Too Much Festive Spirit? Get A Safe Ride Home This Holiday

Holidays in the United States are always fun occasions, but perhaps one of the most exciting holidays is Christmas. Each year, adults and children alike get to take a break from reality and dress up, go to parties and eat sweet treats during the festivities. Unfortunately, some adults over-indulge in certain beverages and ultimately end up in a very unfestive place - a jail cell.

Why People Drink and Drive at Christmas
As mentioned, Christmas is a time of celebration and fun, and as a result, people often throw parties to get in the spirit. Whether it be spiked punch, mixed drinks or simply beer, alcoholic beverages are often served at these parties, and like many other parties, people tend to cut loose, especially when they're in the company of family and friends. One San Bernardino DUI lawyer observed that while having a few drinks may be ok at Christmas celebrations, many partygoers don't stop at a few, and after they've had too much, they make the mistake of getting behind the wheel.
The Dangers of DUI at Christmas
Driving under the influence is a dangerous move anytime of the year, but it's especially risky at Christmas. The fact is, many partygoers will be celebrating, and this increases the chance that accidents and injuries can occur. Additionally, law enforcement typically steps up DUI patrols and checkpoints during the holidays, meaning there's a greater chance that you'll come face-to-face with the boys in blue.

The Penalties for DUI
Whether at Christmas or any other day, a DUI can come with serious penalties. In virtually all cases of a DUI conviction, the driver will lose his or her license for a specific period of time. In addition, most municipalities will require a DUI-convicted driver to pay fees and fines that can range into the thousands of dollars or more. Drivers convicted of a DUI can also face severe penalties from their auto insurance companies, and these penalties may even make driving cost prohibitive.

If You're Out Over the Christmas Holidays
In order to avoid the potential for financial and legal consequences at this time of year, it's important to monitor your alcohol intake. Once again, while a few drinks over the course of several hours may be fine, you should always know when to say when. Additionally, it's always a good idea to arrive at a party with a designated driver. If you aren't able to find a designated driver and you feel that you've had too much to drink, contact a local taxi cab service, take public transportation or call a friend or family member to pick you up. Remember - the potential consequences for driving under the influence may not be simply monetary - they may cost you or someone else a life.

If you're charged with a DUI this holiday or any other occasion, you should also consider partnering with a DUI attorney for help. These legal professionals can examine your case, offer you insight into how to defend yourself and they can even represent you in court if your case appears before a judge. To find a DUI attorney, you can look in your local phonebook, or you can search the Internet for attorneys in your local area who specialize in DUI cases.

This article was written by Georgina Clatworthy, who has written extensively on legal topics including DUI.  She is currently a contributing writer for Milligan, Beswick, Levine and Knox, who as a San Bernardino dui lawyer firm can help any partygoers this Christmas who are stopped for driving under the influence to fight their charges and avoid this holiday becoming a nightmare.