Sobriety Checkpoint Arrests in Jacksonville

Arrested? Don't Hesitate to Contact the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A.

Many states have deemed sobriety checkpoints unconstitutional, but around 15-20 sobriety checkpoints are conducted in the state of Florida every month. During these checkpoints, law enforcement officers will set up a roadblock to stop vehicles late at night, in the early morning hours or on the weekends.

Roadblocks are useful tools for investigating the possibility of drunk drivers and sometimes officers will make drivers take a roadside sobriety test. If you or someone you know has been arrested after being stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, a Jacksonville DUI attorney at our firm is prepared to help you fight your charges. Sobriety checkpoints are put in place to deter drunk driving and to keep other drivers safe from intoxicated drivers.

However, law enforcement officers will sometimes get carried away with making arrest and it's possible that your rights were violated at a sobriety checkpoint. At our firm, we have helped countless individuals reduce or eliminate their DUI charges. With over 90 years of legal experience, our Jacksonville DUI lawyers are acquainted with the laws that mandate the sobriety checkpoints.

Unlawful Police Stops

In order for sobriety checkpoints to remain constitutional, law enforcement officials must follow very strict regulations and patterns for stopping cars. For example, police must determine beforehand that they are going to stop every "Nth" vehicle such as every 4th or 5th car. Law enforcement may not stop and question the driver of a vehicle simply because they had a hunch, which is an unfounded suspicion.

Other questions to ask when it comes to DUI checkpoints include: Was the roadblock properly marked? Was a police supervisor at the scene of the checkpoint to approve of how it was being conducted? Did a police supervisor approve of the type and nature of the checkpoint before it was implemented? Was your vehicle detained at length without valid cause?

Arrested for a DUI at a sobriety checkpoint? We can help!

Our professional attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. realize what is at stake with your DUI charges. Our reputable team will fight vigorously and tirelessly to defend your rights in and out of the courtroom so that you can avoid the serious penalties of a DUI. Even if this is your first-time DUI, you could be forced to pay hefty fines or spend time in jail.

Other penalties in the state of Florida include license suspension, probation, mandatory alcohol abuse programs, permanent criminal record and vehicle impoundment. Our founding attorney, Jason Porter, has dedicated his practice to defending Floridians, and he has over 13 years of legal experience helping countless individuals with all types of legal matters. When you choose to work with his team, you can trust that your best interests will be taken care of.