The Massachusetts State Police has announced that a “Sobriety Checkpoint” will be implemented by the Massachusetts State Police on a Secondary State Highway in Bristol County. Bristol County is made up of twenty cities and towns, including Taunton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Fall River and New Bedford. The checkpoint will begin Saturday, March 20, 2010 and continue into Sunday, March 21, 2010.
The State Police often team up with local law enforcement when operating these checkpoints, which may utilize over a dozen officers at a time as well as mobile breath testing equipment. Many of these roadblocks are part of the nationwide “Over The Limit, Under Arrest” mobilization. State and federal grant money is used to fund police overtime, equipment and education.
The constitutionality of these checkpoints were recently upheld by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. However, the police must strictly comply with the many requirements that the Court has outlined, and the failure to do so may result in the exclusion of all evidence obtained against a defendant.
If you are arrested following a roadblock or “sobriety checkpoint,” contact an attorney who knows how to defend these cases successfully. Call Brooks & Crowley LLP at 781-251-0555.