Eight people were arrested in Poughkeepsie over the weekend for driving while impaired as a result of a sobriety checkpoint on U.S. Route 9. Drunk driving is a serious crime punishable by fines and even jail time. The individuals who were arrested now face criminal charges that may affect their future right to a operate motor vehicle.
The town of Poughkeepsie worked with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the sobriety checkpoint. In total, the checkpoint stopped 959 vehicles on Saturday night. The eight individuals caught allegedly driving while impaired were charged with a number of misdemeanors, including having a blood alcohol content over 0.08 percent, drunken driving and possession of controlled substances. One driver, who was wanted on prior warrants in Troy and Poughkeepsie, was sent to Dutchess County Jail in lieu $20,000 bail. Two of the arrests involved adults under the age of 21.
Sobriety checkpoints are primarily designed to catch motorists who are driving under the influence, but the checkpoints can lead to other criminal charges as well. Poughkeepsie’s weekend checkpoint, jointly funded by the New York STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Board, also resulted in three additional arrests for traffic offenses and possession of marijuana.
While none of the drivers arrested over the weekend were involved in accidents, misdemeanor drunk driving can carry severe penalties, including license restrictions. Those charged with driving while impaired are entitled to legal representation to aid them in presenting a strong defense should the charges go to trial.
Source: The Daily Freeman, “Dutchess checkpoint snags eight for impaired driving,” Sept. 10, 2012
