A DUI checkpoint is never fun, but knowing how to navigate one can reduce the risk that you’ll need an Indianapolis DUI Attorney to help you deal with a ticket or arrest. Understanding your rights and what to expect is a huge help.
How To Prepare
First and foremost, don’t drive while impaired. Remember that in addition to alcohol, recreational drugs and some prescription medications are included under DUI law in Indianapolis.
Don’t try to avoid a checkpoint. Police officers at checkpoints watch for drivers who make illegal u-turns or other reckless driving maneuvers and they will give you a ticket.
Ask your passengers to stay quiet unless the officer addresses them directly. If it’s possible to do so while still driving safely, get out your vehicle registration and driver’s license and roll down your window before you reach the checkpoint.
How To Behave
Being polite and cooperative will help keep the encounter smooth and brief. Stay calm and don’t raise your voice. If you need to dig through the glove compartment or reach into the back seat to retrieve anything, inform the officer before you start moving.
Don’t volunteer information; wait for the officer to ask questions and keep your answers on-topic. You have the right not to answer self-incriminating questions and to refuse a search of your vehicle. In Indiana, however, refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood test is grounds for arrest.
When To Call an Indianapolis DUI Attorney
If the checkpoint is run properly and the officer says you are free to go, that’s the end of the matter. If you are arrested or given a ticket, an Indianapolis DUI attorney can help you navigate the legal process and work for the best possible outcome.
Kevin Potts has extensive experience as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. If you need legal help for a DUI or other offense, contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form.
