A DUI checkpoint in Southern California resulted in 11 arrests on September 10 and September 11, 2010. The Fontana Police Department also reported 121 citations and 91 vehicles impounded as a result of the drunk driving checkpoint. According to a report by the San Bernardino County Sun, 1,190 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and police stopped 167 drivers. Five of the people stopped at the checkpoint were arrested for driving under the influence, four had outstanding warrants and two were arrested on felony drug charges.
DUI checkpoints have been on the rise in Southern California. A number of police departments get funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct these checkpoints. Police officers conducting stops at DUI checkpoints must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. All checkpoints must be made public through a television or newspaper announcement. Officers working at a checkpoint are required to stop vehicles by a mathematical formula and not by the appearance of the driver. If a California field sobriety test (FST) is conducted, there are many conditions that must be met for the test to be admissible in court.
Anyone arrested at a California DUI checkpoint has it in his or her best interest to contact a California drunk driving defense lawyer. A DUI defense attorney will review the details surrounding your arrest and determine if your rights were violated. When charges cannot be thrown out, a skilled California defense attorney will seek lessened penalties and alternative sentencing to limit jail time. If you have been accused of driving under the influence in Southern California, please contact the law offices of Sitkoff & Hanrahan by calling 1-866-430-8383 for a free consultation and case evaluation.