How to Handle DUI Checkpoints in Annapolis

Sobriety checkpoints (DUI checkpoints) are locations set up along roads and highways where police and other law enforcement officials can randomly stop motorists for the purpose of ferreting-out intoxicated or impaired drivers. Recently, the Annapolis Police Department announced a sobriety checkpoint taking place tonight (May 5, 2015) on West Street, right before the Westgate Circle.

Nothing could be a worse way to kick off the spring and summer season by cooling your heels in jail and facing huge fines and legal costs. If you’re attending a fiesta and find yourself taking in one too many Coronas, why take the risk of being stopped and arrested for a DUI? Instead, consider the following ideas for avoiding arrest at DUI checkpoints in Annapolis:

• Don’t Drink: Stay sober and consume ginger ale instead of beer, sangria or margaritas. It’s the only 100% risk-free way to ensure you won’t be arrested for drunk driving.

• Leave The Driving To Them: Assign a designated driver, pre-arrange a taxi to pick you up or hire a private car service that will ferry you from venue-to-party-to-home safe and sound. Annapolis area companies such as ”Be My DD” offer reasonable rates for quality professional limousine drivers who will drive you around in the comfort of your own car.

• Home Sweet Home: Celebrate by hosting a party at your house. Invite neighbors who are within walking distance or insist friends with vehicles stay overnight or take a taxi.

What to do if you’re stopped at a DUI checkpoint?

What if you don’t choose one of the above solutions and get pulled over at a DUI checkpoint in Annapolis? Now, what do you do? First of all, stay calm, take a deep breath and don’t panic. Following the steps below will help your chances of avoiding a DUI arrest and/or conviction:

• Open The Window Only An Inch or Two. Just enough to pass your license and registration through it – you don’t want the officer to smell alcohol on your breath, giving him or her probable cause to search your vehicle and/or arrest you.

• Refuse To Answer Questions. Evoking your constitutional rights at the scene is understandably difficult, especially given the intimidating circumstances in which you find yourself. Use an even, respectful tone and simply say to the officer, “If you attempt to question me, I want my lawyer present.”

• Never Submit to A Field Sobriety Test. Just as you have no legal obligation to answer questions without your attorney present, you are under no legal obligation to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are essentially a way for law enforcement officers to gain probable cause to arrest you. Refusal will very likely still get you arrested, however you won’t have given them the opportunity to gather more evidence to use against you in court.

• Hire a Good DUI Attorney. If you are arrested and charged with a DWI or DUI, take it seriously. You will need an experienced and competent DUI attorney who understands drunk driving laws and defenses to handle your case.

Many have argued that sobriety/DUI checkpoints violate our Fourth Amendment rights (unreasonable search and seizure), however, the Supreme Court sees things differently. They have determined that the roadblocks were minimally intrusive to motorists’ rights when considering the tragic consequences that drunk driving injuries and deaths inflict on citizens each year. The goal of DUI checkpoints in Annapolis is to make sure everyone gets through the night safe and unharmed so consider this before you head out to your favorite Cinco de Mayo fiesta.