Floridians love the festive season. It is the perfect time to visit family and friends, and to enjoy a few days off work or school. However, the Independent Institute reminds readers that there is a spike in criminal activity over the holidays.
Florida police will be out in full force over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and catching drunk drivers will be a top priority. If you or a loved one faces a DUI charge, then contact Leader & Leader, PA for assistance.
A Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney from our firm can evaluate your charges, gather evidence and structure a comprehensive defense. Call us today at 954-523-2020 to schedule a FREE consultation.
Until then, read on to learn six tips for avoiding arrest over the holiday season:
- Do Not Drive Drunk
During the holidays, drinking and driving is the quickest way to jail. Be sure to designate a driver, take a taxi, Uber or rent a hotel room if you intend to drink. You do not only need to worry about yourself but everyone else on the road. Please remember, we use the term “drunk driving” but the violation of law is merely driving while under the influence of drugs (even prescription) or alcohol to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired and/or being over a .08 blood/breath alcohol content.
- Stay away from Confrontation
Drugs and alcohol have a tendency to bring out the rowdiness in people. If you get involved in a fight with another person, then Florida police may arrest you. Sometimes, even when you are the one to call the police, you may be the one to go to jail. Unless you believe you or someone else’s life or safety is in jeopardy and you want the police to take someone to jail, think twice before calling the police or 911.
- Use the “Buddy” System
The “buddy system” is highly effective for keeping everyone out of mischief, and it can prevent trouble with the law. Assigning everyone a “buddy” will also reduce the chance of an accident and ensure everyone remains as safe as possible. For example, if you have been drinking, then your “buddy” can stop you from driving. However, using a buddy that is drinking more than one or two drinks may eliminate the potential effectiveness of this technique.
- Stay Home
While many people find the thought of staying home to be boring, it is significantly safer than driving drunk or exposing yourself to other unsafe drivers on the road.
- Rent a Hotel Room
If you are attending an event over the holiday season and you plan to drink, then consider renting a hotel room. Although this is an added expense, it is much cheaper than the consequences of a DUI.
- Take a Taxi or car service such as Uber or Redcap
Taking a car service or taxi is one of the safest ways to travel over the holidays. Many people do not plan to drink, but they end up having a few alcoholic beverages. In some circumstances, just two “drinks” can cause someone to be over the legal limit. Remember, if you do not pour the drink, you do not know how many ounces of alcohol are in each cup you consume (unless beer or wine). Many people are served with oversized glasses, generous pours or high alcohol content drinks and believes they are okay to drive when they legally are not.
We have not business relationship with them but are big fans of both RedCap and Uber. In our opinion, they are often much better alternatives to taxi cabs or other services. Uber can be very affordable whereas Redcap tends to be a bit more money but Redcap will pick you and your car up so you do not need to leave your vehicle behind.
If you are enjoying the holidays with friends, then see if they want to split the fare. Fort Lauderdale is home to several car services and taxi companies:
- UBER – You will need to download their app to your smart phone and have a credit or debit card. Here is a link for $15.00 off our free ride. In many instances, $15.00 will cover the entire first ride free. CLICK HERE FOR UBER WITH FREE OFFER OR USE PROMO CODE 5dph3
- REDCAP is another great alternative. They send a driver to drive you in your own car and the other person follows so the driver drops you at your destination with your own car and the other person take the driver in the car they followed with.
No matter you spend on a car service or taxi, it is always less expensive than dealing with an arrest! Some other local options may be
- Yellow Cab Broward: 954-777-7777
- Fort Lauderdale Elite Shuttle: 877-786-9546
- Fort Lauderdale Shuttle Vans: 954-430-2221
Michael D. Leader and/or Leader & Leader, P.A. is not responsible for, in a joint venture with and/or affiliated with any car/ride service or taxi company. The company’s and/or numbers above are merely listed for your reference and convenience.
Facing a DUI charge is a stressful experience, but there may be a defense that works in your favor. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge in Broward County or ANYWHERE IN THE STATE FO FLORIDA, then call Leader & Leader, PA at 954-523-2020 to discuss your legal options AT NO COST TO YOU as we offer free consultations on all criminal matters. A Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney from our firm can gather evidence and fight for a positive outcome to your case.
