The cranberries have been passed around the table, along with the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. The football games have been watched and the naps have been taken. Thanksgiving is once more in the rearview mirror, so it’s time to look back at those who saw police car lights go on this past holiday weekend.
According to a preliminary report from the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Denver Police Department led the way among our state’s law enforcement agencies with 37 Thanksgiving weekend driving under the influence arrests.
The department’s arrests began Tuesday, Nov. 25, with three people being pulled over and charged with DUI. Eight more were arrested the next night, with another 9 on Thanksgiving Day. Friday’s total dropped off to just 6, while Saturday’s arrests were the highest for the holiday at 11.
The department has not posted its totals for Sunday or Monday.
Of the law enforcement agencies reporting thus far, the Colorado Springs Police Department has the second highest number of DUI arrests at 23. Friday night led the way there with 7, followed by Saturday’s 6 and Thursday’s 5.
It is not difficult to imagine that the past weekend will be remembered by those arrested not for the fabulous Thanksgiving meal or the fun had with family and friends, but rather for the tough predicament they now find themselves facing. Difficult choices are ahead, including whether or not to plead guilty and whether it might be worth trying to negotiate with the prosecutor or challenging the arrest in court.
These are all issues to be discussed with an experienced Denver attorney who knows the law, the court system and DUI defense.