Over 51 million Americans are going to travel over 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving. A record high…according to the American Automobile Association.
So what does this mean for Connecticut drivers? More DUI / DWI sobriety checkpoints set up by State Troopers and Stamford & Greenwich Connecticut Police.
What happens during these checkpoint stops? And how do you fight a DUI / DWI checkpoint arrest? Here are 3 things to know right now…
This is an obvious rookie move—yet the best Stamford and Greenwich Connecticut DUI criminal lawyers and attorneys see this ALL the time, especially from younger drivers, and older drunk drivers. May as well put a sign on your car with bright lights saying “Pull me over—I may be drunk driving!”
Just because you had a drink or two does NOT necessarily mean you are going to get pulled over at a DUI checkpoint or get arrested in Stamford or Greenwich Connecticut for DUI / DWI.
What matters to checkpoint police is the following:
(1) Are you so impaired or intoxicated that you are going to fail the field sobriety tests; and
(2) Us your Blood Alcohol Content above .08?
That’s what police are focused on. So think twice before you hook a U-Turn when you see a Connecticut DUI / DWI checkpoint. Police are sometimes even stationed ahead of the checkpoint for the sole purpose of going after nervous U-Turners.
Many of the top New Canaan and Stamford Connecticut DUI / DWI criminal lawyers know that how a driver answers the questions at a Connecticut DUI checkpoint is critical in assessing intoxciation. Police are trained to consider certain “tells” or “clues” such as stuttering, stammering, and looking away when the police ask you a question.
Expect the following questions:
During these questions, police will be looking closely into your eyes for what they call “clues” to intoxication (such as a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus). They will also be leaning in to smell your breath to see whether they can detect alcohol.
Bottom line…make sure you’re prepared for these questions, and if you’re not sure how to answer them, then call a top Stamford Connecticut DUI / DWI criminal defense lawyer right away to help you prepare.
After Connecticut DUI checkpoint police ask you a few questions, they may want to see your license and registration. They do this for two reasons:
(1) to actually see your license and paperwork, and
(2) to assess your motor skills and impairment during the task of getting your wallet and opening up your glove compartment.
If you fumble, shake or exhibit any other signs of imbalance, impairment or intoxication, the police may want to have you pull over so they can conduct the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (the “SFSTs”). If they do pull you aside to take these tests, then you need to understand that the police are now looking for “probable cause” to arrest you for a Connecticut DUI / DWI under CGS 14-227a.
So as the holiday season begins, know that more Connecticut DUI / DWI checkpoints in Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan Connecticut are going to start popping up. Especially around busy restaurants and bars after 7pm.
Make sure you’re prepared for these interviews, and are not under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs while driving. And if you find yourself arrested in Connecticut for a CGS 14-227a DUI / DWI, call one of the Stamford DUI / DWI criminal lawyers attorneys at the Mark Sherman Law Firm.
I’ve been practicing law since 1998 and have assembled a team of Connecticut DUI / DWI defense attorneys focused on one objective: results. You can read our Avvo.com certified reviews from our former Connecticut DUI / DWI clients. Then call us today for a consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call at (203) 358-4700.
