Top 5 Tips for Avoiding a DUI Arrest Over the Holiday Season

Published On - November 29, 2024

Stan Bennett DUI

The holiday season is a time for celebrations, family gatherings, and social events; however, it is also a period when law enforcement increases patrols to deter and catch impaired drivers. Being arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) would certainly put a damper on your holiday festivities. To ensure that your holiday celebrations do not end with flashing lights in your rearview mirror, a Murfreesboro DUI defense attorney at Bennett & Michael offers the top five tips for avoiding a DUI arrest over the holiday season.

  • Know the Consequences of a DUI Conviction: Under Tennessee law, a conviction for a first-time DUI without the addition of aggravating circumstances could result in a judicial sentence that includes jail time, a license revocation, probation, installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, and hefty fines and fees. Non-judicial penalties may include increased insurance premiums, professional license discipline, and immigration ramification for non-citizens.
  1. Be Aware of the Legal Limits and Know Your Limits: In Tennessee, like most states, the legal BAC limit for non-commercial drivers aged 21 and older is 0.08 percent. For commercial drivers, those who hold a CDL, the limit is lower at 0.04 percent. Additionally, for drivers under 21, Tennessee enforces a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge. Unfortunately, many people underestimate how little alcohol it takes to impair their ability to drive. Even if you feel fine, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) might tell a different story. Understanding how alcohol affects your body is essential which requires taking into account factors such as body weight, the type and amount of alcohol consumed, and how much food you have eaten because they can all impact your BAC level. It is always safer to err on the side of caution and avoid driving altogether if you have been drinking.
  2. Plan Ahead for Transportation: If you know you will consume alcohol during a holiday event, planning your transportation in advance is one of the simplest ways to avoid the risk of getting arrested for DUI. Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, arrange for a designated driver, or consider public transportation. Many cities offer free or discounted rides during the holiday season to encourage people to avoid driving after drinking. Furthermore, if you are hosting a party at your home or workplace, encourage guests to plan their transportation as well to avoid additional legal problems.
  3. Stay Informed About DUI Checkpoints: During the holiday season, law enforcement agencies often set up DUI checkpoints to catch impaired drivers. While the primary goal of these checkpoints is to enhance public safety, being stopped can still be a stressful experience. The Tennessee Highway Patrol publishes upcoming checkpoints on its website. Familiarizing yourself with these locations ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary risks. While you should never attempt to evade a checkpoint unlawfully, knowing where they are can encourage you to take alternative transportation options if you have been drinking.
  4. Be Mindful of Medications: Many people focus solely on alcohol when thinking about impaired driving, but medications can also affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and recreational substances can all impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time and can be the basis for a DUI arrest and subsequent conviction. While Tennessee law makes it clear that driving with a BAC over the limit constitutes DUI, the same law also makes it a crime to operate a vehicle while “under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, drug, substance affecting the central nervous system, or combination thereof that impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle by depriving the driver of the clearness of mind and control of oneself that the driver would otherwise possess.” Keep in mind that driving while impaired by drugs can carry the same legal consequences as driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Contact a Murfreesboro DUI Defense Attorney 

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), consult with an experienced Murfreesboro DUI defense attorney at Bennett & Michael as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Contact the team today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your free appointment.

 

Stan Bennett
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