It’s almost 2012! Are you excited? You ask some people what their favorite holiday is and they’ll give you a myriad of answers, but the sheer volume of people out and about during New Year’s Eve will tell you that December 31st tops their list.
What other holiday can you dress up, let off the steam of a whole year, and not really care because everyone else is doing it? But of course, this doesn’t mean that laws and consequences don’t apply. That’s where concerns about drinking and driving come in.
Believe it or not, the police have found out about New Year’s Eve and are out in force looking for the drunk drivers. This is not only to keep the streets and pedestrians safe, but it’s also a fantastic source revenue for the state and municipality. See? Everyone wins, except you if you’re caught drinking and driving.
What to Expect If You Are Caught Drinking and Driving
The Washington State legislature has been particularly active this year making the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws that much more stringent. If you think that you can talk your way out of the ticket, think again. If the multiple local arrests for drunk driving this year including Legislators, Mayors, and even Prosecutors has shown the general public that getting out of a DUI arrest is virtually impossible.
Here’s what happens:
- You will get tested on the roadside and recorded on a dash cam so try to look your best.
- You will get to blow into a tube. If you refuse, the consequences get even worse when you’re prosecuted (and you WILL be prosecuted).
- Your car will get impounded and held for (up to) 48 hours.
- You will ride in a police car to the jail.
- You will get your picture taken.
- You will spend the night in jail with people you probably would never have wanted to meet.
- You will get fined up to $5000.
- You will go to court.
- You might get more jail time.
- You might get an ankle bracelet detaining you to your home and work.
- You might get to blow into a tube in order start your vehicle for up to a year after.
If this is not your first DUI offense, the rules tighten up considerably, and according to new legislation passed this year, if you are deemed a habitual offender with 3 or more arrests, it becomes a felony. This has multiple lasting consequences that change your life considerably.
Getting Around On New Year’s Eve
Regardless of where you go and how you get there, expect to go slow because the roads are packed until about 1am the closer you get to urban areas and destinations such as Casinos, concert venues, etc. This makes most paid rides such as taxis, limos, and town cars expensive, but still worth it. However, getting to a venue is not generally the problem, it’s after you have had that bottle of champagne, two shots of “I forget, but it was red and fruity,” and the other drinks along the way.
Metro (Seattle Metro, Sound Transit, Regional Transit) – Metro generally has some late night schedules running past midnight. Know your schedules and choose a route and destination. Have a contingency plan if you miss the bus. Be careful walking to the bus stop and waiting, it would be best to choose a well populated bus stop. And Remember, the key to riding transit is patience.
Taxi – Expect long waits both to be picked up at the beginning of the night and the end of the night. Remember, everyone wants a taxi the same time you do most likely so calling the taxi company can be dicey, so identify your nearest taxi stand and dress warm for a long wait. Those can be found at casinos, hotels, and have been installed in some of the most popular places in Seattle. Expect to pay no less than $50 no matter where you go. It’s worth it.
Limo and Town Car – These have most likely been reserved, but if you have friends who have an extra space, grab it. The cost should be no more than a cab for each individual in the group and gives you a great safe mobile party. However, if the driver is just giving you a ride to your car so that you can drink and drive from somewhere else, it’s not worth it.
Party Bus – There might still be some space left on a party bus. They pick up from a centralized place at a certain time and drop off at a certain time. This is a great way to get around safely and meet new people. However, make sure that if they drop you off at your car that there is an all night café to get food and water to help you sober up before driving.
Walking and Neighborhood Parties – One of the best New Year’s Eves you can ever have is right by your home celebrating with your community either in local bars or at a neighbor’s house. It lets you meet new people you see often, but never met personally, and most of all you support your local business. Also, with all of the money you save on taxis, you can allocate the money to a new dress or bottle of fine champagne. You deserve it.
DUI Victim’s Attorney
New Year’s Eve is one of the best times of the year because to many people it signifies a fresh start. But starting the year with a DUI or vehicular homicide charge could make it the year that your life took a turn for the worse. Would you spend $100 on a taxi to save yourself $5000 in fines, potential loss of your job, and possible jail time? Most people would say yes.
Phillips Webster represents families of victims who have been wrongfully killed in Washington State. They are skilled attorneys in wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury lawsuits with years of experience that they will use to assure the you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Phillips Webster today for a free consultation.
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