25 Nov Sobriety checkpoints aim to catch drunk drivers over the holidays

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drunk Driving on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.

The holidays can be a joyous but hectic time of year. Hopefully, you won’t let the many stresses of this holiday season prevent you from having some fun. It is important to be able to spend time with family and friends and often there are opportunities to attend parties and other kinds of gatherings. And the holidays are also a time when people like to have a few drinks and perhaps make toasts to friends.

But Maryland residents who do choose to partake in some holiday social drinking should be aware that if they get behind the wheel of a car, they could very easily find themselves being issued sobriety tests by the police.

Sobriety checkpoints are a common policing tool used during the holidays to help police catch drunk drivers and this year is no exception. For example, in Montgomery County, the police have already started employing what is being called the “Holiday Alcohol Task Force.” And the force will be active through the remainder of the year and into early 2016.

So this means that there is an increased likelihood that if you drink and drive, you could be stopped and tested. And if you should be charged and arrested for DUI, you could be facing difficulties that will extend well past the holidays. In fact, it is possible that you may have your license suspended prior to even making a court appearance. You may also be looking at hefty fines and other penalties.

Therefore, if you are issued DUI charges over this holiday season, you may want to acquire the assistance of a drunk driving defense attorney. An experienced attorney could work on your behalf to try to help you keep your driving privileges.

Source: Bethesda Magazine, “Local Police Agencies Begin Special Alcohol Enforcement for the Holiday Season,” Aaron Kraut, Nov. 20, 2015