St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest celebration days of the year, filled with parades, bar crawls, and plenty of green beer. While the holiday is known for its fun and festivities, it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. DUI arrests, car accidents, and alcohol-related incidents spike every year on March 17th, making it crucial to plan ahead to avoid legal trouble and ensure your safety.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we want you to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day while making responsible choices that keep you and others safe. Here are some essential tips to reduce your risk of a DUI charge in Pinellas County.
1. Plan Your Transportation in Advance
If you plan to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies throughout Pinellas County, including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Largo, will have increased DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints on St. Patrick’s Day.
Safe Alternatives to Driving:
✔ Designate a sober driver before heading out.
✔ Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get home safely.
✔ Take public transportation—PSTA buses and trolleys run throughout Pinellas County.
✔ Stay at a nearby hotel or with a friend if you’ve been drinking.
2. Know Your Limits & Drink Responsibly
Binge drinking is common on St. Patrick’s Day, but excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and lead to dangerous decisions.
Tips for Drinking Responsibly:
✔ Eat before and while drinking to slow alcohol absorption.
✔ Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
✔ Stick to a personal drink limit and know when to stop.
✔ Be aware that mixed drinks and shots have a higher alcohol content than beer.
Remember, even if you feel fine, you may still be over the legal limit (0.08% BAC in Florida) and unfit to drive.
3. Be Aware of Sobriety Checkpoints & DUI Patrols
Pinellas County law enforcement agencies often set up DUI checkpoints during major holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day. These checkpoints allow officers to stop drivers at random to check for impairment.
What to Do at a DUI Checkpoint:
✔ Have your driver’s license, registration, and insurance ready.
✔ Be polite and cooperative, but remember your right to remain silent.
✔ You are not required to perform field sobriety tests or answer incriminating questions.
✔ If arrested, contact a DUI defense attorney immediately.
4. Understand Florida’s DUI Laws & Penalties
A DUI conviction in Florida can have serious consequences, including:
✔ First-Time DUI: Up to 6 months in jail, $500–$1,000 in fines, and a 6-month license suspension.
✔ Second DUI (within 5 years): Mandatory 10 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and a 5-year license suspension.
✔ Third DUI (within 10 years): Considered a felony, carrying mandatory jail time and long-term license revocation.
Additionally, DUI convictions stay on your record permanently, affecting employment, car insurance rates, and professional licenses.
5. Watch Out for Other Impaired Drivers
Even if you are sober, not everyone on the road will be. Drunk drivers are more common on St. Patrick’s Day, so stay alert while driving.
How to Spot a Drunk Driver:
✔ Swerving or drifting between lanes.
✔ Sudden braking or erratic speeding.
✔ Driving without headlights at night.
✔ Delayed reactions at traffic lights.
If you see a suspected drunk driver, keep your distance and report them to local law enforcement by calling 911.
6. Hosting a Party? Be a Responsible Host
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, you can be held liable if a guest drinks too much and causes an accident.
Tips for Party Hosts:
✔ Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
✔ Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party ends.
✔ Help guests arrange rides home or a safe place to stay.
✔ Never let someone who is visibly intoxicated drive.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for a DUI in Pinellas County
If you are stopped by police and suspected of DUI, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Stay calm and be polite.
- Do not admit to drinking—you have the right to remain silent.
- Refuse field sobriety tests (they are voluntary and often unreliable).
- You can refuse a breathalyzer, but it may result in an automatic license suspension.
- Ask to speak with an attorney immediately.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we aggressively defend DUI charges and work to minimize penalties or get charges dropped.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Safely
St. Patrick’s Day should be about fun, not legal trouble. By planning ahead, making responsible choices, and avoiding impaired driving, you can enjoy the holiday without the risk of a DUI charge.
If you or a loved one is arrested for DUI in Pinellas County, don’t panic—McGuire Megna Attorneys is here to help.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights!