Pulled over in Kern County

[FE135]

Hey all, long time reader, infrequent poster. I just wanted to let you know of my experience the other day. It was my birthday and as usual, the family went out for dinner and we also did some shooting out in the desert. We were on the way home and I noticed a long line of cars ahead mostly stopped. There was a sign indicating a sobriety checkpoint ahead. Since the line wasn’t moving well at all, I took the first opportunity to do a U turn and go home another way. I was half way into the turn and noticed the Sheriff car right ahead of me. He immediately turned on his lights. I knew why I was getting pulled over and lost my gamble to save a few minutes, so be it. As a frequent reader of this site, I knew the drill. My drivers and CCW licenses in hand and kept my hands on the steering wheel. He walks up to the driver’s side and asks for my license and if I had been drinking. I said no and handed him the licenses. Now for the part I wasn’t prepared for. He looks at the CCW and throws it on the dash and says, “I didn’t ask for this, what are you giving me this for!” I’m kinda taken back at this point. I look in the mirror and there are three cops now and all laughing. After a few minutes, he returns and explains the obvious as far as me doing a U turn as if been drinking and avoiding them. That was it. No questions about weapons. There you have it. It’s like Kern County is in a different state compared to everything I’ve read about. I’m glad I live here.

[protectmine]

funny guys sounds like it all worked out. nice job

[Fjold]

Every LEO (CHP, PD and Sheriff) that I have talked to about this (8 different ones now) has said the same thing, just tell me that you have a CCW, I'll ask you for it if I want to see it.

[paul0660]

Was it an illegal U Turn? Why did he pull you over? Sobriety checkpoints are supposed to be set up so that there is an exit before the check point. Btw, I don't like drunk drivers OR checkpoints.......they are a slippery slope.

[derringer]

Originally Posted by paul0660

Was it an illegal U Turn? Why did he pull you over? Sobriety checkpoints are supposed to be set up so that there is an exit before the check point.

My question, exactly!
Unless your U-turn was illegal, he had no right to pull you over. Were you driving erratically? You did signal first, right?

[FE135]

I didn't make an illegal turn. He told me he thought I might be a drunk trying to bypass the checkpoint.

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by FE135

I didn't make an illegal turn. He told me he thought I might be a drunk trying to bypass the checkpoint.

Bummer. What happened to needing PC for a car stop?

[G36 Steve]

Originally Posted by Glock32

Bummer. What happened to needing PC for a car stop?

Too funny.

[Locosway]

Originally Posted by FE135

Hey all, long time reader, infrequent poster. I just wanted to let you know of my experience the other day. It was my birthday and as usual, the family went out for dinner and we also did some shooting out in the desert. We were on the way home and I noticed a long line of cars ahead mostly stopped. There was a sign indicating a sobriety checkpoint ahead. Since the line wasn’t moving well at all, I took the first opportunity to do a U turn and go home another way. I was half way into the turn and noticed the Sheriff car right ahead of me. He immediately turned on his lights. I knew why I was getting pulled over and lost my gamble to save a few minutes, so be it. As a frequent reader of this site, I knew the drill. My drivers and CCW licenses in hand and kept my hands on the steering wheel. He walks up to the driver’s side and asks for my license and if I had been drinking. I said no and handed him the licenses. Now for the part I wasn’t prepared for. He looks at the CCW and throws it on the dash and says, “I didn’t ask for this, what are you giving me this for!” I’m kinda taken back at this point. I look in the mirror and there are three cops now and all laughing. After a few minutes, he returns and explains the obvious as far as me doing a U turn as if been drinking and avoiding them. That was it. No questions about weapons. There you have it. It’s like Kern County is in a different state compared to everything I’ve read about. I’m glad I live here.

Sobriety checkpoints are voluntary, and there needs to be an area for one to "escape" if they so decide. As long as your turn was legal, they had no PC to stop you.

Just because you have a CCW, don't be so quick to give up your rights. Comply with the officer so you don't go to jail, but also stick your ground if you're in the right.