As the days continue to warm up in the East Bay, summer will unofficially kick off after Memorial Day later this month. Memorial Day gives us a 3-day weekend and time to spend with friends and family, having a barbecue and enjoying a few drinks. However, just like every year, police in Oakland and California will be on the lookout for impaired drivers over the holiday weekend. 

If you were pulled over by police over Labor Day weekend or got arrested after a sobriety checkpoint, act fast to protect your driving privileges. Find out about your legal defense options before your license gets suspended. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.

Memorial Day and Maximum Enforcement Periods 

Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday in May. This year, Memorial Day will be on May 29, 2023. The official federal holiday is a day for honoring the members of the military who died in service. Families and service members may visit cemeteries like the Alameda Point National Cemetery or Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland to remember loved ones. 

However, most people celebrate in other ways. This includes parades, celebrations, and concerts. For others, it is time to get together with friends around the grill, enjoying the sunshine and having some cold drinks. Getting the party started earlier can be a problem because it can make it hard to know how many drinks you had and when you have to stop so you can drive home safely. 

Saturation Patrols and Increased Police Activity

Every year, law enforcement in California increases drunk driving patrols over the 3-day weekend. Police, sheriff's officers, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will enact a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The MEPs typically start running from 6 p.m. on Friday evening until just before midnight on Tuesday. 

According to the CHP, "officers will be patrolling throughout the state, monitoring the roadways for seat belt violations, distracted drivers, speeders, and anyone suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

Last year, the CHP made 891 arrests for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) over the 3-day period. Some of the things police look for before pulling over a driver include: 

• Weaving or swerving
• Driving at night with headlights off
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Crossing the center line

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), Memorial Day to Labor Day marks the 100 deadliest days of summer. Over this 3-month period, there are higher rates of fatal car accidents for teen drivers. Of the drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in car crashes in 2018, 24% had alcohol in their systems. 

DUI Defense Attorney for Drivers in Oakland and the East Bay

For many East Bay drivers, an arrest for drunk driving is their first time facing serious criminal charges. Navigating the court system can be confusing for first-time offenders. You have to deal with the criminal charges and the DMV suspending your license. 

If you were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Oakland or the East Bay, call an experienced DUI defense attorney for legal help. East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 39 years of California DUI defense experience and understands the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.