Who Is Being Targeted by Charlotte Checkpoints?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If you live in Charlotte or any of the surrounding areas, chances are high that you have seen the flashing lights of a DWI checkpoint. These targeted areas of enforcement are put in place to get drunk drivers off of the street and they do just that. But who is being targeted by these checkpoints?

Channel 9 recently took a closer look at DWI checkpoints in the city of Charlotte held by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police from 2013 through November 2014. Each of the 42 checkpoint areas were plotted on a map.

When looked at closely, it is easy to see that the checkpoints have taken place from the airport to Northlake Mall and along South Boulevard. These areas hardly encompass all areas of Charlotte. In fact, some areas like Ballantyne saw no checkpoints conducted within its borders during the 23-month period.

When Charlotte attorney Bill Powers was approached with the map, he stated, “It tends to be the country club communities you see in Ballantyne, Providence, and up on the lake. You’re just not seeing the checkpoints. I don’t know why.”

During the course of two years, more than 3,000 drivers were arrested for DWI in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

According to Sgt. Jesse Wood of the CMPD, the DWI Task Force, “…move around the city. It changes. I only have six officers on my team and we move around the city based on where the crash data is.”

CMPD divisions in sleepy bedroom towns of the metro area have completed, in some cases, no checkpoints at all. There are 13 different divisions in the CMPD and none are required to hold checkpoints throughout the year. Checkpoints are typically conducted by divisions that have adequate manpower.

While there is little doubt that these checkpoints are making a dent in drunk driving, it is important to determine whether areas populated by the rich and powerful are being ignored purposely at the expense of those who are less than elite.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driver, you need an experienced attorney fighting for your rights. At Auger & Auger law, we have compassionate auto accident lawyers in Charlotte who are ready to take your case and represent you to the full extent of the law. Call us today so that we can discuss your case and begin putting all of your information in order. We are here for you. Call now.