A few years ago, back when DUI checkpoints were “in,” nobody really questioned their effectiveness or the fiscal concerns that go along with them. Recently, however, people have begun to realize that DUI checkpoints/roadblocks are an overly expensive, ineffective and an overt affront on our privacy. North Huntingdon has decided to do away with DUI checkpoints altogether.
North Huntingdon commissioners reject plan for stationary DUI checkpoints
North Huntingdon commissioners rejected a plan to begin stationary DUI checkpoints in the township.
Commissioners voted 6-to-1 last week to “cease and desist” attempts to get a grant to start the checkpoints after four residents spoke against them. In addition, a number of people in the audience indicated opposition.
Resident Thomas Krause said such checkpoints are an inefficient means of catching drunken drivers.
Police arrest only one-third of 1 percent of drivers stopped at stationary checkpoints, he said. An analysis found that less than 1 percent of the more than 181,000 drivers stopped at Pennsylvania checkpoints in 2007 were arrested, he said.
I have dealt with a number of DUI checkpoint cases all over Pennsylvania and have come to the conclusion that these checkpoints are all about politics and money.
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.