The Contra Costa County fair recently wrapped up, and the Alameda County Fair is ready to open its gates. Held annually in Pleasanton since 1912, it is ranked as one of the Top 50 North American Fairs. Featuring rides, games, music, and of course, fair food and drinks. Spending all day enjoying fair attractions and concerts, it may be easy to lose track of how many drinks were consumed. But before you decide to drive while intoxicated, local law enforcement will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, so make sure you are aware of the consequences of a DUI.

As part of the festivities, the Alameda County Fair will also be hosting some popular events involving beer and alcohol. The Beer Haven event will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 19 to 21. A general admission ticket costs $40.00 and will offer samples of more than 100 craft beers. Be aware of the possible effects of hanging out all day in the sun drinking beer. Dehydration can increase the effects of alcohol on the body, so make sure you have a designated driver lined up before stepping up to The Great American Beer Station. (Designated Driver tickets cost $20.00).

The Alameda County Fair will run from June 17 to July 5, complete with concerts almost every night at 8 p.m. The Big O Concert Series will feature some top names this year, including The Beach Boys, Brian McKnight, and Kansas. Many people like to enjoy a drink or two during the concert, while other people enjoy the effects of marijuana while listening to live music. Even if officials at the concert series do not appear to be enforcing rules against smoking marijuana, be sure that if Alameda County Sheriff's stop your car after leaving the concert, they will not be so lax.

If the police pull you over for any kind of traffic violation, including driving without your headlights on at night, failing to signal, or even a broken tail light, they may be looking for signs of impairment under alcohol or drugs. If the police smell marijuana in the car, on the driver or even on a passenger, they will likely do further investigation to determine whether the driver is under the influence of drugs, including conducting field sobriety tests.

Standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) are not mandatory in California, and because they are subjective and not always reliable, submitting to SFSTs may be more harmful than helpful. Especially if you've spent a long day in the sun, and may be tired or dehydrated, it may be more difficult to perform these tests, especially late at night. Whether or not you submit to SFSTs, the police may place you under arrest for a DUI, and have you submit to chemical testing.

The Alameda County Fair has plenty to entertain local families, children and adults alike. However, if you plan to attend the fair and have some drinks while checking out the shows and entertainment, make sure you have a plan in place to get home safe. If you get pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence, make sure you have the contact information of an East Bay DUI lawyer who has dedicated their legal career to defending people charged with DUIs.

With more than 30 years of DUI experience, attorney Lynn Gorelick understands the laws and penalties involved in a DUI case. You do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested. Contact a local East Bay DUI defense attorney who will make sure you get the justice you deserve.