Nothing can ruin the holiday season quicker than an untimely arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). This time of year typically brings about a higher concentration of impaired drivers on the roads, as holiday festivities oftentimes involve drinking. Modesto law enforcement knows this, and they are sure to be on the lookout for drunk drivers. To help you avoid finding yourself in cuffs this holiday season, our firm has put together a short list of tips that can reduce your risk of being arrested for a holiday DUI.

Get a Ride Home

The most obvious way to avoid a holiday DUI is to not drink and drive at all. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have an alternate means of getting home. If possible, make overnight plans so that you can drive yourself home in the morning once you have sobered up.

All of the following options can keep you safe:

• Bring a designated driver
• Call a taxi
• Take a train

Whatever fare you may have to pay for a cab is immeasurably better than the fines and legal consequences that a DUI can bring. In addition to ensuring your safety, drinking responsibly can help keep the roads safe for everyone this holiday season.

Keep Your Blood Alcohol Concentration Down

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for DUI. While we do not recommend you drive with any level of alcohol in your system, if you choose to do so, make sure you are sober enough to drive and that you BAC is well under the legal limit. Since not everyone has access to a breathalyzer, there are certain things you can do to keep your BAC in check while drinking.

The following methods can all help you control your BAC:

• Drink one glass of water per drink
• Pace yourself to one drink per hour
• Do not “chug” drinks
• Eat plenty of food when drinking
• Wait a significant amount of time before driving

It is important to note, however, that if an officer pulls you over and smells alcohol on your breath, there is still a chance that you can be arrested. Everyone has a different tolerance for alcohol, so there is no one-size-fits-all method for keeping your BAC down.

Drive Safely

If you have waited an appropriate amount of time and are sober enough to drive, it is crucial that you drive carefully on your way to your destination. While defensive driving is recommended for every driver, this is especially true if you have been drinking. Blowing through stop signs, speeding, and cutting off other drivers can make you stick out to police and give them a reason to pull you over. If you obey all traffic laws, you can reduce your chances of being stopped.

Arrested? Call (209) 529-7406 Today!

At Scott Mitchell Law Incorporated, we understand that sometimes good people find themselves in tough situations. If you should be arrested for DUI this holiday season, our firm's highly knowledgeable Modesto criminal defense lawyers are prepared to stand by your side and defend you against your charges. With more than 4,000 cases defended, we have the experience and skill you need to help improve your chances of securing a desirable outcome for your situation.

Contact our office online or request a free case evaluation today to get started!