Halloween is not only fun and exciting for children but also for adults. It is typical for adults to throw Halloween costume-themed extravaganzas to celebrate where alcohol is consumed. Anyone who attends a Halloween party with the intent to consume alcohol must take the necessary precautions of planning their transportation ahead of time to ensure everyone’s safety. Penalties for DUIs vary by severity. If you are charged with a DUI on Halloween night, contact an experienced Pensacola DUI Defense Lawyer who can defend your rights and interests.
What precautions can I take to prevent a DUI charge on Halloween night?
As a Host
If you host a Halloween party, you must take the right precautions to ensure everyone gets home safely and avoids driving impaired. Halloween hosts must remain alert for anyone trying to leave the party as a driver and it is visible that they’ve consumed too much alcohol to operate a vehicle. You must step in to prevent any dangerous DUI collisions with other drivers or pedestrians on the road. This might mean taking their keys away to stop them from getting behind the wheel and endangering everyone. It also may mean calling them a cab, Uber, or Lyft to give them a safe ride home. It could also mean calling one of their friends or family members who are sober to come to pick them up. Whatever it is, you must take action. Unfortunately, this also means you have to make smart choices even though it could get your friends or family members in trouble with the law, you must call the police.
As a driver
If you are planning on attending a Halloween bash where you intend to consume alcohol, do the responsible thing and plan your transportation. No one who has been drinking should get behind the wheel. You should take the precaution of assigning a designated driver who is sober to get you home safely and not endanger any trick-or-treaters along the way. Hundreds of trick-or-treaters are roaming the streets in the search of candy from house to house. They may move in unexpected and unpredictable ways, and drivers must be alert to ensure they do not injure anyone on the road including other drivers and any pedestrians. There are more pedestrians and drivers out on Halloween night than normal. It is important to not drive while drunk or impaired to ensure everyone’s safety.
What are the Consequences of a DUI in Florida?
In Florida, if you are charged with a DUI and this is the first offense, you are facing up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and license revocation of up to a year. You also may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device for up to six months. If it is your second or third DUI charge in Florida, the consequences will be worse. To avoid, these charges drive responsibly.
If you are charged with a DUI this Halloween, contact one of our devoted and qualified attorneys who can represent your rights and interests. You can rely on our firm to help you through the process and guide you through this challenging time.