Sobriety Checkpoints in Arizona

In Arizona, you may be stopped by law enforcement on suspicion of drunk driving in several different scenarios. A police officer may stop you because he or she perceives a traffic violation, such as speeding, failing to stop at a sign or signal, weaving among lanes, or some other infraction. If he suspects you have been drinking, he may conduct field sobriety tests.

Officers who respond to traffic accidents may also investigate implicated drivers on suspicion of DUI. Another possibility is the sobriety checkpoint, where drivers are routinely stopped, asked to produce proper license, registration, and insurance information, and questioned about recent alcohol consumption. These are called “suspicionless” stops and are often conducted during holiday weekends, when party-goers may have violated Arizona drunk driving laws.

Many people mistakenly think that such checkpoints are legal nationwide. Eleven states, however, do not allow such checkpoints, finding them in violation of their citizen’s right to privacy and rights against unreasonable search and seizure. Arizona is not one of those states.

No state laws exist which expressly address the issue of sobriety checkpoints; courts in the state have ruled in favor of these checkpoints based on legal precedents in other states. If you are stopped at such a checkpoint and find yourself facing DUI charges, you may wish to fight such charges, which can have heavy financial and other legal penalties, such as the loss of your driver’s license.

How a Phoenix DUI Attorney can Help

Knowles Law Firm, PLC in Phoenix is dedicated to defending individuals facing DUI charges of all kinds, from first-time offenders to those facing aggravated or subsequent DUIs. Contacting an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer at the firm immediately following an arrest can be one of the most important actions you take concerning this event. The firm’s legal team has a proven track record of effective legal representation for drunk driving charges in and around the Phoenix area. They take your case seriously, working intensively to help you achieve the most favorable case result possible. Don’t let a DUI disrupt and ruin your life. Get the experienced and proven legal representation you need to fight back.