The holiday season is always meant to be a positive time of the year. Whether it be the exchange of gifts, reunions with loved ones, or contributing to a charitable community, the traditions typically associated with this of year center around giving and happiness.
One possible gift many Missourians will receive this time of year however is neither desirable nor happy, and is has the potential to be more expensive than any other they will be given: a DUI charge. In keeping with past years, local law enforcement departments and state officers have stepped up their patrols in an effort to catch more drivers behind the wheel while intoxicated.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety has also begun a seasonal DUI Holiday Campaign that urges the use of cabs or a designated driver during a season when holiday parties often lead to intoxicated driving and impaired judgment.
Whether it be a first-time or repeat offense, a DUI or DWI charge can quickly make the holidays a much more expensive and logistically difficult time of year. Licenses are often suspended, or even revoked for repeat offenders, and fines for drunk driving can stretch into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Furthermore, jail time could come as a result of a conviction, leading some St. Louis area residents to spend the holidays and New Year in a cell, rather than at home with loved ones.
With stringent police enforcement and tough sentencing directed at those charged with a DUI or DWI around Christmas time, those pressed with charges should immediately contact a drunk driving defense attorney. Together, defendants and their lawyers can begin to explore legal options and build a defense case that can minimize fines and other punishments, making spirits bright around this special time of year.
Source: Cassville Democrat, “DUI holiday campaign launched,” Mati Spencer, Dec. 12, 2012
- A DWI or DUI conviction can quickly end the fun of holiday plans. For information on how to avoid strict sentencing, contact our St. Louis DWI law page.