While a DUI can happen any time of year, the police designate certain times for increased enforcement. Increased drunk driving enforcement includes Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and winter holiday season. California law enforcement agencies are stepping up drunk driving enforcement now through the 4th of July. 

Holiday DUI Enforcement in California

The DUI enforcement campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Office of Traffic Safety. This year, enforcement will last from Friday, December 13 through the 4th of July. During this time, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local law enforcement agencies will be looking for signs of impaired driving and may be putting up more sobriety checkpoints in California. 

There are a couple of reasons why there may be more impaired drivers on the road over the holiday season. Office holiday parties often involve drinking at after-work events, shortly before workers go home, leaving little time to sober up. Many employees do not make arrangements to get home, such as Lyft or a taxi, not expecting to get very drunk. Unfortunately, it may only take a couple of drinks to put a driver over the legal limit for a DUI. 

Holiday gatherings also have lots of people traveling to visit family and many take the time to visit old friends, going out for a drink before family events. At holiday gatherings and picnics,  many people enjoy a couple of glasses of wine which are topped up over the night, making it hard for people to count how many drinks they've had. At the end of the night, getting behind the wheel may put the driver at risk of getting pulled over. 

Increasingly in California, drivers are also arrested for impaired driving due to the effects of drugs, including prescription medications and recreational marijuana. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle. Even if the driver is lawfully using prescription drugs, impaired driving can result in criminal charges. 

Avoid a Criminal Conviction This Holiday Season

Don't let 2020 continue  with a conviction for driving under the influence. If you or a loved one was arrested for a DUI anytime and over the holiday weekend, remember that an arrest does not have to end in a conviction. At the Gorelick Law Offices, attorney Lynn Gorelick has dedicated her legal career to defending drivers charged with a DUI in the East Bay. 

With over 35 years of experience, Lynn Gorelick understands how a DUI conviction can affect your future, possibly your job, and how to fight to keep a conviction off your record. If you are facing a DUI, contact the local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands that you do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested.