How can I Avoid a DUI Charge on Halloween Night?
October 21, 2021
Many people see Halloween as one of the first of many year-end holidays. Even adults get into the fun by dressing up and attending costume parties. However, Halloween is not all fun, games, and laughter. It has a darker side related to the higher-than-average level of drunk driving accidents that occur on and around October 31.
Up to half of all fatal accidents reported in the weekends around Halloween involve at least one intoxicated driver. Fortunately, not all collisions end up with the death of a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian. Still, any accident can lead to a lifetime of physical, medical, and legal problems for everyone involved. Even if you never get into an accident, you could be charged with driving while under the influence (DUI) at a checkpoint.
With this in mind, always follow a few simple tips to have a safe, enjoyable Halloween. By taking precautions, you could save yourself from problems and others from grave harm.
Ways to Avoid a Halloween DUI Experience for You and Others
Will you go to a Halloween event where alcohol is being served? Are you planning to visit friends at a bar or restaurant to celebrate Halloween the night before? Do you think you might be on the roads with revelers who could be intoxicated? Try these strategies to arrive at all your destinations safely.
- Appoint a designated driver. The easiest way to avoid needing the help of a DUI defense lawyer is to make someone else your designated driver if you plan to drink. By not getting behind the wheel of your car, you make it impossible for you to drive drunk.
- Be a considerate, safety-minded party host. Are you having people over for a Halloween party? Make sure they have thought about how they will get home. You might want to make your home available for overnight guests who should not be driving.
- Wear reflective clothing and bright colors if you will be walking on Halloween. A drunk driver could come into your neighborhood on trick-or-treat night. Wear clothing that allows you and everyone in your group to be seen right away. Be sure children have glow sticks and reflective apparel in addition to their costumes. Try not to walk in the street to avoid the chance of a tragic accident.
- Stay off the roads later in the evening. You can time your driving to lessen the likelihood of encountering a drunk driver on the days leading up to Halloween. Try to finish your errands by dusk or earlier in the night. That way, you will be out of harm’s way when people start leaving parties and bars.
- Move out of the way of drunk drivers and alert the authorities. Did you know that you can call 911 if you spot a potential drunk driver? If someone is swerving on the road, running stoplights, or exhibiting other questionable behavior, get out of the driver’s way. At the same time, take note of the make and model of the car so you can alert the police to a potential DUI incident. Police know that there will be more drunk drivers out on and around Halloween, so they may be able to intercept the vehicle.
What Happens if You Get Charged with a Halloween DUI?
Many people assume that they can make it home, even if they know they are buzzed or drunk. Others may not realize they are intoxicated until they have been driving for a while. This can leave them at risk of being charged with a DUI.
In Pennsylvania, the penalties for DUI can be very steep. Depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC) level, number of prior offenses, and other considerations, you could get probation, go to jail, lose your license, or pay large fines. Also, you could end up losing your livelihood because of a DUI, depending on where you work.
For this reason, you may want to consult with a DUI defense lawyer right away. A DUI defense lawyer can provide you with advice pertinent to your case. Even if you are convicted of DUI, you may be able to negotiate reduced sentencing with the assistance of your lawyer.
Of course, the best way to avoid a DUI accusation in the first place is to avoid driving if you have had any alcohol. A single drink can turn Halloween from fun to frightful.
West Chester DUI Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Represent Clients Who Have Been Charged with Drunk Driving during Halloween and Holidays.
If you are dealing with a DUI charge that happened on Halloween, the West Chester DUI defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes are here to help. Our experienced legal team can explain your charges and all your options. We will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. Call us today at 610-431-7900 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve all communities of Chester County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.