Thanksgiving is not only one of the busiest times of year for travel, but it is also one of the busiest times for driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. New Jersey police officers will be out in large numbers conducting DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints. Anyone traveling during the Thanksgiving holidays would be well advised to have a designated driver. Remember, you may be drunk even if you believe you’ve only had a couple or a “few” drinks. If you have been drinking, simply do not take a chance.
The best way to avoid getting a DUI this Thanksgiving is to not drive drunk. DUI enforcement officers will be looking for signs of intoxication including vehicles traveling over or below the speed limit and drivers who swerve, drift in and out of lanes, and violate traffic codes such as running a red light.
Individuals who have been pulled over for drunk driving would be well advised to remain polite and cooperative with the authorities and to exercise their right to remain silent instead of discussing what they may have consumed during the holiday festivities.
New Jersey motorists have it in their best interests to agree to a breath test if requested by a police officer during a traffic stop. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4, drivers could face a license suspension for seven months to one year, a $1,000 per year surcharge for three years, and other related fines if they refuse to take a breath test. These types of charges can be added on top of any other DUI charges they may face.
The NJ DUI defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving. If you or a loved one is facing drunk driving charges in New Jersey, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.
