September 4, 2013

As a part of the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) Sheriff's efforts to crack down on drunk driving this year, a checkpoint was conducted on August 30 at Newhall Ranch Road and Grandview Drive, according to a report by hometownstation.com.

A total of 1,093 motorists were stopped and inspected during the checkpoint. Two performed field sobriety tests; one was arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Seven others received a court date for driving without a license or with a suspended license. More than a dozen were cited for other minor Traffic Code violations.

Law enforcement officials with the SCV Sheriff's Station plan to conduct many more checkpoints throughout the rest of the year. They also plan to incorporate high visibility DUI enforcement into their strategy to deter drunk driving.

Not many people are informed of their rights when being processed through a DUI checkpoint. Often enough, constitutional rights are violated without any awareness on the victims' parts. The execution of a checkpoint is bound to a mandated policy, and if law enforcement deviates from any of the established rules of operation, then any evidence gained from the process can be dismissed from the court.

The penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe and include a jail or prison sentence, hefty fines, mandatory classes and counseling, and other considerable expenses. If you are currently facing a DUI charge, it is important that you consult with an experienced Santa Clarita DUI defense attorney right away. Criminal defense lawyer Daniel E. Kann knows the ins and outs of DUI law and can use his knowledge to help you achieve a favorable outcome for your case. To learn more about your legal rights and the options available to you, call (888) 744-7730 for a free consultation.