Protect Your Rights During Summer DUI Stops in California

Summer Driving and How to Protect Your Rights Against Increased DUI Stops in Lakewood and San Pedro

There’s nothing like summertime in California—but while summer brings more beach time, longer days, and more flexibility in your schedule, it also brings a flurry of DUI checkpoints across California’s urban areas. Police departments in this area often ramp up DUI enforcement, and getting caught at the wrong time can mean the loss of driving privileges, jail time, and hefty fines. Reaching out to a California DUI defense attorney early can help you better protect your rights.

At the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we know how easy it can be for one mistake or misunderstanding to spiral out of control and result in criminal charges. Robin D. Perry, Esq., has committed his career to advocating for his clients and their rights. Find out how our DUI defense law firm can help you by calling us at 562-216-2944.

Why DUI Enforcement Spikes in Summer

Law enforcement knows that summer brings with it a sudden spike in alcohol consumption, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Southern California. In particular, alcohol is a problem around holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. In fact, San Francisco Police Department held a DUI checkpoint on July 5 in anticipation of increased alcohol consumption. When police departments run DUI checkpoints, they typically announce that they will do so ahead of time—but they don’t say exactly where they will be. The goal is to deter people from drinking and driving. DUI defense lawyers see a significant increase in traffic stops and arrests during the summer months.

What to Expect During a DUI Stop

During a DUI stop, police officers are looking for signs of impairment. Before they stop you, they should already have a reason to suspect impaired driving—swerving, running red lights, drifting in and out of lanes, or another form of unsafe driving.

When they stop you, they will tell you why they decided to pull you over. Some of the signs of impairment they may be looking for include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the smell of alcohol. If they see anything confirming their suspicions, they may ask you to step out of the car and consent to field sobriety tests. These tests often include balancing on one foot, walking in a straight line, or tracking a moving object with your eyes.

At this point, the police may also request that you consent to a preliminary breath test.

DUI Stops and Your Rights

It’s easy to forget your rights in the chaos of a DUI stop, which is why DUI defense law firms conduct their own investigations to determine whether or not your rights were upheld during a traffic stop. As long as you are 21 or older and not currently on DUI probation, you do not have to consent to a pre-arrest breath test. There are no penalties for doing so. However, once you are under arrest for driving while impaired, you are required to consent to a breath, blood, or urine test, due to California’s implied consent law.

During a traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent. You do have to provide your license, registration, and insurance when asked, but you do not have to answer questions after that. You also have the right to deny field sobriety tests. Not only are these tests not mandatory, they are incredibly subjective and unreliable due to differences in interpretation.

Implied Consent and Chemical Testing

If you continue to refuse a breath, blood, or urine test after an arrest, you are in violation of California’s implied consent law. Should you refuse, your license will automatically be suspended, you may face increased penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence, and your refusal will likely be used against you in court.

Your Next Steps

After a DUI arrest, your next step should be calling a DUI defense attorney. A conviction can have a ripple effect on your life, negatively impacting everything from your career and driving rights to your reputation and career options. Avoid answering questions until you have a DUI defense lawyer there to represent you and guide you through the process.

Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint? Call the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates

We know how overwhelming a DUI arrest can be, especially when you know how a conviction could change your life. We’re here to fight for your rights and a chance at a fresh start. Call us at 562-216-2944 or set up a legal consultation immediately.