Holidays are a Peak Time for DUI

The holidays are a time of celebration and a time to catch up with family and friends. Unfortunately, the holidays are also peak DUI season. The combination of travel, friends and family and celebration– which often also involves alcohol– means that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is the time when people are most likely to get a DUI. It’s also a time when the risk of DUI-related fatalities is higher than normal. 

In addition to an increase in numbers travelers on the road and social gatherings that may involve alcohol, the holidays can bring inclement weather that make accidents more likely to happen. Poor road conditions (ice, snow) and decreased visibility as a result of snow, ice and fogged-up windows can contribute to the potential risk of any driver, impaired or not.  

This doesn’t mean, however, that every DUI stop during the holidays will result in a conviction. Police officers can still fail to adhere to required protocol during the winter months, and still sometimes administer breath tests with miscalibrated equipment during the arrest.

A DUI can wreak havoc on your life, whether you get one during the holidays or at another time of year. You could face jail time, license suspension, and could lose employment or educational opportunities as a result of a conviction. If you’ve been charged with DUI over the holidays, it’s as important to seek the advice of an experienced DUI attorney who can analyze your situation and inform you of your best options for moving forward. Whether you made a judgment error or believe that you’ve been wrongly charged with DUI, an attorney who is knowledgeable about the DUI legal process can help protect your rights and your future.