Although numerous states across the country prohibit the use of sobriety checkpoints as a deterrent to drunk driving, Massachusetts is not one of them. In fact, as the weather warms up, you are likely to see OUI roadblocks more frequently, at least weekly at some locations in the state.
Recent jump in July 4th drunk driving fatalities
The July Fourth holiday is just around the corner. So it should be no surprise that the driver safety programs are ramping up their awareness campaigns to remind drivers that it is dangerous to drink and drive. While law enforcement is always busy around the holidays, they know that this holiday is the most dangerous of the year for drinking and driving fatalities.
Vince Vaughan's DUI illustrates some rights and wrongs of a stop
Actor Vince Vaughn was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint early in the morning of June 10 between Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach in California. According to Manhattan Beach law enforcement and CNN, Vaughn was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence as well as resisting, delaying or obstructing officers. His unidentified male passenger was also arrested for public intoxication and obstructing officers. Despite the charges, there was no physical force used by officers. Vaughn was booked around 4 a.m. on a misdemeanor charge with $5,000 bail. He was later released.
Admitting guilt to crimes not committed
Trading Away Justice is a coalition of professional and student news organizations who investigate the phenomenon where people arrested are admitting to crimes they didn't commit in order to get out of jail.
Police can search a car but cannot search a motorcycle
The Fourth Amendment's automobile exception allows for the warrant-less search of car for the sake of expediency. However, the Supreme Court ruled on May 29 that motorcycles parked on the driveway of a home are not included in that exception. The Court's 8-1 decision overturned a Virginia ruling.
