Sobriety checkpoints are legal in Virginia, however, there are certain rules that police officers must follow when conducting sobriety checkpoints. According to these rules, before a Virginia sobriety checkpoint can be established, the location of the checkpoint must be announced to the general public. If you have questions regarding a Virginia DUI charge that you received at a sobriety checkpoint, you can get the advice of Virginia DUI defense attorney.
Another important fact about sobriety checkpoints is that not all cars are allowed to be stopped. Instead, vehicles must be stopped according to a mathematical formula. Therefore, vehicles are not stopped according to how the motorist appears, nor according to how they drive.
Furthermore, there are rules about how long each motorist may be detained at a Virginia sobriety checkpoint. Because of this, an officer cannot ask you to step out of the car unless they suspect impairment.
However, if you do show signs of impairment at a Virginia sobriety checkpoint, such as glassy eyes, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol on your breath, a police officer may detain you and administer a roadside sobriety test. In this case, the officer can proceed as though you were pulled over under the suspicion of a Virginia DUI.
If you have been stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and charged with a Virginia DUI, you should consult with an experienced Virginia DUI defense attorney who can go over the specifics of your case and explain your legal options for fighting the charges against you.
How can a Virginia DUI defense attorney help me?
Bob Battle is the only DUI lawyer in Virginia to offer a guarantee that could be worth thousands of dollars in free legal representation. Under Virginia law, if you are convicted of DUI in the General District Court, you have a right to appeal and get a new trial in the Circuit Court. Bob Battle guarantees that, if you wish to appeal your case, he will represent you on appeal to the Circuit Court for FREE!
To learn more about Virginia DUI, get a free copy of Bob Battle's consumer guide, How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia. Or, contact 804-673-5600 to schedule your legal consultation today.
