Florida DUI Defense Lawyer :: Ring in 2013 Safely & Avoid a DUI This New Year’s Eve

December 28, 2012

With New Year’s Eve right around the corner this means law enforcement officers throughout the state of Florida begin will begin to set up DUI checkpoints that are scheduled to begin this weekend and continue through the holiday.

Whether you plan to have a big night out with champagne and streamers, or are just planning to enjoy the college bowl games on the couch with some beer, it is important to make smart decisions and avoid drinking and driving. You can be sure that police will be out in full force looking to arrest those suspected of driving drunk this New Year’s.

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Because of this fact, it is best to devise a plan of action before the clock strikes midnight. As you plan your celebration to ring in 2013, here are a few reminders regarding sobriety checkpoints on New Year’s weekend:

• DUI checkpoints are legal. While they are heavily scrutinized and tend to be controversial, an officer can stop your vehicle if he or she believes you are impaired behind the wheel.
• Law Enforcement Officers Can Stop you Anywhere. While a stationary sobriety checkpoint can nab a few drivers suspected of drunk driving, many police departments have opted to overload a high traffic area with dozens of patrol cars in an effort to stop all drivers that show signs of being intoxicated. Known as mobile DUI patrols, these law enforcement officers roam from place to place looking to catch intoxicated motorists attempting to avoid a checkpoint.
• It is illegal to Drive under the Influence of Drugs. While everyone knows it is illegal to drink and drive, some people may be unaware that it is also against the law to operate a vehicle under the influence of prescription pills or any other controlled substance.

The above tips can keep you and those around you safe from tragedy this New Year’s Eve. Remember, the best way to avoid a DUI this New Year’s weekend is to not get behind the wheel while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs. If you are planning to consume a few alcoholic beverages, make sure you have a designated driver or an alternate way to get home.

In the unfortunate event that you are arrested this New Year’s Eve for DUI, contact a Florida DUI Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton online or reach us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5529. We are available nights and weekends, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton wish you a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration!