For the next two weeks, revelers and party-goers across the state will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, which is on Friday, March 17, 2017 this year. Similarly, for the next two weeks – but especially on the weekends – police officers and law enforcement officials across the state will also be on heightened alert for anyone who might be on the roads driving drunk or under the influence of any impairments.
For that reason, we at the Law Office of Edward M. Janzekovich would like to remind you to be extra careful about driving during this time period, especially if you’ve been out at bars, attended any parties, or had anything to drink. You should exercise caution to keep yourself, your loved ones, and others safe – because any decision to get behind the wheel drunk could result in serious injuries or worse.
Moreover, even if you think you are capable of driving, underestimating your blood alcohol tolerance by the smallest margin can be the difference between driving legally and facing serious consequences. In fact, even if you operate your vehicle perfectly, you may still be stopped at a random police check point. Being pulled over with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or more can result in the loss of driving privileges, jail time, and the inability to provide for your family or loved ones.
Police Checkpoints and Stops in the Month of March
Around any holiday, it is common for local police departments to set up unannounced police checkpoints around main roads or near bars or restaurants, in order to randomly check drivers and monitor for anyone who may be driving while intoxicated. However, the police are aware that St. Patrick’s Day, especially, can involve large amounts of drinking. For that reason, last year, the State Police even created sobriety checkpoints on the New Jersey Turnpike on the Saturday leading up to St. Paddy’s Day.
While the State Police acknowledged that the holiday is about “fun in the streets, socializing with your closest friends, and rejoicing in celebration,” they also pointed out that “people who choose to drive after drinking already know how expensive, life-changing, and deadly such a decision can be.” The public service announcement further encouraged other drivers to dial a special hotline or call a police station to report aggressive, intoxicated, or questionable drivers.
This is not an issue limited to New Jersey, either. For the next two weeks, police officers across the state and the country will be on the look-out for any signs or drunk driving. In fact, statistics from Maryland and New York showed that hundreds of drivers were arrested on or around the holiday last year, while 41% of fatal crashes on St. Paddy’s day last year were alcohol related. Therefore, if you plan to go out and celebrate during March, you should take a taxi, call an Uber, or pick a designated driver. Otherwise, even if you don’t get in an accident and hurt yourself or others, you run the risk of getting arrested for drunk driving every time you choose to have even one drink and get behind the wheel.
If You Are Arrested or Charged with DUI/DWI, An Experienced Attorney Can Help
Even if you think you did not do anything wrong while driving, a BAC of .08% or higher in this state is a per se violation – which means that you can be convicted of drunk driving even if you pass every field sobriety test at a DUI checkpoint and did not do anything wrong in the operation of your vehicle. There are some ways to challenge breathalyzer evidence, but it is extremely complicated. For that reason, if you or someone you know is arrested or charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or some other impairment, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
A knowledgeable and experienced drunk driving lawyer will be able to review the circumstances of your case, inform you of your rights and the possible consequences you may be facing, and help you present the best defense on your behalf. Depending on your situation, an experienced attorney may even be able to have the charges against you dismissed completely.
New Jersey DWI/ DUI Attorney Edward M. Janzekovich Knows How to Help if You Are Arrested and Charged with Drunk Driving
If you or someone you know is pulled over, arrested, or charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is extremely important to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can explain what consequences you are facing in your specific situation. If you go to court, an experienced lawyer will also argue on your behalf and may be able to have the charges against you dropped entirely. Having an experienced drunk driving lawyer can make all the difference. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey.