Sobriety checkpoints are a way in which law enforcement officers can stop drivers for any reason or no reason at all in an effort to help identify those who may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you come upon a sobriety checkpoint you are required to participate, to a point. At most sobriety checkpoints an officer will approach your vehicle to ask you a series of questions. While you are answering these questions, the officer will be looking for any telltale signs that you may have been drinking;
- The smell of your breath
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slow response time
- Alcohol in the vehicle itselt
If the officer has a valid reason to suspect you may be intoxicated, he or she will ask you to pull over to submit to field sobriety tests as well as breath and/or blood tests. If you fail any of those tests, you will be placed under arrest for DUI.
There are certain requirements and guidelines which must be followed, not only in how a sobriety checkpoint is to be operated, but how it must be set up. If you or a loved one has been arrested at a sobriety checkpoint in Denver, do not despair. You do have rights and we are here to help you protect them. We advise you contact the Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna immediately following your arrest so that we can review your case and advise you on how to proceed.
Rest assured that a failed breathalyzer or field sobriety test does not guarantee a conviction, neither does a DUI arrest. The most effective way to fight the charges you face is to obtain legal counsel from an experienced Denver DUI lawyer.
For many years our firm has worked diligently to defend the rights of those accused of DUI. We have an in-depth understanding of the regulations pertaining to sobriety checkpoints and we are extremely skilled when it comes to being able to disprove the accuracy of the tests and methods employed to file charges against our clients. To discuss your options and find out how our firm may be able to help you get your DUI charged dismissed or to pursue an acquittal, contact us at once.