It’s hard to imagine that something as simple as a DUI checkpoint can change your life forever. However, when you think about everything that could go wrong, you’ll begin to realize just how serious it is that you protect yourself.
While there’s no way of knowing exactly what will happen at a DUI checkpoint, here are some tips to follow:
· Slow down and don’t look suspicious: Once you realize you’re driving into a checkpoint, slow down and follow the officer’s direction. Don’t do anything that looks suspicious, such as slamming on your brakes or coming to a complete stop.
· Stay in your vehicle: If the officer wants you to get out of your vehicle for any reason, they’ll ask. Stay in the driver’s seat with your hands on the wheel until you’re approached. From there, provide the officer with whatever they ask for, such as your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
· Don’t get tricked: The officer will look inside your vehicle for anything suspicious, such as an open container or alcohol or drugs. They’ll also ask you questions, such as where you’re going, where you’re coming from and if you’ve been consuming alcohol. Don’t say anything that’ll put you at risk. Stick to basic answers.
· Don’t resist arrest: You hope it never comes to this, but if you’re put under arrest it’s no time to fight back. Doing so puts your well-being at risk, while also leading to additional charges.
What comes next?
If you’re charged with DUI, you can expect your day in court in the near future. It’s during this time that you should begin to revisit the details of your arrest, all with the idea of choosing the right defense strategy.
Your goal is to avoid a conviction. Doing so helps you avoid penalties such as a fine, license suspension, insurance rate hike and even jail time.
Even though it may appear that the deck is stacked against you, don’t assume that you can do nothing but sit back and hope for the best. There is a DUI defense strategy for every situation, and it’s up to you to implement the right one.