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Avoiding a DUI During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a great time to get together with loved ones and celebrate the reason for the season — and often, many gatherings involve drinking. With the rise of parties and celebrations comes the risk of a driver being pulled over for a DWI charge.
Keep reading to learn why these chargers are more common this holiday season, how to stay safe on the road, and hiring a trusted, and experienced DWI attorney can make the difference in your case.
Why Are Holiday DWIs More Likely This Year?
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are some of the most common drinking holidays — and police officers know this. To keep their communities safe, police officers typically spend more time looking for signs of drunk driving. This is why DWIs are more common during the holiday season.
COVID-19 has also forced many to opt-out of using rideshare options (such as Uber and Lyft) to avoid the risk of contracting the virus. This means that those who choose to gather with loved ones this holiday season will likely choose to drive to and from their festivities.
Can I Be Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana?
Though marijuana is technically legal in Minnesota, driving under the influence is not. Under Minnesota’s drugged driving law, a driver can be convicted of a drug DWI (also referred to as a DUI) for driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
How Are Drugged DWIs Charged in Minnesota?
If a cop pulls you over and charges you with a DWI this holiday season, the same penalties that apply to a drunk driving charge will also apply to a drugged driving charge:
First Time Offenders
First-time drugged driving offenders are charged with a misdemeanor and may face 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, drivers face 90 days without driving privileges.
Repeat Offenders
Suppose you've already been charged with one DWI and are arrested for another. In that case, you can face even more severe consequences such as incarceration, fines, driver's license suspension, community service, and extended use of an interlock device.
Read about Minnesota’s drug crime penalties here.
Staying Safe on the Road
To avoid driving under the influence and the chance of a DWI altogether, it’s best to arrange a ride ahead of time before heading out for festivities. Alternatively, you may decide to stay the night wherever you’re celebrating. This will allow you to celebrate and stay safe at the same time.
Be Aware of Winter Weather Conditions
Winters can be brutal here in Minnesota. In addition to the risk of driving under the influence, cold weather conditions such as sleet, hail, rain, and snow can make drivers even more disoriented. Before leaving home, check your local forecast so you can take precautions so you will know what to do if driving on the road becomes unsafe.
What to Do if Faced With a DWI This Season
Though some drivers may attempt to wait until it’s safe to drive after drinking, they still may be pulled over and charged with a DWI. If you’re charged this holiday season, an experienced DWI attorney can help fight to reduce your penalties. DWI charges can result in hefty fines and even loss of your license, so it's crucial to hire an attorney that's dedicated to your case.
Expert DWI Attorneys in Saint Paul
With our winning tradition at Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, we understand the importance of having excellent representation, which is why our team will explore every legal option and exhaust our resources to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more. (651) 413-9004