The Labor Day Los Angeles DUI checkpoint at the corner Venice of Abbot Kinney was in full swing this afternoon and evening. If you went through this checkpoint and were then arrested for DUI, driving on a suspended license or any other offense, you may need to contact a qualified criminal lawyer who understands how to handle complicated checkpoint cases. DUI checkpoints are governed by stringent and detailed rules set forth by both the California Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. It is critical that the criminal defense attorney you hire to represent you understands that ins and outs of DUI checkpoints. Checkpoint cases present multiple issues beyond the normal DUI case. These issues include whether or not a “neutral formula” was used to decide which cars to stop, the methodology used to determine where to set up the checkpoint, and time limits on how long the checkpoint must operate. There are more issues which your lawyer will explain to you.
Often people who are not DUI find themselves under arrest at checkpoints for outstanding warrants, driving on a suspended license, and other offenses. If this has happened to you, it is even more important that you contact an attorney and explain everything that transpired during the traffic stop. You may be surprised at how often the checkpoints are not run correctly.
