As with any holiday weekend, police will have extra patrols looking to increase the number of DUI arrests. These extra patrols, combined with the advertising campaigns such as “Sober or Slammer” create situations where citizens may be at risk for being falsely or unfairly arrested for DUI.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we are preparing to meet with clients in the coming weeks who were arrested over the holiday weekend by the Highway Patrol and other area law enforcement agencies with offenses such as DUI, BUI (boating under the influence), and related charges such as open container or driving under suspension.
Here is our advice to help you enjoy the holiday:
- Although it is not against the law to drink alcohol and then drive in South Carolina, it is never a good idea and it is illegal to drink too much. If you think you are ok to drive if you go slow, or pay extra attention, then you probably are at risk for a DUI arrest and should play it safe and call for a ride.
- Keep your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance in an organized easy to access place in the event you face a traffic checkpoint or are pulled over (attorney James Snell keeps his documents in the visor mirror).
- If pulled over for suspicion of DUI, you have an absolute right to not incriminate yourself. You do not have to admit to drinking alcohol, consent to the police searching your vehicle, perform field sobriety tests (such as allowing the police to look into your eyes or to stand on one leg), and if you are arrested, you do not have to give a breath, blood, or urine sample.
- Don’t invite the police to pull you over. Wear your seatbelt and don’t text and drive.
If you are charged with DUI or any other criminal offense over the holiday weekend you are invited to contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, for an appointment. If your driver’ license has been suspended due to the breath test procedure then please let us know and we can help you get a legal license to drive back, usually within one week or less.