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Dui Checkpoints

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Law enforcement agencies in Scottsdale, and throughout the state of Arizona, often conduct sobriety checkpoints. The purpose of these stops is to identify suspected drunk drivers and get them off of the roads. As a result of these, and other traffic stops, more than 29,000 people were arrested for DUI in 2014. Not all of these are cut and dry cases, however. In order to protect themselves from unwarranted arrests, it is important for Arizona drivers to understand their rights at DUI checkpoints. Responding to questioning At most DUI checkpoints, the first thing law enforcement officers do is approach stopped vehicles and question the drivers. People often feel as though they have to answer these questions, but they could potentially incriminate …show more content…

These tests include the one-leg stand, walk and turn, and horizontal gaze nystagmus. They are typically used to prove that drivers have been drinking, not that they should be allowed to continue on their way. Generally, field sobriety tests are voluntary, meaning that drivers can refuse to perform them. However, law enforcement officers commonly neglect to tell motorists this when they make the request. It is important for drivers to understand that just because they have refused to perform field sobriety tests does not mean that they will not be arrested. Rather, it may just make it more difficult for the authorities to prove their case in court. Breath, blood and urine tests At DUI checkpoints, law enforcement officers may also ask drivers to perform chemical testing, such as breath, blood or urine tests. Many people are confused about their rights regarding this type of testing. In general, a driver who has not been arrested has the right to refuse preliminary breath tests. If he or she has not consumed any alcohol, however, then it may be in his or her best interests to agree to these

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