Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year. With many people having the day off for the 4th of July, some may be able to take off Monday for a full 4-day weekend. The 4th of July also means parades, festivals, and backyard barbecues. A warm, sunny weekend is also a good time to have a few cold drinks with friends.

If you end up drinking one too many, you might get pulled over by Oakland police who are looking for impaired drivers. If you get arrested for drunk driving, you have to 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.

Impaired Driving in Oakland Over Independence Day Weekend

There are a handful of federal holidays that federal employees and many other workers get off every year. Americans have fewer vacation days compared to many other developed countries, so we take these few holidays very seriously. Independence Day is Tuesday, July 4th, 2023.

The 4th of July parade in Alameda is the longest Independence Day parade in the country, running more than 3 miles. The parade starts at Lincoln Ave and Park Street. Other East Bay parades and firework events taking place on Tuesday the 4th include: 

• Concord  
• Martinez
• Orinda
• Pleasant Hill
• Danville
• Kensington
• Moraga

Unfortunately, Independence Day also has one of the highest rates of fatal traffic accidents. This is one of the reasons why law enforcement and the CHP step up traffic enforcement, focusing on speeding, aggressive driving, and drunk driving. 

Increased CHP Enforcement Over the 4th of July 

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), last year, over the Independence Day weekend Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), the CHP made 997 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. There were 43 people killed in California crashes over the 78-hour holiday period. 

This year, the Independence Day MEP will run from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Law enforcement, including the CHP, police officers, and sheriff's deputies will be out in force, with increased patrols and focus on traffic violations, including speeding and driving under the influence. 

Law enforcement may also set up sobriety checkpoints. Sobriety checkpoints have been found to be constitutional in California, as long as they meet certain requirements. At these DUI checkpoints, law enforcement is also looking for insurance violations, suspended licenses, and seat belt violations. However, this also gives the police a chance to evaluate a driver who might be suspected of driving under the influence.  

DUI Defense Attorney for Drivers in Oakland and the East Bay

With increased 4th of July DUI checkpoints, there will likely be a spike in drivers arrested for drunk driving over the Independence Day long weekend. If you were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Oakland or the East Bay, call an experienced DUI defense attorney for help. 

East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 40 years of California DUI defense experience and understands the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.