Law enforcement officers in North Dakota are responsible for keeping the state’s roads and streets safe for all. This includes identifying drivers who may be operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Along with regular traffic patrols, officers routinely use sobriety checkpoints and anti-DUI campaigns to deter motorists from driving while intoxicated. One such initiative has resulted in many arrests and citations.
Drive sober campaign
Various law enforcement agencies throughout the state participated in a recent campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of intoxicated driving and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Dubbed “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” the campaign occurred between Aug. 19 and Sept. 5, 2022, and it was initiated to help enforce traffic safety and reduce the number of serious and fatal accidents caused by inebriated drivers. The ultimate goal is to reduce alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities to zero throughout the state.
As a result of this recent campaign, officers issued 121 citations for alcohol- or drug-related offenses. They also made 49 arrests for DUI. Officers issued 28 citations to minors in possession of alcohol or open-container offenses, and they arrested 29 on drug-related charges.
Right to defense
Those who were arrested for alcohol- or drug-related charges have every right to defend themselves, and those who received citations may also challenge the tickets they received. Each individual arrested is presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law, and they will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in North Dakota as soon as possible. A lawyer will analyze and challenge the evidence obtained by law enforcement during the campaign to help a client obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
