Holiday DUI Crackdowns: What to Expect and How to Stay Safe

Holidays are a time for celebration, but they also bring increased DUI enforcement. Whether you’re attending a family gathering, a work party, or enjoying a festive night out, law enforcement officers throughout Michigan will be extra vigilant about catching DUI offenders during the holiday season.

DUI Enforcement During the Holidays

Every year, Michigan law enforcement ramps up DUI patrols, especially during major holiday weekends such as Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, New Year’s, and even smaller holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. This heightened vigilance is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, a nationwide initiative by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During these periods, officers work longer shifts, conduct increased patrols, and are more likely to set up DUI checkpoints or increase roving patrols to target impaired drivers.

The goal is simple: reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities. However, it also means there’s a higher likelihood of being pulled over, even if you’re not intoxicated.

Why Acting Quickly is Important

Many people believe they should wait until formal charges are filed before seeking legal representation. However, this delay can be costly. Law enforcement often begins building cases long before an arrest is made. By the time charges are filed, you might already have made mistakes that could hurt your case — such as giving incriminating statements or unknowingly consenting to searches.

An experienced Michigan DUI defense attorney can help protect your rights before charges are even filed, potentially leading to reduced charges or even a complete dismissal of the case.

What to Expect if You’re Stopped for DUI

If you’re stopped by an officer during a holiday DUI crackdown, here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Interaction: The officer will request your driver’s license and registration, then ask questions. They will observe your behavior for any signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or a strong smell of alcohol.
• Field Sobriety Tests: If the officer suspects impairment, you may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. These tests include:
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
  • One Leg Stand (OLS)
  • Walk and Turn (WAT)

Even sober individuals can fail these tests due to factors like nervousness, fatigue, or poor coordination. While field sobriety tests are voluntary in Michigan, refusing them may raise suspicion, so it’s essential to stay calm and be polite.

• Breath Test: If the officer believes you’re impaired, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer test. Refusing this test can result in a $150 fine plus additional penalties, including the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Breathalyzer results are not infallible, and errors in calibration or administration can lead to inaccurate results.

Tips to Avoid DUI Arrests During the Holidays

Here are some practical tips to help avoid being arrested for DUI during the holiday season:

• Don’t Drink and Drive: The safest way to avoid a DUI is not to drink at all if you’re driving. If you plan to drink, plan ahead.
• Designate a Driver: If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a designated driver who will remain sober throughout the night. Always ensure your designated driver is reliable and sober.
• Use Rideshare Services: Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are readily available and provide a convenient way to get home safely. A few extra dollars can save you from a DUI arrest and its associated penalties.
• Host a Party: If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, you can control the situation. Offer non-alcoholic drinks and help your guests arrange for safe transportation.

How to Handle DUI Checkpoints

While DUI checkpoints are illegal in Michigan, law enforcement officers may set up roadblocks and engage in roving patrols. They may stop vehicles and check for signs of impairment. If stopped, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Calm and Polite: Provide your driver’s license and registration when requested, and avoid answering unnecessary questions like “Have you been drinking?” Politely invoke your right to remain silent if needed.
• Know Your Rights: Under Michigan’s implied consent law, refusing a chemical test can result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license for a year or more. If you refuse, you may also face additional penalties.

What Happens if You Refuse a Test?

Refusing a breath or blood test can have serious consequences in Michigan. If you refuse, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for at least one year. However, refusing to take a breathalyzer test might be your right, and in some cases, it can be a better option than providing potentially erroneous evidence against yourself.

If you do refuse, make sure to:

• Remain Calm: Let the officer know you are invoking your right to refuse the test.
• Know the Legal Consequences: Understand that refusal will trigger an automatic suspension and could be used against you later in court.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for DUI

If you’re arrested for DUI over the holidays, don’t panic. Instead, follow these steps:

• Remain Calm and Polite: Even if you believe the arrest is unjust, it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid making statements that could be used against you.
• Contact a DUI Attorney: As soon as possible, reach out to an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.

An attorney can guide you through every step of the process, from filing a defense to challenging evidence and ensuring your rights are protected in court.

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. At Manley & Manley, we specialize in DUI defense and have helped many clients navigate the complexities of Michigan’s drunk driving laws. Whether you were arrested during a holiday enforcement period or any other time of the year, our team is here to defend your rights and protect your future.

Conclusion: Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Holiday DUI crackdowns are designed to make roads safer, but they also increase the likelihood of being stopped and arrested for impaired driving. By planning ahead, using rideshare services, and remaining sober if you drive, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting caught up in the enforcement blitz.

If you or someone you know faces a DUI arrest during the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out to Manley & Manley for help. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you during this challenging time.