San Diego DUI criminal defense attorneys are busy warning folks since New Year’s Eve is tomorrow.
A new overzealous weapon is being used in the fight against DUI in Tampa.
You’re more likely to be convicted of a DUI / Drunk Driving, San Diego criminal defense lawyers say.
Florida is among several states now holding what are called “no refusal” DUI checkpoints.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has recently said he wants to see more states hold similar programs.
It means if you refuse a breath test during a traffic stop, a judge is on site, and issues a warrant that allows police to perform a mandatory blood test.
It’s already being done in several counties. DUI criminal defense attorney Kevin Hayslett sees the mandatory blood test as a violation of constitutional rights.
“It’s a slippery slope and it’s got to stop somewhere,” Hayslett explained, “what other misdemeanor offense do we have in the United States where the government can forcefully put a needle into your arm?”
The federal government says Florida has among the highest rates of breathalyzer refusal.
“Now you’ve got attorneys telling their clients, don’t blow, don’t blow! Because we know from the results from these machines that they’re not operating as the state or the government says they’re supposed to operate,” said Stephen Daniels, a DUI consultant and expert witness.
Supporters, though, say you could see the “no refusal” checkpoints in the Bay area by October.
This DUI checkpoint will be heavily advertised, with the goal of deterring any drunk driving.