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DUI Roadblocks Replaced by More Police on the Streets?

On Behalf of | Sep 21, 2012 | Drunk Driving Charges |

In a prior blog posting, we discussed some of the requirements for police conducting sobriety checkpoints. Failing to follow these rules could potentially jeopardize any of the drugged or drunk driving arrests made at each of these checkpoints.

Many law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado believe that these checkpoints are an effective way of deterring motorists that are driving under the influence. Despite the perceived successes of these checkpoints, some agencies have decided on a different approach to making DUI arrests.

For example, Colorado Springs has stopped using the checkpoints because they are extremely expensive. Last year, the city’s mayor and police chief decided to spend money on additional officers. This means more police are out looking for drunk drivers or those who are committing other crimes.

The results of the change show comparable DUI arrest results. In 2011, when sobriety checkpoints were still in use within the city, 141 drunk driving arrests were made from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In 2012, when the city stopped using the checkpoints, 146 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

Colorado Department of Transportation officials still maintain that the use of sobriety checkpoints is a critical tool in the fight against drunk driving. The agency stresses that sobriety checkpoints can help to increase awareness of law enforcement’s aggressive approach to targeting drunk drivers.

Those facing drunk driving charges need to know the potential penalties for a conviction. Repeat offenses could result in additional punishments that can last long after the case is over.

Source: KOAA.com “Springs police DUI arrests unaffected by loss of checkpoints” Andy Koen, September 7, 2012.

Please visit our website to learn more about fighting charges of driving under the influence.

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