Expected Increase DUI Enforcement around New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching, and many people are finalizing their plans to ring in the 2020s. Traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations involve the consumption of alcohol, and law enforcement will certainly be on the lookout for impaired drivers this December 31st.
It’s important to understand that even a few drinks can put you over the legal limit, and you should do everything you can to avoid impaired driving and putting yourself and others at risk. In the event that you do get pulled over and charged with DUI, it’s imperative that you do everything you can to protect your legal rights and your future.
Avoid Driving in the First Place
Alcohol flows freely on New Year’s Eve, and it can be difficult to avoid drinking entirely. The fact is that the smell of alcohol – whether on your clothes, your breath, or in the vehicle – is enough to initiate an investigation, and you don’t need to have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 to get arrested and charged with DUI. For this reason, the most foolproof way of avoiding a DUI arrest on New Year’s Eve is to avoid getting behind the wheel in the first place. Some of your options include taking a cab, riding with a trusted, responsible sober driver, or using one of the various ridesharing services available in St. Louis.
A DUI Arrest Does Not Always Lead to a Conviction
In the event that you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving this holiday season, it’s vital to understand that you may have options that could avoid a conviction or at least mitigate the consequences you are facing. Some of the potential defenses that may be available in your DUI case include the following:
- Challenging the validity of the initial traffic stop
- Introducing evidence showing that the breathalyzer device used in your case was not properly calibrated
- Showing that any signs of intoxication that the arresting officer observed had alternative medical explanations
- Impeaching the credibility of the arresting officer’s testimony
Importantly, even in cases in which there are no defenses available, an attorney may still be able to help you avoid a conviction by negotiating a favorable plea agreement with the prosecutor handling your case. For this reason, it is critical for anyone arrested for drunk driving to discuss their options with an experienced lawyer. Deciding that your only course of action is to plead guilty without speaking to an attorney can result in a completely avoidable conviction on your record.
Accused of Drunk Driving? Call a St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you get pulled over for drunk driving on New Year’s Eve or at any other time, it’s critical that you speak with an attorney as soon as you can. The lawyers of Bruntrager & Billings know how seriously a DUI conviction can affect your life and will do everything possible to bring your case to a favorable resolution. To schedule a free case evaluation with a DUI defense attorney in St. Louis, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or contact us online.