DUI Checkpoints in Florida

Have You Been Arrested at a Checkpoint? Call Our Miami DUI Attorney.

Sobriety checkpoints are temporary locations established by law enforcement to identify drivers displaying even the slightest sign of intoxication and impairment. The checkpoints, or roadblocks, are heavily staffed with police officers who randomly stop vehicles and conduct warrantless searches.

DUI checkpoints were initially designed to increase roadway safety by catching intoxicated drivers and removing them from the road. However, they have gradually evolved into a witch hunt of sorts by essentially harassing nearly every driver attempting to pass through.

If you have been arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you are at risk of losing your driver's license and possibly your freedom. The sooner you retain an experienced Miami DUI defense attorney, the better. Attorney Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm has experience representing clients arrested at DUI checkpoints and DUI roadblocks. 

Give us a call at (305) 928-1669 today if you are in Miami. Call us at 954-737-3004 if you are in Broward County.

What to Expect at a Miami Sobriety Checkpoint

Upon approaching a DUI checkpoint, there will usually be cones, vibrant lights from police vehicles, signs, and law enforcement officers ushering in cars through the checkpoint.

During the sobriety stop, an officer will approach the car, instruct the driver to roll down the window, and ask to see a valid driver's license and his or her proof of insurance. Upon viewing the requested documents, the law enforcement officer will casually question the driver and make observations to acquire incriminating evidence.

During this forced interaction with the driver, the law enforcement officer will be looking for signs of impairment that give enough probable cause to make a lawful DUI arrest.

Signs of impairment may include:

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• The smell of alcohol on the driver's breath
• Slowed or slurred speech

If the officer believes the driver has shown signs of intoxication, he or she will ask the driver to step outside of their vehicle, conduct an HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus) test, and perform an FST (field sobriety test) to help prove the driver's impairment.