Holiday DUI Questions Answered by a Santa Barbara DUI Lawyer

As the holiday season approaches, it’s nice to think that everything will be happy and full of spirit. Unfortunately, with the amount of holiday parties that are going on this time of year, there is an increased concern for drinking and driving. The Law Office Of Kenneth M. Hallum would like to take this time to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season.

And we’d like to announce that if you or someone you care about has been drinking, don’t let them get behind the wheel of a car. Let’s keep everyone in Santa Barbara safe this holiday season and keep our roads free of preventable accidents that are caused due to drinking and driving.

If you are someone who has been charged with a DUI, then keep in mind that you don’t have to bring the holiday spirit down. Instead, you can rely on the help of a DUI lawyer to represent you. We know that accidents happen, which is why you deserve one of the top DUI lawyers on your side. With proper legal representation, you’ll be able to avoid fines, losing your license, and even jail time.

In order to prevent any of these life-changing penalties, here are some things to keep in mind while attending holiday parties this year.

Know Your Limit

There is nothing wrong with having a glass of wine with Thanksgiving dinner, or maybe even a beer while at the last college party before everyone heads home for winter break. However, it’s important that you understand and know your limit. Don’t push yourself to your limit and see how you feel after, but instead know when to stop and when you’ve had too much. In the event that you have had too much to drink, avoid driving home and give yourself some time to sober up.

Watch Your Drink

If you are attending a college party, then it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your drink. It’s an unfortunate truth that college students need to be aware of the possible harm that other people may try to cause. If you have had your drink spiked and you get into your car, it will be hard defending your case. Therefore, keep an eye on your drink and avoid drinking anything that you haven’t thoroughly been watching.

Eat Enough Food

A lot of people change up their diets during the holiday season. They decrease the amount of healthy foods that they are having, just so they can offset the increased amounts of cookies and pies. While holiday treats may be savory, it’s still best that you ensure that you eat enough substantial food as well. If your body is not getting enough calories, alcohol may affect you in different ways. That means that while it may have taken a few drinks to get a buzz on in the past, one drink on an empty stomach may have you quite drunk.

Get Help

With increased amounts of DUI accidents on the road during the holidays, Santa Barbara police are looking to keep the streets as safe as possible. Therefore, there is very little wiggle room when it comes to forgiveness. And while it’s never a good idea to be on the road while intoxicated, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have rights.

Keep in mind that you have options when it comes to a field sobriety test, as well as any answers that you provide to the arresting officer. When it comes to laws in California, know that you can find a Santa Barbara DUI lawyer for assistance. If you feel as if your rights have been mistreated or that you were unfairly treated, rely on local DUI lawyers to provide you with the representation that you deserve.

A DUI during the holidays can have lingering affects throughout the rest of the year. Stay safe this holiday season and don’t drive if you have been drinking. But if you do, rely on the Law Office Of Kenneth M. Hallum as the DUI lawyers that you can trust.

Q & A Hot Sheet

Q: Do I have to take a sobriety test after being pulled over by a police officer?
A: In most circumstances, you are not forced to take a sobriety test if you have been pulled over. Keep in mind that the officer then has the option of arresting you and taking you to the station for further testing. However, if you feel as if a sobriety test is not in your favor, then you do not have to take it.
Q: Is it ever a good idea to consider a DUI plea bargain?
A: In some cases, it might be a good idea to consider a DUI plea bargain. This could lower the penalties against you, making for a less harsh sentence.
Q: What should I do if I’ve been drinking and cannot drive home?
A: If you have been drinking and cannot drive home, then don’t even try it. Instead, ask a friend for help. You can also consider calling a taxi or driving service for help. It might be a fee that you weren’t expecting, but it’s certainly better than the repercussions of a DUI.

Local Events

Thanksgiving 4 Miler: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Team up with family and friends for a great holiday start. Run Santa Barbara presents Santa Barbara’s flattest and fastest four-miler. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Thunderbird Open Space, pocket park on Walnut. First three hundred on-line registrations get a free event shirt. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. on Hollister near the Magnolia Shopping Center. Prizes and gifts available. You’ll work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner at Blush!

Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Have a smashing good time at the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Elephants, gorillas, and other animals will get tasty pumpkins to play with and eat on Thanksgiving Day. Cost is free with Zoo admission. Should be fun to watch, but we think our chefs have better ways to use a pumpkin!

Blush Restaurant + Lounge: Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Let Blush do all the cooking for Thanksgiving this year. They will be open Thanksgiving Day from noon until 10:00 p.m. Chef Brandon Worrell and his staff will create an amazing combination of California cuisine and traditional favorites for your holiday dining pleasure.

Art To Zoo Exhibit: November 26th – Take your family to the Art To Zoo exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum Of Art. This is something your entire family will enjoy, as both an educational and entertaining experience.

The Law Office Of Kenneth M. Hallum is dedicated to providing clients with fair legal representation. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, then you deserve the best DUI lawyers fighting for you. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @dui805 and be sure to like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dui805