While restaurants and bars promote their parties for St. Patrick’s Day, public safety and law enforcement departments similarly step up their efforts to combat drunk driving. Agencies use public service announcements to warn about the dangers of drinking and driving on the night of St. Patrick’s Day. According to the NHTSA, about a third of the fatal motor accidents that typically occur on St. Patrick’s Day are attributable to drunk driving.
NHTSA efforts, and the related local law enforcement activities, such as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” generally spike during popular holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day. According to the NHTSA, drunk driving rates are about seven percent higher around St. Patrick’s Day than average.
Law enforcement officials also commonly increase their efforts to combat drunk driving. Typically, officials implement roadside sobriety checks, place officers outside of popular watering holes, or simply have additional officers on the patrol to look out for suspicious behavior.
During holidays, like the St. Patrick’s holiday that recently passed, police officers tend to be more diligent and aggressive, as well as very busy in attempting to control traffic and apprehend potential drunk drivers. As such, it is very possible for police officers to make minor administrative mistakes in processing traffic stops. They might also rush field sobriety tests such as breathalyzers or other tests which may negate their validity. As such, it is important to remember that criminal accusations are only accusations until a court of law officially determines liability.
If You Did Not Take the Right Precautions
Of course, everyone who wants to go out and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays should do so, but safety should always be prioritized. Those who go out and drink should take precautions to ensure safety and reduce the risk of getting arrested for drunk driving, such as assigning a designated driver who will stay sober to drink the rest of the group home safely. Alternatively, having a plan to take a taxi or an Uber home at the end of the night is also a good idea. Even staying downtown at a hotel with friends and walking from bar to bar may be easy, fun, and much safer.
However, if you failed to do this during the recent holiday (or on any other occasion) and were pulled over for drinking and driving, it is important that you understand your legal rights.
If You Face a DUI Arrest, You Need to Protect Your Rights
If you are stopped and arrested for DUI you need to remember to protect yourself legally. There are significant personal rights that you should not take for granted. If you face criminal charges you may face significant fines, suspension or revocation or driving privileges, and even jail time. These are very serious consequences. Therefore, it is imperative that you preserve your legal rights to ensure that you do not face more severe consequences than are appropriate.
Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney For Legal Guidance
If you have any questions about your personal rights, or a loved one’s, as a criminal defendant, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney for help immediately to protect your legal rights. The Bateman Law Firm is prepared to assist you with your case if you need legal defense in Greenville as well as the rest of South Carolina. Reach out to The Bateman Law Firm today for a consultation on your case.