The California Highway Patrol schedules a maximum enforcement period during the holidays.
The holiday season is upon us. Not only are we all treated to endless holiday music in stores, restaurants and seemingly everywhere else, but it is also the time of year for parties and other get togethers. During the holidays, we celebrate family, friends, and spending time with those that we love. In many cases, those celebrations may include alcohol — a glass of wine, a mug of eggnog, or perhaps a hot toddy or two. Yet in California, the holiday season is also the time of increased enforcement, leaving many people vulnerable to driving under the influence (DUI) charges.
Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) schedules what is known as a “maximum enforcement period.” This means that more areas are patrolled throughout California, and there are more law enforcement patrols on freeways, highways and other roads generally. The reason for this stepped up DUI enforcement over the holiday season is simple: there are simply more DUIs this time of year than during other times.
According to the CHP, in 2017, there were 1,057 DUI arrests over Thanksgiving weekend. Over Christmas week in 2017, 917 DUI arrests were made by the CHP. Over the New Year’s Holiday — from December 29, 2017 to January 1, 2018 — 936 people were arrested in California for DUI by the CHP. These numbers do not take into account any arrests made by local law enforcement.
Given the prevalence of drinking and driving over the holidays, it is little surprise that the CHP decided to step up its patrols in 2018. Knowing this can help you make better, safer decisions — and ones that can help you avoid a California DUI arrest.
According to an experienced DUI defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA, any DUI arrest can be incredibly costly. The penalties for even a first-time DUI conviction can include a driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months, mandatory DUI school, and up to 6 months in county jail. In addition, a DUI conviction on your record could lead to your insurance premiums skyrocketing for 10 years. All together, a DUI conviction could cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars.
But there are even more important reasons for not drinking and driving this holiday season or any other time of the year: safety. Driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious accidents in the United States. It is simply not worth the risk of putting yourself or others in harm’s way. If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a designated driver, plan on getting a taxi or an Uber, or to stay over at a hotel or wherever the party is.
If you are charged with a California DUI, you will need a top notch DUI defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA to defend you against the charges. DUI cases can be notoriously difficult to beat, but a skilled attorney can often negotiate a favorable deal to have the charges reduced or even dismissed. Alternatively, your DUI defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA may take the case to trial to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Chambers Law Firm is here for you if you have been charged with a California DUI. While the best option is to never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or using drugs, if you are charged with a DUI, we can help. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a DUI defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA.
