orlando-holiday-party

The holiday season is upon us and most of us have back to back parties to celebrate. Everyone should enjoy the season, and everyone should have, plugged into their phones, the many options to keep from drinking and driving. Ohio has stiff penalties for drivers caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).  Be safe rather than sorry.

Every year, law enforcement agencies receive financial grants to increase road patrols and institute sobriety checkpoints. We know that they will be patrolling the roads in full force during the holiday season and they are on the lookout for impaired drivers, so there is a much bigger risk of being pulled over – they are looking for any traffic infraction.   If you are the one throwing the party, know that you are responsible for the safety and well being of your guests. If one of them becomes impaired and leaves then injures himself or another driver, you may be legally responsible and you will need a criminal defense attorney in Ohio to help you.

  • Prepare ahead of time. Cut something out of the party to provide funds for cab rides home, or to hire drivers and let the employees know when they are invited.
  • Stop serving alcohol at a designated time – at least an hour before the ending time of the party.
  • Take keys away from anyone that should not get behind the wheel.
  • Hire a bartender who will know when someone is being over served.
  • Have plenty of food.

The Bottom Line:  Statistics show that the odds of being pulled over for drunk driver dramatically increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This is in large part due to the increase in alcohol consumption during the holiday season. Whether you are hosting a company party or a party for your friends and family, it should come as no surprise that police are doubling up this time of year. If you find you or a guest gets pulled over, even after a glass of wine or two, please remember to remain silent and polite.  Don’t answer any questions and incriminate yourself.  As a criminal defense attorney in the Cincinnati area,  I can help immediately.  513-260-2099