If one of your traditions is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with family or friends, it’s possible that some of the events involve consuming alcohol. However, you need to stay safe. In this blog, our experienced Virginia DUI lawyers at the Wilson Law Firm share tips on how to celebrate responsibly, avoid DUI charges, what to do if you’re arrested, and how we can help you potentially avoid long-lasting consequences. 

https://www.tkevinwilsonlawyer.com/blog/avoiding-dui-in-virginia-st-patricks-day.cfm

7 Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid a DUI Arrest on St. Patrick's Day

One way to increase everyone’s odds of having a fun and lucky St. Patrick’s Day is to plan ahead. Here are tips to stay safe:

  1. Don’t drink and drive. Assign a designated sober driver or simply call a rideshare service.  
  2. Don’t let friends and loved ones drive drunk. Help them find another safe way home if you’ve also been drinking.
  3. Don’t get in the car with an intoxicated driver. You significantly increase the chances you will suffer severe injuries in a drunk driving accident if you get in their car.
  4. If you’re the designated driver, honor your commitment. Stay sober and celebrate the fact that you’re helping others. 
  5. If you notice a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Provide the location, make and model of the car, and any other helpful information law enforcement can use to pull them over.
  6. Stop serving alcohol. If you’re a party host, remove alcohol an hour or two before the party ends and provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic refreshments.
  7. Take the keys away from anyone who’s overindulged. While a social host can’t be held legally responsible for an intoxicated guest, it’s in everyone’s best interest to call a cab or arrange for them to stay overnight.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for DUI in Virginia

Even as a first-time DUI charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, your punishments can include a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500, and a one-year driver’s license suspension. In addition, you would have a permanent criminal record with long-term consequences in your life.

Here are essential steps our DUI lawyers recommend you take immediately if you’re charged with DUI:

  • Be cooperative. Follow the police officer’s instructions and cooperate during the arrest and booking process. If you get angry or are uncooperative, you could put yourself in danger and face additional, more serious charges.
  • Remain silent. You have a constitutional to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Politely tell the officer that you’re exercising your right to remain silent. If you answer questions or make statements, they could be used against you in your DUI case.
  • Take the breathalyzer test after your arrest. You don’t have to agree to take a breathalyzer test before you’re arrested. However, once you have been charged with DUI, you must take the breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests. You’ll face additional charges under the DUI implied consent law if you refuse to submit to them.
  • Get legal representation. A crucial first step you must take is to retain our DUI lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm right after your arrest. We’ll raise all your defenses, which you may have even if you’re guilty. We use an aggressive defense strategy to try to get the charges dropped or negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor where the charges are reduced, and your punishment is less harsh. Read our case results to learn about the most favorable outcomes we get for our clients.

Have You Been Charged With DUI or DWI in Virginia?

If you or a family member has been charged with DUI in Virginia, order our free book, The Virginia DUI/DWI Survival Guide, to learn how to protect your rights. Then call our experienced Manassas DUI defense lawyers at 888-DUI-LWYR or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can aggressively defend you.

Comments are closed.