OVI checkpoints were first used in Ohio in July 1989, and were ruled to be legal in 1990 by the U.S. Supreme Court - as long as the checkpoint is within certain guidelines. Some, however, will argue that sobriety checkpoints are against the Fourth Amendment. Others say that they are a necessary part of checks and balances, and keep the roads safer.

Effectiveness of OVI Checkpoints in Ohio

Deterring drunk driving, detecting drunk driving, and punishing drunk drivers are the targets of sobriety checkpoints. Although deterrence is difficult to quantify, identification and punishment can be measured because records of the number of people charged with drunk driving at each DUI checkpoint are kept.

Just a small percentage of all drivers stopped at DUI checkpoints in Ohio are charged with DUI / OVI. Although the establishment of DUI roadblocks in central Ohio does not result in the detection or punishment of many drunk drivers, it does cause hundreds or thousands of drivers to be inconvenienced.

Are DUI Checkpoints Placed at Random Locations in Ohio?

Random checkpoints are used by Ohio state police to detect drivers who are suspected of impaired driving. Field sobriety tests are used to gauge whether a suspected drunk driver has been operating a vehicle under the influence.

What's interesting is that, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the location of the actual OVI checkpoint must have a long history of drunk driving or alcohol-related accidents. This necessitates the use of a checkpoint at a specific location, and means that sobriety checkpoints are not so random after all.

Criminal Defense Strategies for DUI Checkpoints

A DUI/OVI lawyer will examine related sobriety checkpoint documents & records to see whether the stop was conducted in accordance to Ohio state's guidelines. As OVI attorneys, we'll look for any evidence that can be thrown out.

Hire Experienced OVI Lawyers in Ohio - Sabol Mallory LLC

Our law firm focuses on DUI/OVI defense, and we have experience defending clients who have been charged with OVIs at sobriety checkpoints in every county of Ohio. Please see the firm summary for more detail about us. We offer FREE DUI case evaluations when you call (614) 300-5088.

Find Sobriety Checkpoint Locations with Our Map of Past Roadblocks

Dui Checkpoints Tonight in Ohio

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Call Us If You Have Been Charged

If you've been charged with an OVI/DUI, call us at (614) 300-5088 for a FREE consultation. Our Ohio OVI/DUI defense lawyers' credentials are unmatched, and we regularly have more training than officer who arrested you. Our Columbus OVI lawyers are here 24/7 for you.