3 Tips to Enjoy Spring Drinking Season Without Getting a DUI
What would a Columbus criminal defense attorney do?
The weather is warming up and with it, “spring drinking season” is upon us. St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and patio weather are all quickly approaching which means there’s almost always an excuse to grab a drink. Along with the excitement of ridding ourselves of cabin fever, this is the time of year where we need to remind ourselves of the potential legal risks associated with alcohol-fueled activities.
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Luckily, today’s world is filled with options other than getting behind the wheel and driving drunk. With Uber, cabs, buses and cellphones that are always on our person in case we need to get a ride from a friend, it’s easy to opt out of drunk driving and find an alternative route home. However, despite all of these options, “the problem is that the alcohol itself impairs your ability to decide whether you should be driving or not, so people find themselves behind the wheel when they shouldn’t be,” Steve Palmer says.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been pulled over after drinking, assuming it’s your first time and you’re not a total wreck — there are options and rights that you have that might save your record and your wallet.
- Call a lawyer. – Yes, we’re talking immediately if the need arises. During the few minutes that the officer is running your license and plates, give a Columbus criminal defense lawyer a call. (You can never be too prepared; have an attorney’s number saved as a contact in your phone) Learn more about the process of avoiding DUI’s here.
- Don’t take a test you’re not going to pass. – Do not agree to a field sobriety test if you will not pass it. While always being respectful to your officer, remember you don’t have to do or admit anything. It’s easier to convict if you admit that you’ve been drinking. You can also refuse to take a Breathalyzer test.
- Stay quiet. – Police officers are very good at their job and their questioning is designed to get admissions “Saying nothing is better than saying anything,” Steve says. You likely will still be arrested and taken to the police station, but your attorney will have a much easier time defending you.
If you get pulled over this spring or are facing an OVI charge this spring drinking season, don’t hesitate, call Yavitch & Palmer (614.224.6142) for immediate assistance.
Listen to the audio clip from The Blitz below:
For the past 10 years, Steve Palmer has offered countless radio callers with legal (and non-legal) insight on a
wide range of problems. He currently appears on the Blitz every Wednesday morning with Loper and Randi.
