DUI Checkpoints in Gainesville, FL
Bill Allen | January 15, 2024 | Car Accidents
With year-round great weather and easy access to dozens of beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State is a vacationer’s paradise. Certain parts of Florida, including Gainesville, have a reputation for being college towns where alcohol consumption is part of the culture.
In response, law enforcement officers routinely set up DUI checkpoints in Gainesville, FL, and surrounding areas. However, you can’t simply search “DUI checkpoints near me” to find out when and where police officers set up these checkpoints. Instead, you need to know what they are, how they work, and how to keep yourself out of trouble.
What Are DUI Checkpoints?
DUI checkpoints are designed to help law enforcement officers enforce the state’s driving under the influence laws, discourage drunk driving, cut down on accidents, and arrest perpetrators. If an officer stops a vehicle and is suspicious that the driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will conduct a further investigation.
Each DUI checkpoint is a bit different. However, there are some basic things you can expect at any DUI checkpoint. Police will stop a certain number of vehicles that pass through the checkpoint, speak with the driver, and, if necessary, request them to provide a breath sample.
How Do DUI Checkpoints Work?
Typically, police officers will choose an interval for their DUI checkpoint. For instance, they might stop every fifth car that pulls up. In other instances, they’ll stop every car and speak to each driver in an effort to determine whether the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Officers are checking for the odor of an alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, and other signs of intoxication. If a driver raises suspicions, the officer may have them exit the vehicle for field sobriety exercises.
Common DUI Checkpoint Locations in Gainesville, FL
Police officers set up DUI checkpoints in areas that contain bars, frat houses, concert venues, and anywhere else where the consumption of alcohol is common. While DUI checkpoint locations are always considered “random,” officers have a method.
Typically, high-traffic areas near the aforementioned establishments are chosen for DUI checkpoints. Officers will generally select an area with lower speeds, as it minimizes disruptions to traffic flow and helps reduce the risk of a checkpoint-related collision.
DUI Checkpoints Are Bad, But DUI Crashes Are Worse
Getting stopped at a DUI checkpoint can be a nightmare, especially if you’ve had too much to drink. But getting involved in a car accident where drugs or alcohol are at play is far worse.
The Florida car accident claims process can be complicated under any circumstances. When a DUI is involved, it is even harder to navigate.
Whether you are the one suspected of DUI or were injured by a drunk driver, seeking professional legal guidance is vital. A skilled Gainesville car accident attorney can evaluate your case, ensure your rights are upheld, and help you decide what to do next.
DUI Checkpoints: Protecting Your Rights
Whether you’ve been involved in a DUI car accident or stopped and arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Gainesville, FL, it’s vital that you know and understand your rights. Being familiar with the process ahead will help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible and minimize the long-term impacts of the incident.
Always seek professional legal advice and let a skilled attorney help you navigate your next steps. They will protect your rights, weigh your options, and guide you through this complex process.
Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
