There’s never a good time for a DUI arrest, but one of the absolute worst times is over a holiday. Not only will it put a damper on celebrations, but you could face more time in jail because of increased arrests, holiday closures, and limited court resources.
Holiday parties often involve alcohol, and the police typically beef up anti-drunk driving enforcement in response. If arrested for DUI in or around Franklin County, Ohio, during the holidays, you’ll need to act fast. Make sure your first call is to the Columbus DUI lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates. We’re available 24/7 for a free consultation concerning your DUI case.
Call (614) 500-3836 or use our online form to schedule a consultation or get us working right away on your release.
Avoiding a Holiday DUI
Although holidays during warmer months have the highest rate of drunk driving, those at the end of the year have their fair share. From watching football after Thanksgiving dinner to office Christmas parties, alcohol is ever-present. According to the Ohio Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, deaths caused by DUIs increased 35% between Thanksgiving Eve and New Year’s Eve from 2013 to 2017.
The potential for deadly crashes related to alcohol use during the holidays results in stepped-up enforcement, increasing the odds of your DUI arrest. The best ways to avoid a DUI arrest that can turn your life upside down include:
Don’t drink and drive.
This means you’ll never have to worry about making a bond later. Or, if you plan to drink, use a designated driver, rideshare, or a taxi to get home.
Know your limit
If you are going to drink, limit your intake so that you are not impaired. In Ohio, a BAC of .08 while driving is illegal. Determine ahead of an event how many drinks you will have and make sure you spread those over a few hours while also eating. Check out online resources that can help you estimate your BAC based on your size, what you drink, and when you drink. There are even apps for your phone that can help you decide whether you can legally and safely drive after drinking.
Drive safely
Make sure you pay attention to your speed and follow all other traffic laws.
Don’t be rude
If you are stopped, don’t be disrespectful to the officer. But don’t answer questions such as “Have you been drinking?”
What if You’re Arrested for a DUI
If, despite your best efforts, police arrest you for a DUI during the holidays, make sure you:
Remain silent
Not only during your arrest but after too. This admonition covers anything you say – and anything you write or sign. Consult our Columbus DUI attorneys before saying or signing anything.
Ask for an attorney
Invoke your right to an attorney immediately.
Consider refusing to test
There may be times when you should refuse chemical testing. An experienced DUI attorney can advise as to when.
Make arrangements for bail
If not allowed a release on your recognizance (your promise to return to face charges in court), you’ll need bail.
To arrange bail, the bail bonds company needs:
- Name and address of the jail
- Your full legal name
- The booking number
- The amount of bail needed for release
Understand that while the bail bond companies are typically available, you might have to wait longer in jail because the courts are closed or running shorter hours because of the holidays. Another problem might be a backlog of cases due to increased arrests during this time and the COVID-19 pandemic.
DUI Arrest at the Holidays? Call LHA
Enjoying festivities with family and friends during the holidays is one of the best parts of life. But, if police arrest you for a DUI during this time of the year, you may find yourself with more problems than usual.
At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we want you to enjoy the holidays and urge you not to drink and drive. Should you end up charged with a DUI, however, let us help. Don’t spend an extra minute behind bars. Contact us at (614) 500-3836 or use our online form, so our DUI defense attorneys can get to work.