Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Blog
The holidays are a time for get togethers, to spend time with family, and lots of celebrations. It is also a time of year when DUI arrests are at an all time high and require drivers to be extra prudent and have a plan for getting home if they are going to be drinking.
It is important to note that even having a drink or two can cause a person to be considered too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. The California Vehicle Code states that a person who is over a blood alcohol level of .8 is considered to be too intoxicated to drive.
Attending many different holiday events this time of year can lead people to have more than one drink, but the ever present danger of drinking and driving is still the same concern. If you are going to be attending holiday parties it is wise to have a plan for getting home. Are you going to call a cab? Are you going to spend the night? Or do you have a designated driver going with you?
If you find yourself in that situation, it is important to consult with a Los Angeles DUI attorney. There are plenty of different defenses that may be available to you if you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Let’s consider an example. David has been at his holiday party. It’s been a long tough year so David let’s loose and has a few beers at the party. Everyone else is drinking, so David feels that if they are able to drive after drinking as much, then David should be fine as well. the difference is, that David was in such a rush to get to the party, he did not have anything to eat that day.
As a result, David’s blood alcohol level is high, at a .12, which is well over the legal limit. David, not knowing his blood alcohol level is so high, gets into a car and drives home. He does not make a full stop at the stop sign and is stopped by officers. Officers smell the alcohol on his breath and immediately request he complete a blood alcohol test.
Take the proper precautions when drinking at a holiday party. Take a breathalyzer if necessary, spend the night, or call a cab. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is best to consult with a knowledgable DUI lawyer. Be safe and enjoy the holidays responsibly!