A: Sobriety checkpoints are conducted in 38 states. The Supreme Court has held that for sobriety checkpoints to be constitutional in Missouri or any other state proper procedures must be followed. The procedures for sobriety checkpoints are: administrative officers of the law enforcement agency determined the location of the checkpoint; the time and location of the checkpoint was adequately publicized to the public; the location was marked with advance warning signs; uniformed officers were present to demonstrate the official nature of the checkpoint; the selection of the motor vehicles was not arbitrary; and the checkpoint was conducted to assure the safety of motorists.
In Missouri and the Greater St. Louis area, sobriety checkpoints are becoming more and more common to detect DWI cases. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you have a constitutional right to remain silent. You should strongly consider exercising that right whether you have had anything to drink or not. You do not have to answer any questions other than stating your name. The only thing you must do is produce your license and proof of insurance. You do not have to perform field sobriety tests. If it appears you are going to be arrested for DWI, do not say anything other than making a request to speak with your attorney. If you request to speak with an attorney you should be allowed twenty minutes to do so.
