Checkpoints Lawyer in Wellsburg, West Virginia

What Happens at a DUI Checkpoint?

DUI or sobriety checkpoints are specific roadblocks established by law enforcement officers to prevent and catch individuals committing driving under the influence crimes. When you approach a DUI checkpoint, an officer will typically request that you roll down your window to speak with them. They will usually ask to see your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Furthermore, the authorities might ask you a few basic questions regarding where you are traveling to or where you just came from.

If the authorities observe any clear signs of intoxication, they are required to administer a field sobriety test. Here are the five common field sobriety tests they might use:

• Touching your finger directly to your nose
• Balancing and standing on just one foot
• Following a moving object closely with your eyes
• Walking back and forth along a perfectly straight line
• Reciting the alphabet or a sequence of numbers

If you fail to perform the field sobriety test properly, you will likely be asked to blow into a breathalyzer. Once it is established that you were operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, law enforcement will place you under arrest right after the test concludes. You can reach out to a Wellsburg criminal lawyer at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group by calling (304) 832-8350 as soon as you are able to do so safely. Never argue with the officers, and absolutely do not confess to any charges until your legal counsel advises you on the best course of action.

Publicizing Checkpoints

To comply with the law, police departments must publicly announce the details of a sobriety roadblock before it actually begins. They are required to inform the general public about the exact time, date, and location of the operation. If you wish to find out if there are any roadblocks on your planned route, checking the local news is a good strategy. One primary reason police must announce these stops is to actively discourage people from drinking and driving in the first place. The CDC notes that publicizing these roadblocks is an effective way to prevent individuals from committing the crime, which is why your Wellsburg DUI attorney will always verify if the police followed this rule.

What are the Dos and Don’ts?

If you see a checkpoint ahead while driving in West Virginia, you are permitted to look for an adjoining road to turn onto in order to avoid the mandatory stop. From a strict legal standpoint, police must configure the roadblock so that motorists have a chance to take an alternate route. However, abruptly making a U-turn in the middle of the street to dodge the stop is not legally allowed. If you suddenly whip your vehicle around in the road, officers will almost certainly pull you over because fleeing creates immediate suspicion.

You should also never exit your vehicle to run away on foot. The police will catch you, and that decision will severely hurt your case. While stopped, always speak politely and never argue with the police, as being combative only makes you look guilty. If you are arrested for a drunk driving offense, do not admit guilt and contact a Wellsburg criminal lawyer immediately at (304) 832-8350.

Role of a West Virginia Criminal Lawyer

A dedicated Wellsburg DUI attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf. They will carefully examine the facts of your stop in Brooke County and uncover all the crucial legal points needed to protect your rights in a court of law.