Sobriety Checkpoints Upset

A state appeals court panel ruled unanimously today that sobriety checkpoints, designed to catch drunk drivers, are illegal.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana decided 3-0 to reverse the conviction of a minor arrested after he was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint in Anaheim, ruling such checkpoints are unlawful. The state Attorney General’s office said today it will appeal the decision, pointing out that a court of appeal in San Francisco has ruled that the checkpoints are legal. The California Highway Patrol and local police departments have been stopping cars, talking with drivers and making arrests at the checkpoints for several years.