DUI checkpoints are legal in Indiana, but only if law enforcement strictly follows a set of constitutional guidelines established by the courts. These checkpoints must adhere to six core requirements: a neutral, pre-approved operational plan; a legitimate focus on catching impaired drivers (not general law enforcement); minimal officer discretion; minimal intrusion on drivers; physical safety for all involved; and demonstrable effectiveness in identifying intoxicated individuals. Any failure to meet even one of these standards can render the checkpoint—and any resulting arrests—unconstitutional. The Marc Lopez Law Firm has repeatedly exposed procedural failures in these operations, such as improperly placed signage, biased vehicle selection, or arbitrary officer behavior.
While checkpoints are framed as public safety tools, they often fall short in both legality and efficiency. Law enforcement’s frequent failure to follow protocol not only undermines the integrity of these stops but also jeopardizes innocent people’s rights. For those stopped or arrested at a DUI checkpoint, the message is clear: know your rights, don’t assume the checkpoint was lawful, and contact a legal team that knows how to fight back. The Marc Lopez Law Firm encourages anyone affected to stay calm, invoke their rights, and reach out for help—because fighting back against unconstitutional actions is both possible and necessary.