Holiday DUI Checkpoints Plentiful

MIAMI--Dec. 14, 2012:  How many times have you heard people say, "One more for the road!" at a holiday party?  Think again before you knock back another glass of eggnog.

The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time.  Being charged with Driving Under the Influence ("DUI") is scary because 'regular people' wind up in jail with real criminals.  According to Miami Attorney Jonathan H. Parker, who limits his practice to DUI defense, "No one wakes up in the morning and says, 'I'm going to the office Holiday party and I'm going to top it off with a DUI on the way home!'" 

Parker says that if your surprise Christmas gift comes from the Police instead of Santa Claus, "It's imperative to get a lawyer as soon as you are out of jail."  He says, "After ten days you don't even have the possibility of keeping your driver's license."

Florida state troopers have already launched "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." DUI checkpoints and heavier enforcement are planned through January 1st.

"If you are caught drinking and driving impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses," said Lora Hollingsworth, FDOT Chief Safety Officer, in a press release.

It is illegal in Florida to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher.  Violators face jail time, loss of driver's license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job.

Parker reminds people that the only way to avoid the possibility of a DUI is "not to get behind the wheel if you've been drinking!"