Sobriety Checkpoints in Philadelphia
Arrested at a Sobriety Checkpoint in PA?
Were you arrested for DUI after being stopped at a sobriety checkpoint?
If so, we urge you to contact a Philadelphia
DUI attorney from Parkinson, Tarpey & Lloyd for immediate assistance! With
over 40 years of combined legal experience and as
former prosecutors, we are prepared trial attorneys who will go to bat for you!
Just a few reasons why we should be your first call:
- Two of our attorneys are members of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- We have handled thousands of cases
- We have a long track record of courtroom victories
- We offer free case evaluations to all prospective clients
Reach out to our
criminal attorneys in Philadelphia today for counsel!
About DUI Checkpoints
Sobriety checkpoints are police stops where officers set up on a roadway
to stop vehicles for the purpose of arresting drunk drivers. Sobriety
checkpoints are usually set up at locations and during periods when impaired
driving is known to take place such as near bars, around holidays, and
frequently on weekends.
DUI checkpoints are conducted at a fixed location, and police officers
are supposed to pull over vehicles according to a predetermined plan.
If an officer's encounter with a driver leads him or her to suspect
the driver is under the influence of alcohol, the officer will then conduct
field sobriety tests, which may lead to the request of a breath test.
Quick Facts About Sobriety Checkpoints
- Vehicles are stopped in a predetermined sequence; for example, every other
vehicle, or every fourth vehicle.
- Checkpoints are generally publicized in advance.
- Police need reasonable suspicion to believe a driver has been drinking
before they can request a breath test.
- The average stop time is about the length of a stop light.
Sobriety checkpoints target specific areas and times that have the highest
probability of DUI apprehension; for example, after bars and restaurants
close in entertainment districts, or over holiday weekends such as Labor
Day and Memorial Day.
Facing charges? Contact Our DUI Lawyers Today!
States differ in their laws regarding stops and seizures, so if you were
arrested at a sobriety checkpoint, we encourage you to contact
Parkinson, Tarpey & Lloyd to discuss your case. We are familiar with the state statute and conditions
that need to be observed for this type of stop to be legal, and for evidence
to be admissible in court. For instance, some states require that public
disclosure be made in advance before a checkpoint is set up.
Call our Philadelphia DUI defense firm to schedule a
free initial consultation!