October DWI Checkpoint Nets 53 Charges in North Carolina

A late October DWI checkpoint in Reidsville led to 53 criminal charges such as DWI, operating without a license and open container. The DWI checkpoint was held on October 22 into October 23 at Barnes Street, Highway 87, Holiday Loop and Freeway Drive, according to the Reidsville Police Department.

The goal of the checkpoint was to enforce North Carolina DWI laws. Drivers are prohibited from driving with a BAC above .08. Several law enforcement agencies participated in the four hour checkpoint including Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department, Madison Police Department and North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Reidsville Police Department reported that of the vehicles stopped, three people were charged with DWI, 14 for driving without a license, seven for driving with a revoked license, four with open container in the vehicle and six for drug possession or paraphernalia possession.

While DWI checkpoints are legal in North Carolina, drivers who are charged with a crime during a checkpoint should consider contacting a skilled criminal defense lawyer to evaluate the procedures surrounding the stop.

Source: DigTriad “Reidsville Checkpoint Resulted in 53 Criminal Charges,” Teresa Ostuni, 10/23/2011