For most throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties, this holiday weekend will be filled with parties, cookouts, and other celebrations with friends and family.
However, it may also likely be a weekend filled with DUI check points which may result in DUI or Boating Under the Influence charges. California has consistently ranked high on the list of states with the most DUI related deaths.
TIPS TO AVOID A DUI IN SONOMA OR MARIN COUNTY
-Have a designated driver, whether you’re in a car or boat
-Take a cab, Uber, or public transportation
-Be the host of your own party
-Don’t text while driving/boating, especially if you’ve consumed alcohol
Following these simple guidelines can keep you from incurring the heavy costs of being arrested for driving or boating under the influence.
DUIs and/or boating under the influence has long lasting consequences, and you should always contact a DUI defense lawyer before proceeding in your case. If you are arrested, you have the right to an attorney.
AVOID THE RISKS
Driving drunk is never the right thing to do, even if you are only traveling a short distance. By limiting yourself to a house party or a small family get together, you can avoid the risks that come with driving while intoxicated.
You can engage in festivities in a stress-free environment. If you chose the more dangerous route of driving your vehicle to a Memorial Day celebration, the consequences can be dire.
In many cases, just being accused of a DUI can lead to a license suspension, especially if you refuse a chemical test before you are arrested.
POLICE CHECKPOINTS AND BEING RESPONSIBLE
With an estimated 34,800,000 people traveling on May 29th, Memorial Day is one of the most dangerous times to drive all year.
The sheer number of people on the road present many hazards, such as cars following too closely and road rage that is caused by crawling traffic jams. Throw in thousands of drunk people who decide to get behind the wheel and it can be seen why this weekend ranks number one in traffic accidents and fatalities.
With the high frequency of drunk driving that occurs on Memorial Day, police have gone to drastic measures to CURTAIL this dangerous activity.
During Memorial Day weekend, police set up DUI checkpoints to make roads safer. During these stops, officers have their senses heightened, so much so that they might detect things that are not there.
For example, they might arrest someone because they claim to smell alcohol, even if the accused’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is under the legal limit of .08 percent. They may even smell the other passenger’s alcohol laden breath and attribute to YOU.
GETTING A RIDE ON MEMORIAL DAY
If you live in a popular and highly trafficked area, you may be able to use a taxi or rideshare program to eliminate the risk of a DUI charge. With certain companies, such as Uber or Lyft, it can be as simple as requesting a car with your phone.
When you think about it, it is far more cost effective to spend $30 for a couple rides than to pay $2,500 or more for a DUI fine, let alone BAIL FOR JAIL, and LAWYER’S FEES of many THOUSANDS of dollars!
It would be much cheaper to hire a limo laden with Strippers, fine spirits, beer and wine then to suffer the humiliation and monetary set-back a DUI will bring upon you!
HOW FIUMARA & MILLIGAN LAW CAN PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
With decades of combined legal experience and a passion for protecting the rights of good people, our DUI attorneys have the resources to get your charges reduced or eliminated.
It may be possible to employ one of several effective defense strategies, or to avoid jail time with a plea bargain.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, having the right legal representation can be the difference between having a criminal record and getting your charges dropped. Our lawyers will help present your case in the best possible light.
To see how you can fight your charges in court, call Fiumara & Milligan Law at 707-571-8600 for a free consultation.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day, especially all our men and women in uniform. Thank you for your service!
For more info on DUI Defense, CLICK HERE.
For more on Boating Under the Influence, CLICK HERE.
To see some examples of how we have won for others who have been arrested for DUI, CLICK HERE.
To see where many of the DUI checkpoints are being setup this weekend, CLICK HERE.