What to Do if You Get a DUI This Holiday Season
DUIs tend to increase during the holiday season. There are a number of reasons why more people are charged with a DUI during the Christmas season, and reviewing these causes can help you avoid expensive fines and a criminal record. As we head into the holiday season, beware of DUIs.
Why Do DUIs Increase During the Holiday Season?
The most common reasons why DUIs increase during the holiday season include the following:
- More parties that serve alcohol: The holiday season is full of parties, many of which serve alcohol. One of the biggest risks is that it’s not always easy to gauge how much alcohol is in a holiday drink. Unique holiday drinks aren’t typically served year-round, meaning people don’t always know how drunk it will make them.
- Increase in police officers on the road: Many local cities and counties increase the number of police officers on the road during the holiday season in anticipation of drunk drivers. Some cities may even set up DUI checkpoints.
- Inclement weather: The weather during the holiday season is usually snowy and icy, which may make driving more difficult. Driving under the influence can make adjusting to these inclement driving conditions difficult. Police officers may notice the impaired driving and pull you over.
- Speeding: The holidays can be busy. From holiday shopping to planning to host family and friends, it may feel like you have a never-ending list of things to do. Some drivers may be pulled over for speeding and then asked to conduct a sobriety test. Many DUIs occur after a driver is pulled over for something else.
With an increase in holiday parties and more police officers on the road, New Jersey notices an increase in DUI charges. Avoid ruining your holidays with a DUI charge by planning ahead.
Marijuana and DUIs
Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can lead to a DUI charge. You can also be charged with a DUI from marijuana use. Even though New Jersey recently legalized recreational marijuana, driving while under the influence of marijuana is still illegal. A marijuana DUI charge carries with it similar legal consequences. You may be subject to expensive fines, a loss of your driver’s license, and even jail time. Some people may also be ordered to attend an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC). If convicted, you may also receive insurance surcharges for a few years.
Your Options When Being Charged With a DUI in New Jersey
A DUI charge can have an impact on your future. If you’re required to serve time in jail, you may have to find temporary childcare and may even lose your job. A criminal record with a DUI can also make it difficult to secure some jobs. If you’re charged again in the future with a DUI, the consequences may be even harsher.
When pulled over, you can’t really know what your BAC is, and breathalyzers aren’t always accurate. Instead, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Some defendants may be eligible for a plea deal or reduced charges, which could help them avoid criminal charges or potentially even jail time.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill DWI Defense Attorney About Your Drunk Driving Charges in New Jersey
Have you been charged with a DWI or DUI offense in New Jersey? A drunk driving conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified DWI defense lawyer about your case. The lawyers at Gelman Law, LLC represent clients charged with drunk driving, breath test refusal, and related offenses in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 850 Rte 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
