Drivers in Kittitas County, including Ellensburg, Roslyn, and Cle Elum, often ask whether DUI checkpoints are legal in Washington State. The answer is important: DUI checkpoints are not allowed in Kittitas County or anywhere in Washington, but law enforcement continues to run aggressive DUI patrols.
At Blanford Law, we represent clients charged with DUI throughout Kittitas County and help them navigate municipal court proceedings and protect their driving privileges.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Kittitas County?
No. Washington State prohibits DUI checkpoints, and that includes the cities of Ellensburg, Roslyn, and Cle Elum. In Seattle v. Mesiani, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints violate the right to privacy under the state constitution.
This means officers cannot randomly stop vehicles without reasonable suspicion. Every DUI traffic stop in Kittitas County must be supported by a legal reason, such as a traffic infraction or erratic driving.
🔗 Read more about the impact of Seattle v. Mesiani on DUI enforcement.
DUI Patrols Are Active in Ellensburg, Roslyn & Cle Elum
Even though DUI checkpoints are banned, DUI patrols are very active—especially during holidays, community events, and weekends. Local law enforcement, including the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Ellensburg Police, and Cle Elum-Roslyn Police, regularly look for signs of impaired driving such as:
- Drifting or weaving in a lane
- Speeding or sudden braking
- Rolling through stop signs
- Smell of alcohol or slurred speech
These observations can give officers legal grounds to initiate a traffic stop and begin a DUI investigation.
Know Your Rights During a DUI Stop in Kittitas County
If you’re stopped for suspected DUI in Ellensburg, Roslyn, or Cle Elum, you have important rights under Washington law:
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions about drinking or where you’ve been.
- You can decline field sobriety tests. These roadside exercises are not mandatory and are often subjective.
- You are subject to the Implied Consent Law. Refusing a post-arrest breath test can lead to license suspension and additional penalties—even before conviction.
Protecting your rights begins with understanding them.
DUI Charges in Kittitas County Municipal & District Courts
DUI cases from Ellensburg, Cle Elum, and Roslyn may be handled in either municipal court (for city cases) or Kittitas County District Court (for county-level charges). Penalties in Kittitas County for DUI convictions may include:
- Mandatory jail time
- Fines and court costs
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Probation and alcohol treatment programs
Every case is different, and local courts may offer diversion programs or alternatives—but only if your legal defense is effective and timely.
How Blanford Law Defends DUI Cases in Kittitas County
At Blanford Law, we represent drivers charged with DUI throughout Kittitas County, including Ellensburg, Roslyn, Cle Elum, Thorp, and Vantage. We will:
- Challenge illegal stops or improper police procedure
- Suppress unreliable field or breath test evidence
- Negotiate for reduced charges or treatment options
- Represent you in municipal or district court with experience
We know the Kittitas court system, and we’re here to help protect your future.
Contact Blanford Law for a Free DUI Consultation in Kittitas County
If you were stopped by law enforcement in Ellensburg, Roslyn, or Cle Elum, and charged with DUI, contact Blanford Law today. We’ll explain your rights, your options, and your best next steps.
📧 Email: ken@blanfordlaw.com
📞 Call: 253-720-9304
Your defense starts with one call.
Additional Resources
Explore more about DUI enforcement and local courts in Washington State:
🔗 DUI Checkpoints in Washington State – What You Need to Know
Summary: Understand the statewide rules on DUI checkpoints, how they differ from DUI patrols, and what drivers should expect when pulled over.
🔗 Pierce County DUI Checkpoints – Know Your Rights in Municipal Courts
Summary: Learn how DUI patrols are handled across Pierce County and how cities like Tacoma and Puyallup prosecute DUI cases through municipal courts.
🔗 DUI Checkpoints in Washington State: Navigating the Legal Landscape Post-Seattle v. Mesiani
Summary: Dive deeper into the Seattle v. Mesiani ruling that made DUI checkpoints unconstitutional in Washington—and how it continues to affect DUI law enforcement.
🔗 Roslyn Municipal Court, Cle Elum Municipal Court, and Upper Kittitas County Courts
Summary: A helpful overview of the court systems serving Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Upper Kittitas County—where DUI and traffic charges are commonly handled.