DUIs During the Holidays
Most people cannot wait for the holidays to come around. Holidays are usually connected to friends, family, parties, and fun. Though every day may be important to you, there are certain holidays that require a good time with family and friends, like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve. Enjoying yourself with family and friends may be important during this holiday, but it is best to be wise while celebrating. Though you may decide to indulge in a drink, be sure to make it minimal because law enforcement will be looking for drunk drivers. If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI, contact an experienced Virginia DUI attorney to seek legal advice.
How Do the Holidays Effect DUIs?
During the holidays there are many parties and other social gatherings. These times are fun filled, but can often lead to driving while intoxicated. In Virginia, DUIs are considered driving under the influence. Between the months of November and January, law enforcement is increased to protect other drivers on the road from drunk drivers. Virginia has a Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign, and during this time more people are pulled over and arrested for drunk driving than any other time during the year. The number of accidents and deaths tends to increase drastically during this time, as well.
During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 145 people were arrested for DUIs, which is 54 more than last year, with the numbers steadily increasing. During Christmas and New Year’s the number of accidents and deaths is expected to rise by 12% with New Year’s Eve continuously being the number one holiday for arrests made for drinking and driving.
Virginia’s Code Section 18.2-266 deems it unlawful for a person to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, as indicated by a chemical test administered while the person is under the influence. A first offense of a DUI is a misdemeanor and imposes a fine in the range of $250-$2500 and a one year license suspension, while the punishment continues to increase with subsequent arrests for DUI. That is why it is beneficial for you to seek legal representation if you are charged with a DUI. DUIs can cost you your freedom, your license, and your money.
Need Legal Advice?
Spending time with family and friends during the holidays is a wonderful experience. Though you may choose to partake in drinking alcoholic beverages, it is in your best interest not to drink and drive. Drunk driving or even tipsy driving can have severe consequences. If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI during this time, it is best to seek legal representation. Contact an experienced Virginia DUI attorney at the Law Office of Faraji A. Rosenthall so that we can strategize about the best possible outcomes for your case. Contact our office today for an initial consultation.
