Politicians and law enforcement officials tout DUI checkpoints as an effective measure against DUI. The way they talk it up, you would think it’s the ultimate, super-duper, magic weapon to put an end to drunk driving forever. The reality is, however, starkly different.
Basically there is a whole lot of talk and no results:
- If you look at any DUI checkpoint report, less than 1% of all the vehicles stopped are arrested for DUI.
- They are extremely expensive to setup and cost taxpayers enormous amounts of money. By some estimates, a single DUI checkpoint can cost up to $10,000 if not more.
- In the age of Twitter, Facebook and smart phone, they are easy to avoid. Word about checkpoint locations spread pretty fast over social media.
- They are a complete violation of our privacy and Fourth Amendment protection against unwarranted search and seizure. Innocent people are being treated like criminals without justification.
This leads me to ask the question, “DUI Checkpoints: Where’s the beef?”
Justin McShane
PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.
Mike Bobich says:
I went through one of these checkpoints and have servere foot neuropathy with a noncompliant back. Theres no way I could do the calistenics the police require so I new I was clear to blow into the bac machine. I’m 180 lbs and had a low alcohol beverage over 45 min prior (12oz bud lite) the machine registered .09 and a .08
the pupbic defender wants a wet reckless. I refused because theres no possible way this was a correct reading. I’m in Malibu court on friday is there anything that can be done?Thank You. Thats trial starting on friday can I show the judge some of the articles I’ve gotten or will they just reject it.?
Justin McShane says:
Call into our office. We can get you a trusted referral.
Danielle Davies says:
Interesting, would you say that social media has made DUI check points wholly avoidable? Or is there a way that local police are combating the location updates?
Justin J. McShane, Esquire says:
Perhaps. Perhaps not. Social media is a great tool for communication, but it will not make these roadblocks wholly avoidable. Some folks won’t check social media before driving. Great question.