Connecticut DUI Security Checkpoints and Roadblocks

 

After the success of roadside safety checks as well as license and registration inspections, DUI security checkpoints and roadblocks were started to be set up all around the country. These roadblocks are basically used by law enforcement agencies to discourage drunk driving and catch those that are visibly under the influence as well as behind the wheel.

 

The issue of the legality of DUI checkpoints and roadblocks has been well debated and has remained controversial for years amongst drivers and lawmakers alike. This is because when the rights of drivers are not well-documented and executed and when DUI deterrent techniques like checkpoints and roadblocks are not properly conducted with complete respect for the guidelines and effectiveness, then problems occur for the state. But in 1990, the US Supreme Court in Michigan ruled in favor of DUI security checkpoints and roadblocks when more than a hundred motorists objected to their usage.

 

The US Supreme Court believed that DUI checkpoints are meant to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and so, the number of accidents that it can save is far more important than the inconveniences that drivers face at DUI checkpoints including an invasion of their privacy. While it is true that DUI checkpoints help to discourage drunk driving, most experts are also of the opinion that saturation patrol and roving patrol are more effective at catching drunk drivers as compared to DUI checkpoints. Although, these techniques are used in states like Connecticut where the punishments for DUI conviction are very harsh, the purpose of DUI checkpoints differs slightly from those of patrols. DUI checkpoints specifically are meant to reduce the crime in itself by discouraging drivers to drink and drive while patrols are meant to pinpoint drivers that appear to be drunk and have them submit to chemical testing. This is also the reason why more drunk drivers are arrested as a result of patrols as compared to DUI checkpoints.

 

Even though thirty-eight of the states have made DUI checkpoints legal and even mandatory, the US Supreme Court is particular about the proper conduction of these DUI checkpoints. Each state has set the frequency as well as the procedural guidelines of the way DUI checkpoints are to be carried out. The main objective of these guidelines is to make sure that drivers are fully aware of the DUI checkpoints and to make the checkpoints least intrusive upon the privacy of the drivers and at the same time, being effective enough to reduce drunk driving and efficient enough to catch drivers that are drunk and behind the wheel.

 

Therefore, all drivers in Connecticut need to know that whenever they come across a DUI checkpoint, they will have to pass through it unless and until that checkpoint allows the driver to avoid it completely. They must also know what they should expect when they are asked questions and what their rights are at DUI checkpoints and roadblocks. When asked to pull over and present identification, you must do that but you can choose not to answer certain questions related to your sobriety. In certain states, there may be penalties for refusing to answer such questions but you cannot be forced to incriminate yourself or give the police any kind of reason for your arrest.

 

All drivers have got the right to remain silent in front of the police but they are always advised to cooperate by stopping their car and presenting their identification and registration. Many times, you will be asked to submit a breath test but these machines are usually not to be relied upon for various reasons so it is never a good idea to admit you were drinking even if all you had were a couple of drinks.

 

DUI cases that involve roadblocks are often different from other DUI cases because the prosecution has to prove your conviction based on the legality of the roadblock and its compliance with the procedural guidelines. Nevertheless, you must get in touch with a Connecticut attorney in your area since they will be adept at dealing with DUI roadblocks cases similar to yours.