Many police departments utilize checkpoints and roadblocks in order to stop random vehicles in hopes of preventing drivers who may be committing violations from continuing to travel on the roadway. These checkpoints can lead to arrests of drivers who may not otherwise have been stopped. Of those stopped, authorities occasionally find that some drivers may be under the influence and charge them with DUI. If a driver is charged with such an allegation, they could face serious penalties.
Utah police conducted a checkpoint near Utah Lake in order to potentially stop people who had been drinking while at the lake and then got behind the wheel of a vehicle later. Authorities stopped approximately 250 vehicles, and of those drivers stopped, three were arrested for driving under the influence. Authorities had also been on the water earlier in the day in order to look for boaters who may have been operating while under the influence.
Those arrested could be facing serious consequences. It was not disclosed how authorities determined that those drivers charged with DUI were under the influence, and those accused may wish to ensure that proper protocols were followed on the part of the police. They may also wish to present any evidence that could allow them to suggest that they were not intoxicated at the time of the checkpoint.
Roadblocks and checkpoints can feel like traps to some drivers. If a driver is accused of a violation when they may otherwise not have been stopped, it can be a very frustrating experience, especially if the violation can come with steep consequences. Those accused of DUI may find looking into relevant Utah laws beneficial as their cases proceed, and it is important to remember that all accused people are considered innocent until — and only if — they are found guilty by the court.
Source: ksl.com, “3 DUI arrests made during Utah Lake checkpoint,” Sandra Yi, July 27, 2013
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