Labor Day is supposed to be about relaxing, firing up the barbecue, enjoying the last big summer weekend, and pretending that Monday isn’t actually coming. It is not supposed to be the day you discover that your weekend plans include jail and a court date because of a DUI.
Every Labor Day weekend, people gather for parties, beach trips, backyard barbecues, sporting events, and family get-togethers. And, inevitably, someone says the famous words: “I’m fine to drive.” Those words have probably launched more DUI arrests than almost anything else.
First Brush With The Law? Law Enforcement Does Not Care.
You may feel perfectly normal after a few drinks. You may even believe you are the designated philosopher of the barbecue, explaining to everyone why you are “actually a better driver after two beers.” Or, this may be your first encounter with the law. Unfortunately, California Highway Patrol officers are unlikely to care or accept your peer-reviewed research.
All It Takes is A Little Weaving Or DUI Checkpoint Encounter
Then comes the drive home. Maybe you drift slightly within your lane. Maybe you make a turn a little too wide. Maybe you forget to signal. Or maybe you are simply unlucky enough to encounter a DUI checkpoint or increased holiday enforcement. Suddenly, your relaxing Labor Day weekend has become a conversation about field sobriety tests, chemical testing, and whether your driver’s license is about to become a very expensive souvenir.
And here’s the irony: Labor Day celebrates the American worker. Getting a DUI can create a lot more work—court appearances, DMV issues, insurance problems, fines, classes, and attorney fees. That is a pretty lousy return on investment for a three-day weekend.
The good news is that avoiding a DUI in California is remarkably simple: if you’ve been drinking, don’t drive. Talk to those at your celebration about who can be a designated driver. Or, use a rideshare service. After all, spending $50 or less to have Uber or Lyft pick you up is a lot less expensive than paying fines, fees, and dealing with the anxiety and other consequences associated with getting arrested for a DUI.
A California DUI Arrest Is NOT A Conviction. You Have Options.
If you do get arrested for DUI, after you are done “kicking yourself”, don’t assume that an arrest automatically means a conviction with the worst consequences. Things can be done right away to try to salvage your license and minimize consequences. You can take steps that will help your attorney show a District Attorney that you understand the seriousness of what you have done and taken the initiative to fix it. Get in the DUI Program, do AAs, do a DUI Victim Impact Class, and get a Resume together to show what you have accomplished and how your life will be impacted.
Unsure Where To Start? Let Us Help.
We’ve handled over 5,000 DUI cases through the years for those in many different scenarios. Reach out to r DUI Defense Attorneys Nicholas or William Christoph with help getting started. We can review your case, discuss what happens next, what needs to be done ASAP and answer your questions. We will also review with you any possible defenses and legal issues pertaining to your DUI case. If you are a veteran or active duty military, there are special programs available that, if eligible, can result in dismissal.
Located directly across from the North San Diego Courts in Vista for over 40 years. Free consultations.
