will Happen If I Am Charged With a DUI At a Checkpoint?

If you are arrested at a DUI checkpoint, you will be transported to the police station or a DUI task force van to have your BAC checked through a blood draw, breathalyzer, or urine test. After that, you will likely be released and can be picked up by a friend or family member. If the charges are more severe or your BAC is extremely high, you may be booked into jail and have an appearance before a judge within 24 hours to determine your release conditions. You should contact an experienced Tucson DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

If you are charged, the officer will take your driver’s license and give you an admin per se form, which will act as a temporary driver’s license for the next 15 days. During those 15 days, you should contact your attorney and request a hearing to contest the suspension. If you do not request a hearing, you will lose the opportunity to contest the suspension.

After your hearing is scheduled, you will have an arraignment hearing where you will enter a plea. Always consult with your Gilbert DUI defense law firm before entering a guilty or not guilty plea. Your attorney will provide advice and guidance specific to your circumstances to protect your rights.

Get The Representation You Need For DUI Charges

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a DUI, you need experienced legal guidance to promote the best outcome. Get in touch with the team at My AZ Lawyers, one of the leading DUI defense attorney firms in Phoenix. We will work closely with you to gather evidence, understand your side of the situation, and build a defense on your behalf, using our extensive experience with DUI defense and our understanding of Arizona law. Contact us today to schedule your obligation-free consultation and learn how we can assist you with all aspects of your DUI charges.