Imagine this: You’re driving down the road, minding your business, and you see some commotion ahead. Soon enough, you realize that you’re inching closer and closer to a DUI checkpoint.
Even if you are 100 percent alcohol free, you may have some fears about driving through a DUI checkpoint. After all, you never know what could go wrong when you come face to face with a police officer.
Conversely, if you have had a drink or two, your nerves will be kicking. You know that there’s a chance the officer could ask you to partake in a variety of field sobriety tests.
Here are some of the many things you should never do at a DUI checkpoint:
- Don’t drive erratically. You don’t want to give police any reason to believe you are under the influence of alcohol. Stay in your lane, approach the checkpoint slowly and follow directions.
- Don’t complain about your rights. Since DUI checkpoints are legal, there’s no point in telling the officer that they’re doing something wrong. This will only make things worse on you.
- Don’t talk back. Even if you feel disrespected, you should still remain calm and professional in your dealings with the officer. Back talk is a sure fire way to find yourself in trouble.
- Don’t leave any open alcohol containers in your vehicle. It goes without saying that you should never have open containers, but if there is any alcohol in your car it’s best to leave it in the trunk.
- Don’t attempt an illegal maneuver. You have the right to turn around as you approach a DUI checkpoint, but this often looks suspicious. Police will look for any reason to pull you over, such as an illegal U-turn.
These are the types of mistakes you need to avoid at a DUI checkpoint, as making one or more of these could cause additional trouble.
If you’re charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, don’t give in and assume that a conviction will come next. There are a variety of defense strategies you can employ to protect your legal rights and avoid a serious punishment, such as a fine or jail time.