Top 4 Things to DO at a DUI Checkpoint

This guest article is authored by Attorney David Michael Cantor, a Phoenix, Arizona drunk driving defense attorney. Contact David personally by calling 602-307-0808 (24/7).

Around the holidays, the police often set up checkpoints so that they can attempt to catch people who are driving under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, many good people who ordinarily don’t drink too much get caught at these checkpoints too. If you’re unlucky enough to be approached by the police after you’ve been drinking, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do to give yourself the best chances of a strong DUI defense. Of course, the best defense is to never drink and drive!

#1 Stay Calm!

It can be upsetting to think that the police suspect you of DUI, especially if you are a law-abiding citizen. If you display nervousness or agitation, the police are more likely to think that they caught you doing something you shouldn’t be doing. So if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint, stay calm and give the officer your license and any other paperwork he asks for without any signs of nervousness.

#2 Do Not Volunteer Extra Information

The more information you give the police during a traffic stop, the weaker your DUI defense is going to be. Police sometimes ask you if you know why they stopped you. Even though at a checkpoint this is obvious, your answer should be, “No” to avoid incriminating yourself unnecessarily.

#3 Obey the Officer’s Instructions

If the officer asks you to get out of the car or do a sobriety test, do as you’re told. Being cooperative counts for a lot if you are later convicted of DUI, and in most cases you will automatically lose your license for at least 30 days if you refuse to take a sobriety test.

#4 Ask for your DUI attorney

If the officer begins asking you questions such as, “Have you been drinking tonight?” immediately exercise your right for an attorney. You have the right to an attorney and you don’t have to answer questions without your attorney present.

If you are in Arizona and have a DUI charge, Phoenix DUI Lawyer David Cantor’s office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.