Despite the Hype DUI Roadblocks Expensive, Ineffective

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National campaigns such as the "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" and groups like MADD proclaim the success of police sobriety checkpoints. As is often the case, these claims are not supported by the results. A DUI sobriety checkpoint conducted in Tucson, Arizona on February 21, 2009, saw 2,300 drivers be stopped on suspicion of DUI. Yet out of that large number, only 26 DUI arrests were made.

By and large, a recent article in the Oakland Tribune points out that DUI checkpoints seem to have very little, if any, effect. This article suggests that these roadblocks fail to target the real problem. The article cited American Beverage Institute managing director Sarah Longwell, who said a roadblock often catches no drunken drivers and can cost taxpayers $10,000. Longwell's organization advocates responsible drinking in restaurants.

The article also cited psychologist and Golden Gate University professor Kit Yarrow, who at least partially supported Longwell's statement saying that a roadblock may work as a deterrent if someone saw it before "heading out to party," but most consumers will see them on the way home "when it's too late to do the right thing."

Richmond Virginia DUI Lawyer Bob Battle has previously commented on the history of these roadblocks and the dubious U.S Supreme Court decision that carved out the DUI exception to the Constitution for stopping vehicles. ( See "Merry Christmas! You're Under Arrest!" A History Of Sobriety Checkpoints") More importantly, if you have been stopped at a roadblock and charged with a DUI in Virginia, you need to hire a lawyer who knows how to argue that these stops were not conducted in a proper manner or in a proper location. In his Consumer Guide "How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia,"Bob Battle points out over 20 issues that lawyers who are "asleep at the wheel" of your defense, fail to raise that could win your case.

To get your free copy of "How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia," fill out the form on the top of this webpage- BobBattlelaw.com