FREE CONSULTATION

Please fill out the form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.

Affordable Rates

Payment Plans

Home » DUI/DWI » DUI Checkpoint Defense Attorney

Expert DUI Checkpoint Defense Attorney

Experienced Attorneys Representing Individuals Facing DUI/DWI Charges in Los Angeles California

Are you facing charges related to a DUI checkpoint in California? The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to provide you with top-notch legal representation. Our experienced team of attorneys specializes in defending individuals accused of driving under the influence (DUI) and navigating the complexities of DUI checkpoint cases. With our in-depth understanding of California DUI laws and our commitment to protecting our clients’ rights, we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding DUI Checkpoint Laws in California

California Penal Code Section 2814.2

Under California law, DUI checkpoints must adhere to strict guidelines outlined in California Penal Code Section 2814.2. These guidelines govern the establishment, operation, and conduct of sobriety checkpoints to ensure that they are conducted in a lawful and non-discriminatory manner.

DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints or roadblocks, are legal in the state of California. However, law enforcement officers must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that these checkpoints are conducted in a manner that respects individual rights. Some key points to know about DUI checkpoints in California include:

Purpose: DUI checkpoints are intended to deter drunk driving and improve road safety by allowing law enforcement officers to stop vehicles at predetermined locations to check for signs of impairment.
Requirements: Law enforcement agencies must adhere to specific guidelines when conducting DUI checkpoints, including providing advance notice to the public, selecting checkpoint locations based on statistical data, and using neutral criteria to stop vehicles.
Probable Cause: While officers can stop vehicles at a DUI checkpoint without individualized suspicion, they must have probable cause to detain a driver further or conduct a DUI investigation.
Consequences: If you are arrested for DUI at a checkpoint, you may face serious consequences, including license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time, especially if there are aggravating factors such as prior DUI convictions or injuries to others.

What to Do If You’re Charged at a DUI Checkpoint

If you find yourself facing DUI charges following a checkpoint stop, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Here are some steps to consider:

Remain Calm: Stay calm and cooperative during the encounter with law enforcement officers. Avoid making incriminating statements or consenting to field sobriety tests without consulting an attorney.
Invoke Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Politely assert these rights if you are questioned by the police and refrain from answering any questions without your attorney present.
Document the Stop: Take note of the details surrounding the checkpoint stop, including the location, time, officers involved, and any interactions that occur. This information may be valuable in building your defense.
Contact an Attorney: Seek legal representation from a skilled DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can review the circumstances of your case, challenge any evidence obtained unlawfully, and advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Why Choose the Law Offices of David S. Chesley?

Don’t face DUI checkpoint charges alone. Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you defend against DUI allegations and pursue a favorable outcome. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have a proven track record of success in defending clients against DUI charges, including those arising from checkpoint stops. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your DUI checkpoint defense:

Experience: Our attorneys have decades of experience handling DUI cases in California and are well-versed in the intricacies of DUI checkpoint laws and procedures.
Strategic Defense: We understand that every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to the specific circumstances of each client’s case. Whether challenging the legality of the checkpoint or scrutinizing the validity of the evidence against you, we leave no stone unturned in pursuit of a favorable outcome.
Dedicated Advocacy: We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and best interests at every stage of the legal process. From negotiations with prosecutors to courtroom litigation, we will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you.
Client-Centered Approach: At our firm, you are more than just a case number. We prioritize open communication, personalized attention, and compassionate support for our clients throughout their legal journey.

Key Aspects of DUI Checkpoints

Random Selection: DUI checkpoints must be conducted at random, with vehicles selected for screening based on a predetermined pattern, such as every third vehicle. This helps to prevent discrimination and ensure that all drivers are treated fairly.
Visibility and Signage: DUI checkpoints must be highly visible and adequately marked with signs indicating that a sobriety checkpoint is ahead. This allows drivers to make informed decisions and choose alternative routes if they wish to avoid the checkpoint.
Minimal Intrusion: Law enforcement officers are required to minimize the intrusion on motorists’ rights during DUI checkpoints. This includes conducting brief and non-invasive screenings and ensuring that any detention of drivers is reasonable and justified.
Neutral Criteria: The selection of vehicles for screening must be based on neutral criteria, such as the predetermined pattern mentioned earlier. Officers are prohibited from singling out drivers based on factors such as race, ethnicity, or appearance.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective defense representation for individuals facing DUI checkpoint charges in California. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a California DUI/DWI lawyer, please call us today at 1-800-755-5174, or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you have the right to remain silent and decline to answer questions, California law requires drivers to comply with lawful DUI checkpoints. Refusing to cooperate may result in additional suspicion and could lead to arrest.

If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint, remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement. Provide your license, registration, and insurance if requested, but avoid making any self-incriminating statements.

Yes, if you believe that a DUI checkpoint was conducted unlawfully or in violation of your rights, you can challenge its legality in court. Our attorneys can review the details of the checkpoint and determine if there are grounds for a legal challenge.

Evidence collected at a DUI checkpoint, such as field sobriety test results, breathalyzer readings, and observations by law enforcement officers, may be used against you in court. However, the admissibility of this evidence can be challenged with the assistance of an experienced attorney.

A skilled DUI defense attorney can review the circumstances of your arrest, identify any potential defenses or constitutional violations, and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Whether it's negotiating for reduced charges or challenging the evidence against you, our attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victims mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices Of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case resolved quickly. Thank you!
Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services.
Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brothers case and right away I liked their service. My brothers charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he could go on without the trouble of having anything on his record
Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm and from the beginning they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you, call this firm and protect yourself.
Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence he was able to get me out the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him.
Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. he was recommended to us for is success results and his low fees. David is very smart and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful time. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judges approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future.
Andrew A.

very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley.. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dis issued… Negin was on top of our cases she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! thanks a lot Negin
Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews, however this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the frace “is not what you know, but who you know ” she is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.

Thank you Negin.
Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own cognition on a felony charge in July which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense.
Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charges check them out they are awesome.
Santiago L.