DUI & Criminal Division

How To Deal With A DUI Checkpoint in Florida

January 27, 2023

To curb alcohol related accidents during festivals and holidays, the police department sets up DUI checkpoints at crowded areas or intersections during the busier times of the day. DUI checkpoints attempt to detect people who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also known as “sobriety checkpoints”. These are legal in Florida as the Supreme Courts declared that protecting people involved in alcohol related accidents was far more important than interrupting the rights of the citizens. To know more about DUI laws you can hire a Florida DUI Lawyer. Whenever you are stopped at a checkpoint, you should behave properly. If you don’t follow certain guidelines you will end up inviting additional trouble.

Don’t try to escape
Usually, checkpoints are set up to catch drivers. These are legal in Florida and the court has set some high standards.

Declare your rights
You can always assert your rights. If the police officer demands unreasonable searches, you have the right to object. If you feel you cannot handle the situation, you can tell the police officer that you need to contact your lawyer by telephone.

Don’t talk too much
When dealing with a police officer at DUI checkpoints, always use your words wisely. Answer briefly to the questions of the officer, as your answer could be used against you. If you talk excessively your answer could give police more information than needed, which should be avoided at all costs.

Never argue
When a police officer stops your vehicle, you panic and tend to behave abnormally. Don’t be rude to the police officer and never get into an argument. Arguing will have little effect on their actions and at times, it will frustrate the officer. Scenes at the checkpoints are often recorded on video, and if you misbehave the police officer will have evidence to prove that you are intoxicated.
You should behave properly when you are stopped at sobriety checkpoints. Your actions and words can affect how the officer treats you. However, if you feel your rights were not advocated you can seek help now from our Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney.

This entry was posted in Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney.

Rolando A. Sanchez, Esq.

Originally from Miami , grew up in Central Florida.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he worked on F-15E fighter jets as an Avionics Technician.  He was Honorably Discharged. Afterwards, he attended University of Central Florida and received a BSBA Finance Degree, cum laude.  Next, he attended Barry University for law school and among other things, served as V.P. of the Veterans Legal Society.  Since graduating in 2016, Mr. Sanchez has dedicated his career to helping those charged with criminal matters.  These cases include traffic, misdemeanors and felonies, including trials and post-conviction relief. Mr. Sanchez is the lead attorney in Ticket Clinic’s Kissimmee office, handling cases in Osceola, Polk, Hardee and Desoto Counties.