New Year’s Eve celebrations are often festive and buoyant, as people spend time with friends and family. The festivities are also often marked by good food and plenty of alcohol to keep the party going. They also mean that sometimes people get behind the wheel to drive home after imbibing. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. is a top Pennsylvania DUI lawyer with a comprehensive background in helping people to beat unjust DUI cases.
Staying safe is the most important thing to remember when it comes to engaging in New Year’s Eve celebrations. There are a few things that you can do to both get home in one piece and avoid getting charged with a DUI.
Tips to Avoid Getting Charged with a DUI on New Year’s Eve
After celebrating New Year’s Eve with a few drinks, you might be tempted to get behind the wheel and head home. However, doing so can land you in legal hot water. Even if you don’t drink and drive, the mood of the evening may result in a charge even if you did nothing wrong. Consider a few tips to avoid getting charged with a DUI on New Year’s Eve.
Don’t Drink and Drive
The best way to avoid getting charged with a DUI on New Year’s Eve is to avoid drinking and driving altogether. Designate a driver, take a cab or Uber, or walk among destinations (if possible).
Avoid DUI Checkpoints
As you are heading home from your New Year’s Eve fun, avoid DUI checkpoints. It is not unlawful in Pennsylvania to make a U-turn or take an alternative route. While law enforcement is only supposed to use predetermined guidelines to stop motorists driving through them, they may be more aggressive because of the nature of the holiday.
Avoiding these checkpoints will also avoid any miscommunication or erroneous perceptions that can result in a DUI charge even if you are not intoxicated.
What to Do If You Are Stopped on Suspicion of a DUI
If you do get stopped on suspicion of a DUI, the less you say, the better. The more information you volunteer, the more likely it is that you will incriminate yourself. Provide only the information necessary during the checkpoint or traffic stop (name, driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance). Open your car window just enough to clearly speak with the police officer and provide the necessary information.
If the officer insists upon asking more questions, politely decline until you have had a chance to speak with a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer. Politely decline the field sobriety test and any breathalyzer tests they request you take. The less evidence you provide, the easier it is to beat DUI charges in court.
Note that if you are ultimately arrested on suspicion of DUI, refusal to submit to breathalyzer testing will result in the suspension of your driving privileges for one year. Moreover, if you are ultimately convicted of a DUI after refusing a breathalyzer, you may be sentenced as if your blood alcohol content is in the highest intoxication range. Contact our DUI attorneys in Pennsylvania if you need legal representation.
Consult with a Reputable Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer
If you were stopped and charged with a DUI after celebrating on New Year’s Eve, reaching out to a reputable Pennsylvania DUI lawyer is of paramount importance. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. employs a team of talented legal professionals who have extensive experience with Pennsylvania DUI law. We have successfully helped clients charged with a DUI after unlawful checkpoint stops to resolve their cases to their full satisfaction. We may be able to do the same for you.
Learn more through a free consultation. Call our Pennsylvania DUI attorneys today at (215) 822-7575 or reach out to us online for more information.
