Cinco de Mayo is a holiday often associated with fun and parties—and that usually includes drinking. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious problem during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Arizona. The best course of action is to avoid drinking and driving in the first place. Even then, a Cinco de Mayo DUI is still a possibility. Find out more about what to do if you are pulled over for a DUI, plus ways to prevent a Cinco de Mayo DUI from the Phoenix DUI attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group.
Tips to Avoid a Cinco de Mayo DUI
The best tip to avoid a Phoenix DUI? Don’t drive under the influence. If you know you’ll be drinking on Cinco de Mayo, planning ahead can save you from facing serious criminal charges. Sometimes, this is easier said than done and still you might find yourself behind bars after too many tequila shots. To avoid an alcohol or marijuana DUI during Cinco de Mayo, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: before you head out, make a plan for how you will get home safely. Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or plan to stay overnight with a friend or at a hotel.
- Pace yourself: if you choose to drink, do so slowly and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.
- Make sure to eat: drinking on an empty stomach can quickly lead to intoxication. Eat a full meal before or while you are drinking to help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
- Avoid peer pressure: don’t let your friends or others pressure you into drinking more than you are comfortable with or getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
- Stay sober: if you are the designated driver, commit to staying sober for the entire evening. Doing so will ensure everyone’s safety.
- Stay home and party with friends: by staying home, you can simply relax and have fun without worrying about whether or not you’re breaking the law or putting others in danger.
Knowing the signs of an impaired driver is another way to help avoid a DUI. Law enforcement officers are trained to be vigilant when conducting DUI patrols and may stop your vehicle for any suspicious behavior. The following are common driving behaviors that law enforcement officers associate with impaired driving:
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Erratic “stop and start” driving
- Sudden braking for no apparent reason
- Missing stop signs or ignoring traffic lights
- Driving without headlights at night
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
To avoid being pulled over for a Cinco de Mayo DUI, it is important to drive carefully and avoid engaging in the common behaviors associated with impaired driving mentioned above. It is crucial to remember that being pulled over for DUI can happen even if you are not intoxicated or are below the legal limit. If you are pulled over for a DUI does not necessarily mean that you will be charged with a DUI.
What Happens If I Am Pulled Over For a DUI?
If you are stopped for a DUI on Cinco de Mayo and are found to be driving while intoxicated, it is important to understand that you may face severe legal consequences based on the specific circumstances of your case. Even if you are facing a first offense, you could face a range of penalties, including:
- Up to 6 months in jail (with a minimum of 10 days)
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days
- Court fees and fines that may exceed $2,000
- Mandatory alcohol screening
- Participation in drug or alcohol classes
- Installation of an ignition interlock device for up to one year
- A requirement to have an SR-22 insurance policy
If you are pulled over for a DUI on Cinco de Mayo, it is important to know your rights and follow certain guidelines to protect yourself. The most important thing to remember is that you have the right to remain silent. While you should provide your name, address, driver’s license, and registration, you are not obligated to make any statements about your activities before the traffic stop. In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are several other critical actions that you should take to ensure the best possible outcome after being stopped for a DUI. These include:
- Refusing a field sobriety test: you have the right to refuse to perform field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or standing on one foot. These tests are not always accurate and can be used as evidence against you.
- Refusing a breathalyzer test: In Arizona, you can refuse to take a roadside breathalyzer test without facing additional penalties. However, if you are arrested, you will be required to take a chemical test at the police station or hospital. You are not required by law to participate in these tests, despite any implications made by the officer.
- Contacting an attorney: if you are arrested for a DUI, contact an experienced Arizona DUI attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will help you build the best possible DUI defense and can possibly have your DUI charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
Contact a Phoenix DUI Lawyer
If you are charged with a DUI during this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, it is important to contact an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Law Group as soon as possible. Call us at 602-667-7777. Our DUI lawyers are prepared to take on your case and give you the aggressive DUI defense you deserve.
We are available 24/7 to take your call or chat with you online via our convenient LiveChat service. We also offer free consultations and affordable payment plans.