St. Patrick’s Day is on a Friday this year, which means people are going to be more rowdy than usual. Law enforcement personnel know this, and the police are going to be even more vigilant about catching drunk drivers.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year, behind just New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and the Fourth of July, according to WalletHub. If you are planning to party this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you take steps to avoid getting DWI charges on your way home.
With the help of a DWI lawyer and the right legal strategy, DWI charges don’t always lead to a conviction. If you are currently facing charges for drinking and driving and you want to discuss your case with a White Plains criminal attorney, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Call 914-772-8614 to schedule an initial consultation.
Let’s explore some of the ways you can avoid getting DWI charges this St. Patrick’s Day:
Designate a Driver
If you are going out with a group of friends, pick a designated driver to make sure everyone gets home safely. If you volunteer to be the designated driver, it might mean you cannot indulge like your friends, but that’s a small price to pay to ensure everyone is safe and no one is facing serious legal issues the next morning.
Follow the Rules of the Road
On St. Patrick’s Day, police will be on the lookout for signs of drunk driving. This includes speeding, weaving between cars, straddling lanes, running red lights, driving without headlights, and crossing over the center line. Even if you have not been drinking, a police officer may accuse you of driving while inebriated if he or she sees you doing any of the above.
Drink Responsibly
In the state of New York, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. Most people can consume one drink over the course of a meal without their BAC rising above the legal limit. If you are craving a frothy Guinness alongside your plate of corned beef and cabbage but you have to drive yourself home, there is nothing wrong with having a beer over dinner—as long as you know your own personal limits and you make a conscious effort to stick to them.
Arrange Transportation
If no one in your group of friends wants to be the designated driver, that’s okay. There are several ways you can ensure everyone gets home safely without having to drive yourself. Whether you plan on calling a cab or using a ridesharing app, make sure you have a plan for transportation ahead of time so you won’t be scrambling once the bar closes.
Police are going to be on the lookout for drunk drivers this St. Patrick’s Day. If you wind up facing DWI charges after going out with your friends, a criminal attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed.
Turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law to discuss your defense, and call 914-772-8614 to schedule a consultation with a White Plains DWI lawyer. Visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about criminal defense in New York.