Lancaster DUI Checkpoint Yields Three Arrests

A sobriety checkpoint in Lancaster at the beginning of August led to the arrest of three people for driving under the influence, as well as several other arrests and citations.  The sobriety checkpoint (also known as a DUI checkpoint), was conducted by local law enforcement agents in Lancaster from six o'clock in the evening on Friday, August 5th until the early morning hours on the following Saturday at the intersection of Avenue J and Division Street.  Aside from three people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), Lancaster law enforcement agents also arrested one person suspected of selling narcotics and another suspected of felony grand theft auto as well as 18 people either driving without a license or on a suspended license.  Of the 1,050 vehicles inspected by police at the checkpoint, 15 were impounded. 

While sobriety checkpoints can and do find drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol, they remain something of a legal sore spot according to many Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys.  At first glance, protecting local residents from potentially dangerous drivers who have been drinking is a fabulous boost to public safety.  However, there are some significant civil liberties that are called into question whenever a DUI checkpoint is held by local police or highway patrol as many Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys can tell you.  One of the many freedoms that we hold in this country is the freedom from illegal search and seizure.  In this country, local or federal law enforcement agents must have a reason to arrest you.  As many Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys know, in order to be stopped on suspicion of DUI, a local law enforcement agent must first observe a person driving dangerously, illegally, or in a manner that strongly suggests they have been drinking; they cannot simply assume you are doing something illegal and pull you over or arrest you.  With DUI checkpoints, however, local police or highway patrol set up roadblock and set about checking numerous vehicles and their drivers for signs of drinking and driving.  As in the DUI checkpoint in Lancaster, many people are arrested or cited for reasons that had nothing at all to do with drinking and driving. 

If you have been arrested for DUI after being stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, call the Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570.  Our Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys know that sobriety checkpoints must be run according to a strict set of guidelines and that if correct procedure was not followed, your charges may be reduced or even dismissed entirely.  Call today to speak to an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorney about your case and begin preparing your defense.