Spending the festive season behind bars is not on anyone’s agenda, but New York police arrest hundreds of people between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common offenses over the holidays, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If law enforcement arrests you for DWI, then you should contact a criminal attorney as soon as possible.
Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law can evaluate your case and structure a defense based on the unique facts of your arrest. There may be a strategy that convinces the courts to reduce the charges or penalties, or to dismiss the case altogether. To schedule a consultation with a White Plains criminal lawyer, call our office today at 914-772-8614.
In the meantime, read on to learn four tips that can help you avoid a DWI this holiday season:
- Expect More DWI Checkpoints
The number of DWI checkpoints increases over the holidays, and as such, motorists should be alert for them between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Although you should never drink and drive, there is a very high chance that police will catch you over this period. If any of your plans involve driving, then take particular caution to stay sober for those occasions.
- Invest in a Breathalyzer
If you plan to party over the holidays, then consider buying a breathalyzer. Several home kits are available to consumers.
Although these kits are reliable, they are not perfectly accurate. Instead of waiting for your reading to go below 0.08 percent, consider waiting until it reaches 0.0 before driving.
- Avoid Driving
If possible, avoid driving over the holidays. This is the easiest way to avoid an arrest or a collision with a drunk driver.
If you have a friend who does not drink, then ask him or her to be the driver. Alternatively, you could spend the night at a hotel or friend’s house.
If driving is unavoidable and you do not have a designed driver, then use a local taxi service. Here are some reputable taxi companies in White Plains:
- White Plains United Taxi: 914-683-3886
- Westchester Taxi & Limo Inc.: 914-946-9333
- Greenburgh Taxi: 914-592-4949
- Know Your Medicines
Some prescription medications cause drowsiness or have other effects on cognitive function, such as sleeping pills or sedatives. You should not climb behind the wheel until their effects have completely worn off.
The festive season is an opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, but nothing dampens the mood like a DWI charge. If convicted, there may be life-changing penalties involved, including jail time, steep fines and a loss of driving privileges.
If New York police arrest you for DWI, then contact White Plains criminal lawyer Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Mr. DeUrso has been in practice for more than 25 years. To schedule a case evaluation, call our office today at 914-772-8614.