Georgia DUI Arrests Increase During The Holiday Season
DUI arrests can and do occur anywhere and at just about anytime. There are, however, certain times of the year when drivers should be extra wary of DUI checkpoints. During the holidays, for instance, Georgia State Troopers are typically out in full force, patrolling during the heaviest travel times. Fortunately, there are a number of defenses that those who have been accused of driving under the influence can raise on their own behalf to avoid being unfairly convicted of this offense. Read on to learn more about what to do if you are charged with a DUI this holiday season.
Holiday DUI Checkpoints
Besides an increased police presence on the roads during the Thanksgiving holidays, drivers can also expect a heightened chance of being stopped at a DUI checkpoint. These checkpoints have temporary roadblocks, where at least two law enforcement personnel are overseeing the stopped vehicles. These are not the only requirements with which officers must comply. For instance, roadside checkpoints must be adequately marked with orange cones, marked patrol cars, and officers in uniform with reflective vests. The delay to motorists must be minimal and officers must stop every vehicle, at least initially.
Any subsequent DUI investigation must be supported by probable cause to believe that a person was driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent that he or she was less safe to drive. In making this determination, officers can use their observations of the driver, as well as the results of standardized field sobriety evaluations, and preliminary breath testing. However, all of these results can be cast into question if the tests were administered improperly.
An Experienced Smyrna DUI Lawyer
Being charged with a DUI during the holiday season for you and your family. Fortunately, just because you were accused of this offense doesn’t mean that you will automatically be convicted. Instead, you can begin working with an experienced attorney on your defense. Call dedicated Smyrna DUI lawyer Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. at 678-853-2500 to get started on your case today. You can also schedule a free consultation by completing one of our brief online contact forms.
Sources:
dps.georgia.gov/thanksgiving-traffic-holiday-period
wtvm.com/2020/11/26/reports-show-increase-drunk-driving-during-thanksgiving-holiday/
