A Chicago-area man counts down the days until the Super Bowl when the Rams will play the Cincinnati Bengals for Super Bowl LVI. He had a difficult childhood but lifted himself from his circumstances to become a businessman and a family man. He spent years helping his brother, who is 10 years younger than him. He coached his brother’s pee wee football teams and has been there for him for his whole life. Now his brother is playing for the Bengals, and he cannot wait to watch the game and cheer his brother’s team on.
He is hosting a big party at his home and will be streaming the game on his projector in his in-home movie room. He enjoys himself by allowing himself a few more beers than he usually would drink, thinking he will be home all night. His wife asks him to run to the convenience store to buy some more alcohol after they run out. On the way to the store, he sees a police DUI checkpoint. He thinks he may be intoxicated and feels nervous while approaching the stop point.
Police Officers Will be Making More DUI Arrests Over Super Bowl Weekend
Every year, police agencies throughout Illinois increase their DUI checkpoints on Super Bowl weekend. People who drink too much alcohol at Super Bowl parties or sports bars or restaurants may face serious penalties if they are arrested on their way home. Troopers also go out on roving patrols and conduction safety checks throughout Super Bowl weekend. Officers make around 200 alcohol-related arrests and around 1,700 citations for speeding, distracted driving, drunken driving, and seat belt compliance every year.
Police Do Not Need to Have Reasonable Suspicion to Use DUI Checkpoints
In most cases, police officers must have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a crime to pull you over. This is not the case with DUI checkpoints. Police officers do have to follow certain guidelines and announce the checkpoint ahead of time.
Do Not Attempt to Flee or Avoid a DUI Checkpoint
If you come across a DUI checkpoint, do not try to turn around or go through an alternate route. A police officer may try to follow you and arrest you. You may face additional charges for fleeing the DUI checkpoint. It is best to drive through the checkpoint while knowing your rights.
Police Cannot Search Your Vehicle Unless They Have Probable Cause
Police do not have the right to search your vehicle at a DUI checkpoint unless the officer has probable cause that you are drinking and driving or you consent to the search. You do not have to consent to the search even if the police officer is pressuring you.
Police Cannot Keep You For an Unreasonable Amount of Time
Police cannot keep you for an unreasonable amount of time. If they question you and hold you at the checkpoint, ask them if you are being detained. If you are not being detained, the officers must let you go. Also, you do not have to get out of your vehicle unless you have been arrested.
Contact a Chicago-area DUI Attorney
At Glasgow & Olsson, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been charged with a crime.