DWI Sobriety Checkpoints
Police use sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers who might otherwise go unnoticed. These checkpoints often consist of a small group of police officers directing traffic, having certain vehicles pull over for inspection. Each officer will spend time asking a driver questions, looking for any suspicious signs of intoxication. If a driver is caught at these checkpoints, they may be arrested for DWI. However, these checkpoints and stops must be carried out according to some strict guidelines.
For more information regarding your rights as a defendant, contact the Houston DWI defense attorneys of Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., today by calling 713-222-0400.
Restrictions on DWI Checkpoints
Although these stops can help police find intoxicated drivers before an accident occurs, they also pose a major threat to individuals’ freedoms. If a sobriety checkpoint does not closely follow the proper protocol, this form of investigation can be considered an illegal unwarranted search. The following must be true for each sobriety checkpoint:
- Police must make a public statement about the checkpoint beforehand
- Clear warning signs must be posted in front of the checkpoint
- There must be a defensible rationale to post a checkpoint
- Searching cars and drivers must be carried out according to a formula
- Supervisors must make or agree to any major decision
These restrictions work to protect the basic Constitutional right that forbids unwarranted searches of citizens.
Contact Us
Being charged with DWI can prove extremely serious in terms of criminal and professional consequences. If you are facing such a severe allegation, we may be able to help you. To discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable advisor, contact the Houston DWI lawyers of Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., at 713-222-0400 today.