The first thing most people think of when you mention the holidays are the all too fun holiday parties that are lined up with food and drink to spare. This is a chance for you and your friends to unwind get some stress out and maybe have a few Christmas Ales, perhaps a little Brandy in the old Eggnog, or maybe a few different drinks to get the edge off. Well, keep in mind that the police are also aware of this fact and ready to test you for that DUI or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired which is a lesser form of DUI).
In fact, surely it is not a surprise to anyone that the holiday seasons generally see an increase in DUI arrests and prosecutions. DUI’s can lead to a loss of Driver’s License, loss of freedom, and can cost many people their jobs. The police are sometimes to blame for conducting questionable traffic stops, profiling drivers or generally performing poor roadsides but ultimately the decision to drive is what gets you arrested.
Here are some incentives to arrange for a designated driver at the party. If you drink and drive and get a DUI where your alcohol level is greater than 0.08 the DMV will likely suspend your Driver’s License from three months to one year (a full nine months starting in 2009!). If you are driving while your Driver’s License is suspended due to a DUI, you will be charged with DUS (Driving Under Suspension) or DUR (Driving Under Revocation) and you will have to do a minimum mandatory 30 days in jail. On a second offense for DUR or DUS (while your Driver’s License is suspended due to alcohol), you are now looking at a mandatory 90 days in jail.
The Holidays can be stressful enough, don’t add to your plate with a DUI, DWAI, DUR, or DUS. Plan ahead, and have a safe and happy New Year!
While we hope you benefit from the information we posted above, it is important to note that we always suggest you contact an attorney to advise you and walk you through the legal process so that you can achieve the best possible result.
This blog was posted by Shazam Kianpour, the owner and managing partner at Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. You may contact him directly at our law firm at 720-407-2582 or at http://www.shazamlaw.com/