Don’t Make These Mistakes At A Dui Checkpoint

Here in Hawaii it is not uncommon for drivers to find themselves face to face with a DUI checkpoint.

If this happens, it’s important that you know what will come next. It’s also important that you take steps to avoid trouble, as the last thing you need to deal with in your life is a DUI charge.

Here are some of the many mistakes you may want to avoid at a DUI checkpoint:

• Erratic driving. You don’t want to give police a reason to believe you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drive steadily and follow the prompts of the officer.
• Making illegal maneuvers to avoid the checkpoint.
• Talking back to the officer. Even if you feel that your rights are being violated, it’s imperative that you keep your cool and respond appropriately to the officer. Becoming unnecessarily combative might only make your situation worse.

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• Having alcoholic containers in plain view. It goes without saying that any alcohol in plain view could lead the officer to believe that you are under the influence.
• Complaining about checkpoint legality to the officer. The first thing you may think about is whether or not the checkpoint is legal. Despite what you may feel on the matter, such checkpoints are generally legal here in Hawaii. So, complaining to an officer about checkpoint legality may only annoy him or her, thus possibly increasing the chance of close scrutiny from that point on.

If you are arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence at a checkpoint, don’t wait to learn more about your legal rights and what to expect as your case moves through the court system.

Although a DUI charge is never a good thing, it does not guarantee a conviction. There are defense strategies you may be able to use to try to avoid penalties and put yourself in a good place to move on with your life.