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    What Not to Do if You’re Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint in Orange County

    Posted on: October 20th, 2024 by Dod Law

    DUI Checkpoint in Orange County

    DUI Checkpoint in Orange County

    Orange County’s sobriety checkpoints allegedly help local police officers reduce drunk driving accidents on the road. In reality, the roadblocks officers put up to conduct these checks block traffic and allow officers unfettered access to residents’ cars and licenses.   Dod Law can help you if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Orange County.    Learn more.

    Whether you’ve been out drinking or not, DUI checkpoints can inspire a sense of panic. Fortunately, there are tried-and-tested things you shouldn’t do at a DUI checkpoint in Orange County that can make your experience with officers more pleasant. Dod Law can help you determine the best next steps for your needs.

    Do Not Try to Avoid the Checkpoint

    Unfortunately, police officers regard anyone who turns away from a DUI checkpoint with enough suspicion to pull them over. If you try to move away from a DUI checkpoint, officers have the right to pursue you and ask you to participate in field sobriety tests.

    With that in mind, do not purposefully pull away from a DUI checkpoint. If you’re concerned about traffic and want to focus on getting home, you can go online and discover where Orange County’s DUI checkpoints are. Most checkpoints are widely advertised.

    Do Not Fight Officers Who Stop You

    If officers ask you for information about your night and well-being at a DUI checkpoint, don’t become belligerent or fight back. Most of the time, officers ask these questions in good faith. You should roll down your window and engage in conversation to keep the checkpoint flowing smoothly.

    Likewise, don’t resist when officers ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. The more cooperative you are, the simpler it will be for you to get home. Note that officers will be looking at you closely to see if you’re exhibiting any signs of intoxication.

    If officers suspect that you’re slurring your words, have bloodshot eyes, or exhibit a marked lack of coordination, you may have to get out of your car to perform field sobriety tests. Remember, cooperation is key. If you don’t cooperate with officers, you may find yourself facing DUI charges.

    Do Not Refuse Chemical Tests

    While you have the right to refuse chemical tests at a DUI checkpoint, it’s not in your best interests to do so. Again, cooperation is key. If an officer asks you to take a breathalyzer or blood test, work with them. They may ask you to pull your car to the side of the road to make this process less of a traffic concern.

    Notably, while you have the right to refuse a chemical test while at a DUI checkpoint, you do not have the right to refuse a test upon your arrest. If you suspect officers tried to force you to take a test before arresting you or in any other way violated your rights, you may discuss those violations with an experienced DUI criminal defense lawyer.

    What to Do If You’re Arrested at a DUI Checkpoint in Orange County

    If you’re arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Orange County, do not panic. You have the right to request legal representation within minutes of your arrest. An experienced DUI criminal defense lawyer can join you while you’re still in processing to discuss the circumstances that led to your arrest.

    We can then challenge the behavior of any officers who compromised your rights. Our involvement in your case can even see the charges brought against you dropped before your court case begins.

    We recommend that you contact a private criminal defense attorney as soon as you can after your arrest. 

    Don’t Wait to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

    If you go through an Orange County DUI checkpoint and find yourself accused of driving under the influence, don’t waive your right to an attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer like Attorney Dod can defend you against a wrongful invasion of your privacy or misinterpretation of field sobriety test data.

    Contact us at our Santa Ana, Orange County office 949-681-7020 | San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.

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