The Los Angeles Police Department has announced its weekend checkpoints. Before we enumerate this weekend’s LA DUI checkpoints, let’s have a look at why the LAPD announces the checkpoints in advance.
According to a 2010 interview with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck in the LAist, checkpoints are not about garnering arrests but rather, about changing behavior.
Some might believe that the publicity given to DUI checkpoints might lead to potential drunks dodging those areas and avoiding arrest altogether. Chief Beck says that's not the case.
"People having foresight aren't the ones who are committing this crime."
In fact, research indicates that alcohol-related crashes drop by an average of 20 percent when checkpoints are well publicized and conducted frequently. Drivers will be stopped at the checkpoints and they may be assessed for signs of alcohol impairment or possible drug impairment. They will also be asked for proper licenses. If caught red-handed, a drunk driver can face jail time or suspension of his license. There are also fines, mandatory classes and other penalties for driving drunk.
According to the California Supreme Court, advance publicity of a DUI checkpoint is not necessary, but is important to the maintenance of a constitutionally permissible checkpoint.
Here's a list of some LA area DUI checkpoints this weekend:
- Friday, March 23, 2012, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Vermont Ave and 4th St.
- Friday, March 23, 2012, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Manchester Ave. between Hoover St. and Figueroa St.
- Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Ventura Blvd and Columbus Ave. in Sherman Oaks.
If you plan to drive in and around the Los Angeles area this weekend, be aware that these might not be the only DUI checkpoints. Officers are always on the prowl for DUI offenders.
Related Resources:
- Find a Los Angeles DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
- DUI Checkpoints (FindLaw)
- California DUI Laws (FindLaw)
ShareThis
