As we approach the holidays, many of us have parties and gatherings planned with co-workers, friends and family to celebrate and often this includes the consumption of alcohol. Here at Owens & Perkins, we encourage everyone to enjoy this holiday season, but be sure to drink responsibly and never operate a car or other vehicle after drinking.
In 2018, there were 4,651 alcohol-related car accidents in Arizona alone, 47% of which inflicted injury or death. Each year police departments around the Valley enlist extra police officers and patrol cars to look out for drunk drivers during the holiday season, and arrests for DUIs skyrocket.
In order to keep both yourself and your neighbors safe (and out of jail) it’s important to plan ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking at an upcoming holiday function, make a plan beforehand for how you’ll get home. Keeping Uber or Lyft apps downloaded on your phone, saving the number for a cab company, traveling with a designated driver, or even walking home are all great ways to ensure you will have a safe journey home after a great night out celebrating with friends and family.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you have been stopped by police and suspected of DUI, the best thing you can do is stay calm and exercise your Constitutional rights. You have a right to remain silent – beyond identifying yourself to officers with your name and address and providing your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration, you have the right to refuse to answer questions or decline to perform field sobriety/coordination tests and the right to speak with an attorney before you speak with law enforcement.
Again, all of us at Owens & Perkins wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season. But if you find yourself, a friend or a loved one are charged with a DUI and in need of an experienced criminal attorney, please call the attorneys at OWENS & PERKINS at 480.994.8824 to schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation.
