National Impaired Driving Month in December
There is no doubt that driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a dangerous decision that results in many accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year in Texas and throughout the United States. For this reason, safety advocates have deemed December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
Not only do people need to be concerned about drunk driving accidents happening, but you also should know what to do in the event you are arrested on suspicion of DUI. Contact a drunk driving defense lawyer in Fort Worth as soon as possible.
Drunk Driving Enforcement Increases in December
While drunk driving can happen at any time of the year, this type of conduct generally increases significantly during the month of December. December brings two important holiday celebrations - Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It is highly common for people to drive while intoxicated on these days. To make matters worse, many people are on vacation from work or school during the week between these two holidays, which increases the chances they might indulge in more alcoholic beverages.
Law enforcement officers know that drunk driving increases during the month of December - especially the last week of the month. This means that police agencies often ramp up enforcement efforts during this time. This can include saturation patrols, in which larger groups of officers patrol highly-trafficked areas where drunk driving might be common. These saturation patrols often focus on entertainment districts and result in an increased number of arrests for DUI - some of which might be wrongful arrests. In some states, you might encounter DUI checkpoints during this time, but these are not legal in Texas.
What Happens after a DUI Arrest?
Seeing flashing lights in your rearview mirror can be a frightening experience - whether or not you have been drinking. If police officers decide they have probable cause to arrest you for DUI, they can handcuff you and take you directly to the police station. It is likely that your vehicle will be impounded and searched at the tow lot. You will be responsible for the towing and vehicle storage fees.
The prosecutor will review the evidence that police believe they have against you and decide whether to file charges of drunk driving. If this happens, you will receive a court date when you are released from jail, or you will receive a summons in the mail. It is imperative to seek help from a drunk driving defense lawyer if you learn you have been charged.
If you are convicted of DUI in Texas, you could face the following penalties:
- 180 days in jail
- $2,000 fine
- License suspension for one year
The right defense attorney can help to minimize - or completely eliminate - the penalties you face in your DUI case.
Consult with an Aggressive Fort Worth DUI Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you are arrested for DUI during National Impaired Driving Month, you want Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Kyle Whitaker on your side. Call 817-332-7703 or contact us online to discuss how we can help in your case.