Memorial Day Weekend welcomes the unofficial beginning of summer, and many celebrations culminate during that time. The inevitable use of alcohol accompanies many celebrations, which adds to the merriment, but also fuels drunk driving and potential subsequent DUI and DWI charges.
Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated are serious offenses, even if unintended by the driver. Avoiding charges like DUIs and DWIs means being aware of various checkpoints, ensuring that you make the choice not to drive if intoxicated, and finding alternative modes of transportation when drinking.
Law Enforcement Crackdown
Records from the past few years reveal that drunk driving fatalities have increased. Due to the increase, law enforcement officials target holiday weekends like Memorial Day Weekend to erect DWI checkpoints and pull-over suspected drunk drivers. This may impact drivers who indulge in alcohol and fail to find other means of transport after episodes of celebrating.
Results from DUI and DWI Charges
In New Jersey, law enforcement officials take drunk driving offenses very seriously. Although no driver enjoys being pulled over, driving drunk may cause further distress, and may even disrupt the motorist’s life when stopped at a checkpoint. If the police officer determines the driver is indeed intoxicated, several consequences may arise. Drivers charged with a DUI or DWI may face a driver’s license suspension, points on a license, significant fines, car towing charges, and even jail time.
If drivers lose their licenses, it may mean time off from a job they cannot afford to lose, as well as a lack of transportation with which to follow daily routines and fulfill responsibilities.
If convicted of a first DUI or DWI offense, the driver may face jail time and must fulfill requirements laid out by the New Jersey Intoxicated Resource Centers. Drivers who commit second and third offenses will need to install an ignition interlock device, with which to test their sobriety before operating their vehicles. None of the outcomes, no matter how minor, benefit the driver.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Testing
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) tests will be administered after a police officer pulls the driver over. If the driver declines administration of the BAC test or breathalyzer, this may be used against them in court, unless the officer failed to properly inform the driver about the test. However, a skilled defense attorney will determine if the test was properly administered by the officer to ensure that the testing equipment was accurately calibrated, and that proper warrants were issued.
Ways to Avoid Drunk Driving
Indulging in alcoholic beverages appeals to many partygoers on Memorial Day Weekend. The detriment is that some individuals may indulge too much, then choose to drive despite their impairment, which could lead to accidents or worse.
To avoid the chance of causing a serious crash, follow these words of wisdom, so you can enjoy the weekend without negative consequences:
- Find a designated driver for the event, use mass transit, or hire Uber/Lyft services to escort you home after drinking.
- Stay off the road between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00 am when law enforcement conducts more frequent stops.
- Stay in a nearby hotel or at the home or venue where the party is being held.
- Use your seat belt.
- Focus on careful driving practices and avoid reckless habits such as distracted driving, texting while driving, or speeding.
Cherry Hill DUI Lawyers at Gigliotti Law Group Defend Drivers Accused of Drunk Driving
If you have received a DUI/DWI charge, contact our Cherry Hill DUI Lawyers at Gigliotti Law Group at 844-742-7591 or contact us online for a free initial consultation with legal counsel. We handle DUI cases in Burlington County, Mercer County, Gloucester County, and Camden County, including, but not limited to, Camden and Cherry Hill, New Jersey.