Oklahoma Co. Sheriffs Department live tweeted DUI Arrests

The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department was busy cracking down on citizens driving under the influence in the lead-up to the July 4th holiday.

The weekend of June 29, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office conducted a DUI checkpoint on North Macarthur Boulevard in Oklahoma City that led to 24 arrests, 19 of which were for driving under the influence. The OCS added an extra feature to their stop, live tweeting commentary and photos of those arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence.

They started the evening showing their preparations:
A quick briefing, the equipment is warming up, #OkDUICheckpoint almost ready to go. pic.twitter.com/jQgkdPMUIG
— Oklahoma Co. Sheriff (@OkCountySheriff) June 29, 2014

And continued advertising their new jewelry for those that have had too many and decided to drive:
Free accessories to drunk drivers tonight at #OkDUICheckpoint. It’s a fashion statement you won’t want to make. pic.twitter.com/XBAM21VroQ
— Oklahoma Co. Sheriff (@OkCountySheriff) June 28, 2014

The OCS made sure no faces of those arrested were included in their tweets though:

This guy almost hit a deputy doesn’t have any ID has admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking weed. #OkDUICheckpoint pic.twitter.com/tvGaNf6Zgo
— Oklahoma Co. Sheriff (@OkCountySheriff) June 29, 2014
Some of those arrested didn’t seem realize the gravity of Oklahoma’s DUI Laws:
Guy just cussed at a deputy because his DUI arrest is going to make him late or miss church. #OkDUICheckpoint
— Oklahoma Co. Sheriff (@OkCountySheriff) June 29, 2014
You can see KOCO news’ story about local law enforcement’s innovative use of twitter here.

Whether you agree with the practice of live-tweeting what is surely an incredibly low moment in these people’s lives or not, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking more than the legal limit is not only a serious crime, but a huge hazard to you and everyone else on the road. If you’ve been drinking, take a cab or one of the many ride share services in town and don’t end up like those listed above.

If you find yourself in a DUI checkpoint, whether drinking or not, know your rights and know the proper protocols.

• Bring your vehicle to a complete stop and keep your hands visible to the officers.
• Wait. Don’t initiate conversation. Don’t plunge your hands into your glove box for your registration and insurance card until the officer asks for them. A police officer’s job is a dangerous one, and unexpected movements may startle officers. Make evident to them you are not a threat.
• Try to keep your responses to short sentences – even one-word answers – whenever possible.

Read our full rundown of what you should do when you find yourself in a DUI Checkpoint here.
If you find yourself on the OCS twitter feed in the future, don’t try to handle it on your own. Call us today at (405) 703-4567, and our group of experienced attorneys that will stand up for your rights.

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