Beware of Increased DWI Arrests on Independence Day

 Posted on June 30, 2019 in DWI / DUI

The Fourth of July and the accompanying weekend may be the height of summer celebration in the U.S. It is also a time of year that will see an increased number of vehicle crashes and fatalities related to driving while intoxicated. Police will try to prevent the damage by having additional officers on patrol for drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You do not want to ruin your holiday by becoming one of the many people who will be arrested for DWI. Here are three tips for preventing a DWI arrest that may be relevant to your Independence Day:

1. Have a Transportation Plan: The best way to avoid a DWI charge is to not drink and drive. Even if you think you are safe to drive, police officers will be attentive to any signs that you may be impaired. Whether at a public event or private party, plan ahead for how you will get home if you expect to drink. Have a designated driver or use a ride-share service. Waiting for a ride to show up is better than waiting in the back of a police car or ambulance. If at a private residence, ask your host if you can stay until you sober up or plan on ending your drinking earlier in the night.
2. Be Careful About Sleeping in Your Car: It may be tempting or even seem responsible to sleep in your car if you feel too drunk to drive. However, police can still arrest you for DWI in this situation if they believe you are operating or have recently operated the vehicle. The evidence could be that you had the key in the ignition in order to run the air conditioning or radio. Sleeping in your car while drunk is a risky decision. If you do so, you should sleep in the back seat with the car turned off.
3. Understand Your Legal Rights: Being stopped by a police officer on the Fourth of July does not automatically mean you will be arrested or charged. First, the officer must have reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime to legally stop you. Then, the officer must have probable cause that you are intoxicated to arrest you for DWI. The officer cannot force you to say or do anything that may incriminate yourself, including participating in a field sobriety test. The officer cannot take a blood sample or search your vehicle without a warrant. By remaining calm, you reduce the chance that you will give the officer any evidence of a crime.

Contact a San Antonio DWI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with DWI, you must act quickly to protect yourself. A San Antonio DWI defense attorney at the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock can work towards the best outcome for you in your case. Schedule your consultation by calling 210-226-0965.

Source:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/drunk-driving/july-4th-celebrate-americasafe-and-sober