Over 100 DUI Arrests in One Georgia County Over the Holiday Weekend

A DUI Checkpoint in Twiggs County is conducted every year on March 17 or more popularly known as St. Patrick's Day. One of the deputies reported that there was around 106 DUI arrests as a result of the roadblock. 

Authorities also reported that many of the arrests were DUI Drug arrests and drug possession charges as well as DUIs. According to reports, many of the arrests were some drivers' second DUI, third DUI, and fourth DUI arrests. Twiggs County is en route to Savannah where there is a host of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and the Georgia DUI Roadblock is positioned right off the ramp from I-16 to Highway 358. 

Although some of the citizens of Twiggs County are supportive of the annual roadblock, it's important as a Georgia DUI Lawyer that I highlight some of the issues with roadblocks conducted in Georgia. 

Unfortunately, the violation of our rights and our privacy is something that has become increasingly normal to us. One of these violations is the DUI roadblock. As a majority, we have accepted the huge inconvenience brought on by the DUI roadblock of being pulled over without probable cause - without even a suspicion of any legal wrongdoing. 

In my opinion, our constitutional rights are violated with DUI roadblocks, also known as Georgia DUI Checkpoints. The 4th Amendment states: 

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Even though, DUI checkpoints are subject to examination under the 4th Amendment, and they must be implemented in a reasonable manner. Therefore, there are requirements that must be followed in order to make a DUI roadblock legal. The requirements include:

• Must be set up for a legitimate purpose
• Must be authorized by a police supervisor 
• Must apply to every vehicle
• Must be clearly marked and well-identified 
• Must have officers that are trained in DUI detection
• Must NOT be random or moving
• Must NOT cause an unreasonable burden on drivers or businesses in the area

As I have explained a DUI Checkpoint is an exception to our constitutional rights. Therefore, the actions of the police should not only be explored but scrutinized as well.  There are a handful of Georgia DUI Defenses that can be utilized. Hiring a Georgia DUI Attorney is of the utmost importance. If you or a loved one has received a DUI from a Georgia DUI Roadblock, contact us today.