The police increase their enforcement of DUI’s during every holiday season. Be aware that this may be include but is not limited to both an increase in patrols observing drivers and/or roadside “safety checks” otherwise referred to as DUI Sobriety Checkpoints. Be aware that some areas will post when/where a checkpoint will be days before [...]
Sobriety Checkpoints
Typically, prior to a Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint there will be an announcement. The announcement will include the dates, time range, and location of an upcoming checkpoint. This may be announced via radio, newspaper, or online for example. Regardless of an awareness of these checkpoints your safest choice is obviously to never drive if you are [...]
There are certain guidelines that the police must follow in order to make sure sobriety checkpoints do not qualify as unreasonable searches and seizures. Although each state uses it own specific guidelines, the following is a general but not exhaustive list: Police presence should be obvious when approaching the checkpoint; Drivers should be sufficiently warned [...]
Just like any routine stop you are required to provide information identifying your name, address, driver’s license, and registration. However, you do have the right to remain silent. Don’t admit to drinking or consuming drugs. Even if you have had “a drink or two”….just remain silent! If you are suspected of driving under the influence [...]
There are a multitude of impairment indicators that police look for when observing drivers at a sobriety checkpoint. However, the primary signs that every driver should be aware of include the following: odor of alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating drugs; slurred speech; watery and/or bloodshot eyes; alcoholic beverage containers or drug paraphernila; difficulty producing license/registration [...]
Yes, roadside sobriety checkpoints are permitted in Illinois, while roughly 12 states do not allow them under their respective state laws. Hundreds of checkpoints are set up throughout Illinois each year. A sobriety checkpoint is a tool used by law enforcement for the purpose of evaluating random drivers for signs of drug and alcohol impairment. Such a [...]
