Throughout the month of December, opportunities for fun — including parties involving alcohol — abound. Stay safe with these safe holiday party tips.
The holiday season is upon us, and most Americans have a whole bunch of parties over the coming weeks. No matter what holiday (or holidays!) you celebrate in December, an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can ruin the merriment. That’s why we have assembled a list of ideas for how to responsibly and safely celebrate this holiday season.
Office parties, family celebrations and get-togethers with friends often involve alcohol. Many people in Pomona and across California are preparing for these parties — but may not think to prepare ahead to prevent a DUI arrest. While the holidays can be a great opportunity to get together and have fun with family, friends and co-workers, when alcohol is combined with heavy road traffic and driving, the results can be disastrous.
If you have plans this holiday season that involve parties where alcohol or drugs will be present, the Chambers Law firm encourages you to drink responsibly. You can do this by drinking in moderation and being aware of your limits; if you only have an occasional glass of wine, it probably isn’t a good idea to throw back shots at your company Christmas party. If you stick to beer, having hard alcohol may leave you far more intoxicated than you expected to be. Be aware of how the alcohol you are drinking is affecting you, and be sure to have enough to eat and plenty of water throughout the night.
You should also plan ahead before a party. If you plan on drinking, designate one person to stay sober and be the driver for the night. You could also call a taxi or use an Uber to get you home safely. Otherwise, you may plan to crash at the house where the party is being held, or get a hotel room. Just be sure that if you have been drinking — especially if you’re drinking more than usual — you don’t get behind the wheel of a car.
Drinking and driving can lead to an increased risk of traffic accidents, including ones that cause serious injuries and fatalities. The police are aware of this and the possibility of people drinking more at holiday parties, and so they often step up their enforcement of DUIs during holiday times. They may set up DUI checkpoints near you, or watch bars, restaurants and event spaces for signs that an intoxicated driver is getting behind the wheel.
If you are stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, remember that you have the right to refuse to take a breathalyzer (if you are 21 or older and not on DUI probation) and to refuse to perform a field sobriety test. As any DUI lawyer in Pomona, CA would tell you, you should limit how much you say to the police to avoid incriminating yourself. Once you have been arrested, say as little as possible while you are being processed. You will have the option to take either chemical breath or blood test; if you opt for a blood test, you can ask for a sample to be preserved for independent testing.
If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact an attorney as soon as possible to help protect your legal rights. A DUI lawyer in Pomona, CA can request a hearing with the DMV on your behalf and represent you at this hearing. Your attorney can also fully investigate the facts of the case to develop all possible legal and factual defenses to the charge.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations to all of our clients. We are highly experienced in defending clients charged with DUIs in Pomona and throughout Southern California. We represent clients through all phases of the DUI process, from the arraignment to the DMV hearing to the ultimate resolution of the case. Contact our firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgable attorneys today!
