New Year’s Eve is Sunday night. This means plenty of parties and celebrating will occur. While we are all anxious to go out and have a great time, people must understand that because of the stigma associated with New Year’s Eve, there will be an increase in law enforcement activity.
What does this mean for people on the road? It means an increase in DUI checkpoints of which you MUST be aware.
Law enforcement officers know that a high number of people will be out partying and most likely drinking. For those who try to drive afterwards, these officers want to be ready with their DUI checkpoints. If you are planning on going out and drinking Sunday night, keep a few things in mind.
YOUR RIGHTS AT A DUI CHECKPOINT
It is important to know what you are required to do and what you can decline when you are at a DUI checkpoint. By preparing for the DUI checkpoint, you stand the best chance of getting through and on your way.
Keep in mind, if you have been drinking, our team encourages you not to drive at all.
However, if you are stopped at a checkpoint, know that the officer is checking your behavior and ability to correspond with their requests. There are certain things you must comply with, but you may refuse to participate in field sobriety tests or breath tests. Know that refusing to provide a breath test can result in the suspension of your driver’s license for at least one year.
AVOID REASONABLE SUSPICION
Do not give the officer a reason to ask you to step out of the vehicle. Remain calm and composed throughout the matter. Suspicion is often what leads the officer to ask a driver to participate in field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests.
Follow the simplest directions. Don’t argue with the officer/ cop. Move with caution and if you have an open container in your vehicle in plain sight, you will be asked to step out! So avoid having any opened container or bottle inside your vehicle at any time.
A failure of any of the field sobriety tests is not necessarily indicators of intoxication, but, if you fail any one of them, you may be arrested. However, if you politely respond to the officer’s requests you shouldn’t have to worry about additional tests.
Our team DOES NOT encourage drinking and driving. If you decide to drink on New Year’s Eve, which most people do, then you should avoid driving at all costs. There are plenty of alternatives like, lyft, UBER, Taxis, Limos and even public transportation if available!
STRIPPERS—Now that I got your attention, I have told many younger drinkers and revelers that it would have been much cheaper for them to hire the best LIMO for the night packed with food, alcohol and strippers than to hire most law firms to represent them for their first DUI! The Limo service with the driver and the added amenities would have been a lot more fun too!
At Fiumara & Milligan Law, we know how to defend your rights if you have been arrested for DUI on New Year’s Eve or any other day or night of the year. Why ruin the first day of your NEW Year?
We know all the best defenses available to you and our DUI defense attorneys work hard to help you reach the outcome you desire.
Call us at 707-571-8600 OR 415-492-4507 if you are arrested at a DUI checkpoint or for that matter anywhere this New Year’s Eve and we’ll be there to help you!
“The Right DUI Defense Attorney Makes All the Difference”
For more info on DUI Checkpoints in Sonoma & Marin Counties, CLICK HERE.
