Your Rights During an Anne Arundel County July Fourth DUI Checkpoint

Getting pulled over at an Anne Arundel County July fourth DUI checkpoint can be rattling. Being interrogated about your sobriety status by a police officer can stress out just about anyone. Although the officer may want you to believe you have to do all he asks, you really don’t. You have rights and here, a Maryland drunk driving lawyer explains what they are.

You Can Turn Around

Maryland law states that drivers must have the chance to turn around before a DUI checkpoint. There should be an exit before the checkpoint that allows you to do so. Take a picture of the checkpoint if there isn’t, to use as evidence if needed.

You Can Refuse the Field Sobriety Tests

You have the right to refuse to perform in the field sobriety tests. Such tests are flawed and often make even a sober driver appear to be intoxicated. Tell the officer you don’t want to perform in them. Refusing to perform in the tests could prevent you from receiving an Anne Arundel County DUI.

You Can Refuse the Breathalyzer

Most checkpoints feature two breathalyzers: one at the pull over spot and one at the police station. You have the right to refuse to breathe into the machine at the pull over spot and not incur any penalties because of it. Not breathing into this machine could stop you from getting a DUI.

Call the law offices of Jimeno and Gray at (410) 590-9401 if you received drunk driving charges as a result of an Anne Arundel County July fourth DUI checkpoint. If not, you could get harsher charges than you would otherwise.

Request your free copy of the book The ABCs of DWIs in Maryland, written by Anne Arundel County drunk driving lawyer Gregory Jimeno, when you call.