Simple steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe
As we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome 2019, many of us will toast the new year with a drink (or two!). Drinking alcohol or indulging in some recreational marijuana is a tradition for many Californians, and if you are of legal age, there is nothing wrong with indulging safely — as long as you plan ahead.
In California, the state takes driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol very seriously. A person convicted of a DUI of drugs or alcohol will lose their driver’s license, and be subject to a range of penalties, which may include mandatory DUI school, fines and fees that could cost thousands of dollars, probation, potential jail time, community service, court costs, and restitution if the DUI caused injury. In addition, there are a number of collateral costs associated with a DUI, including the need to pay additional insurance costs for as long as 10 years after your conviction, which could cost you thousands of dollars over the long-term.
Undoubtedly, a California DUI conviction carries with it serious consequences. A skilled DUI defense lawyer Riverside, CA can often help to lessen some of those penalties by negotiation a reduction or even dismissal of the charges — but in many cases, if you are charged with a DUI, you will still face significant consequences.
The best bet if you plan on drinking or using drugs of any kind on New Year’s Eve is to make decisions that will help you avoid putting yourself in a position that would lead to a DUI. Once you have already started drinking or using drugs, it is hard to make good choices, so planning ahead is key to not making unsafe decisions later on in the night.
On New Year’s Eve, the police often patrol the highways and roads more frequently than on other nights, knowing that many people will be drinking.That increases the likelihood that you will be picked up for driving under the influence. Your best bet if you will be drinking away from your home is to avoid the possibility of a DUI entirely by making arrangements for a designated driver. If no one in your party is willing to stay sober, make sure that you download a ride-sharing app and be prepared to pay those surge prices (which will still be cheaper than the total cost of a DUI, from hiring a DUI defense lawyer Riverside, CA to paying fines, fees and the more costly insurance for 10 years). You may also want to consider just staying where you are, either at your host’s house or at a nearby hotel — again, the cost of a hotel will definitely be less than what a DUI would cost you.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we want everyone to have a healthy, safe and happy 2019 — which starts with a fantastic New Year’s Eve. Stay safe tonight, and don’t forget to plan ahead. If you are charged with a DUI, we are here for you. Call our office at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
