Local police departments in Ontario, California and adjacent communities have announced that multiple DUI checkpoints will be set up around the area today (Friday, May 13th, 2016). Although the exact locations have not been disclosed at this time, the police said the checkpoints will be active and catching people who are driving under the influence (DUI) between the hours of 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM. In the past, residents have seen checkpoints along major streets, such as Euclid Avenue and Mission Boulevard, as well as near Interstate 10 and Highway 60 off- and on-ramps.
In the last three years, 31 people have lost their lives to intoxicated drivers in the greater Ontario area. Police officials have cited the statistic as one of the reasons why they need to improve police activity to stop DUIs. Police checkpoints are usually only reserved for holiday weekends, so it is slightly unusual to see one in the middle of May.
There is also controversy surrounding the use of DUI checkpoints overall. People against their use believe they act as a mandatory stop and search, something law enforcement would normally need a warrant to complete. It could also be seen as a form of profiling since only people who drive along certain roads are subjected to them.
At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, our Rancho Cucamonga DUI attorneys would like to remind you that if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint this weekend, remain courteous, cooperate within reason, but do not do or say anything that would incriminate yourself. If you are arrested, you have your options to challenge your DUI charges and only 10 days to contest the automatic suspension of your license. Keep our number ready – 909.658.7341 – and give us a call as soon as you run into legal trouble.