No one can blame you for wanting to have a few drinks of eggnog, hard apple cider, or other spirits to lift your spirits while spending time with your friends and family. Some would even argue that such merriment and libations are what make the holiday season so fun and magical. Nothing will spoil the mood faster than being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after the party, though. If you are going to visit loved ones over the holiday, be sure to keep these helpful hints in mind to increase your chances of avoiding a DWI arrest:
- Sleeping arrangements: Ask the hosts of the party if you can spend the night there before you actually arrive. Even a spot on the couch or curled up in a chair is better than sleeping in your car, where you could be cited for a DWI without even being in the driver’s seat.
- Test yourself: There are actually self-administered chemical and breathalyzer tests available to the public, typically sold in drug stores. Never hurts to buy one, stuff it in your pocket, and test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level before leaving the party. Anything over 0.00% could be considered unsafe and anything over 0.08% is strictly illegal.
- Travel companions: Can you bring a guest to the party or gathering you are attending? If so, designate one of you as the sober driver for the evening. If you are not drinking at this next party, maybe you can at the one after that while your companion stays sober?
- Public safety: You know what is cheaper than a DWI conviction? Taking the bus, a taxi, a subway, or any other form of public transportation to get home. In recent years, personal taxis – such as Uber or Lyft – have increased in popularity; download an app for your cellphone before the party in case you need a ride later.
- Moderation: Benjamin Franklin has been quoted as saying, “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.” While the eating part is up for debate, the drinking aspect of his wisdom comes into play at holiday parties. If you need to drive yourself home later, keep it in the back of your mind and do not let yourself overdrink. Remember: one beer or one shot of hard liquor takes around an hour to metabolize.
When Precautions Just Aren’t Enough
In the even that you did your best to avoid a DWI but still managed to get arrested behind the wheel, you are not out of hope. With the professional representation of our Mesa DWI Attorney Charlie Naegle, you may be able to challenge your charges, retain your driving privileges, and prevent a conviction. It all depends on you taking the first step, contacting our firm today, and letting us know what happened in a free initial consultation.
Call 480.418.0776 – any day of the year, any hour of the day – for experienced legal counsel!