November and December are supposed to be festive months for most people. The celebrations that happen in late Autumn and early Winter give people plenty of opportunity to celebrate with family… and also plenty of opportunities to drink and make grave mistakes. Thus, it is not all that surprising that there is no other time of year where more people drive while intoxicated (DWI) or drive under the influence (DUI) than during the holiday season.
Drinking During the Holidays
It is customary for people to drink during the holidays, especially when they get together with family and other loved ones. In fact, it is so customary that Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve constitute some of the most common times where people drive drunk. And with that drunk driving comes DWI and DUI arrests, as well as an increased rate of car accidents and fatalities.
The Price of a DWI or DUI
Aside from endangering people’s lives, drunk driving can cost a driver a great deal. Their license will likely be suspended, they may need to pay hefty court fines, and they may even need to do time in prison, depending on the severity of their offense. In addition, it is common for judges to require people convicted of a DWI or DUI to install so-called “ignition interlock” systems in their cars. These systems require a driver to blow into a breathalyzer and get below the legal limit for alcohol before they can drive their car.
Protecting Yourself From a DWI or DUI
The easiest way to ensure you are not charged with a DWI or DUI is to ensure you do not drink or drive. This means having a designated driver, or some other arrangement to ensure you can get home without needing to get behind the wheel, if you intend to drink. It also means you should be careful to make sure you do not get in a car with someone else who has been drinking, which can put both of your lives in danger.
However, if you have been arrested for an alleged DWI or DUI, you should contact a criminal defense attorney with experience handling DWI and DUI cases. They can help you come up with a strategy to protect yourself and your rights while your case is underway.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a criminal offense, you will need legal counsel to help you preserve your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your matter. A New York criminal defense lawyer, who is experienced in handling criminal cases of all sorts, can advise you of your legal rights and will fight for your best interests in court. If you or your loved one has been arrested, contact the Suffolk County criminal defense attorneys at McGuire, Peláez and Bennett at (631) 348-1702.
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