DUI arrests spike at this time of the year. Police set up wolf packs to nab drunk drivers and drivers don’t take into account this increased law enforcement focus of DUI arrests.  From Thanksgiving until after the New Year, many Pinellas residents will begin the New Year facing legal issues and mounting bills because they made an error in judgement-they drank and then decided to drive.  It’s a problem that has far ranging consequences.  If you’re arrested and convicted of DUI, you will face issues with your employment, transportation issues, marital and family issues, and a hike in insurance premiums and court costs.  No one wants these headaches and they’re pretty easy to avoid.  If you’re going to go out and drink alcohol, don’t drive.  Call a taxi, an Uber, a friend.  Make arrangements ahead of time. If you wait to make a decision until after you’ve been drinking you’re judgement is impaired and you’ll most likely make the wrong decision.

Just this past weekend, Pinellas law enforcement operated a DUI wolfpack with the following results:

• 19 DUI arrests
• 4 Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor)
• 3 Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
• 12 Driving While License Suspended and/or Revoked with Knowledge (Misdemeanor)
• 6 Other Misdemeanor Charges
• 2 Felony Charges
• 40 Speeding
• 17 Driving While License Suspended and/or revoked with Knowledge
• 7 No Valid Insurance
• 2 Violation Driver’s License Restrictions
• 19 Other Non-Moving Violations
• 27 Other Moving Violations

Do you really want to be one of those numbered in these statistics? If you haven’t already done so, there is still plenty of time to include transportation plans in your planning for the New Year.  If you’re smart and plan ahead, you won’t have to call me on January 2nd to hire as your DUI lawyer.  Of course, I would be honored to help you but that isn’t the point.  Now is the time to avoid any unnecessary legal problems.  Let’s start the New Year (and end the old one) happy and healthy.