The number of people who will be traveling, attending parties, and heading out for an evening of drinking and eating during the holidays is higher than other times of the year. It is much more likely for someone to be arrested for driving while intoxicated. An unfortunate reality is that the number of drunk driving arrests and alcohol-related collisions tends to happen frequently during the holiday season, spanning from before Thanksgiving, to Christmas, and to New Year’s Day.
As a Fort Bend DWI attorney and founder of the Law Office of John L. Venza Jr., I am dedicated to helping those clients who are facing serious criminal charges, particularly DWI and other cases related to intoxication while driving. Below, I offer some of my tips and advice that may help prevent an arrest for DWI.
Keep the legal limit in mind.
In Texas, the legal limit for any driver aged 21 and above is 0.08% blood-alcohol concentration, which is the amount of alcohol contained in the blood. Drivers can face even steeper penalties if their BAC totals 0.15% or more. Drivers under the age of 21 face even more serious consequences, as law enforcement has a no-tolerance policy with regards to underage drinking and driving.
Practice safe driving techniques.
While this may seem the most obvious, obeying all of the traffic and safety laws should be your priority. Do not allow yourself to become distracted by the radio, your cell phone, or even other passengers in the vehicle.
Be smart about your drinking choices.
You know your body best and how it handles alcohol. You know how much one beer or one glass of wine can affect you. The rate at which your body metabolizes alcohol will be based on many variables, and will certainly be different than another person’s. Eating food and staying hydrated can help offset some of the effects of alcohol, so that your body does not absorb the alcohol too quickly.
Find a designated driver.
Before heading out for the evening, make a plan and appointment someone to be your group’s designated driver. Or, catch a cab, Lyft, Uber, or another rideshare service to ensure that no one holding the car keys.
Book a hotel room or stay with a friend.
It might not hurt to ask if your friend or relative to stay over in their home for the evening. Or, you can try to rent a motel room; although this option might cost more, it can save you thousands of dollars, prevent you from facing DWI charges, and most importantly, ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others on the road.
Contact a Fort Bend DWI Attorney Today
For more on DWI laws in Texas, please do not hesitate to contact my Fort Bend criminal defense firm for legal counsel. I can walk ou through all of the steps involved in the criminal process. If you have been charged, I will not hesitate to see your case through to trial and beyond. My hope is that I can find some relief from the charges you are facing and fight to help you get the outcome you deserve.
Call my defense firm (281) 817-8737 to schedule a free case evaluation.