The upcoming holiday is a time when friends and family celebrate together with green beer and Irish car bombs, but those who plan to get behind the wheel this weekend should be aware that Oklahoma police plan to crack down on drunk driving during St. Patrick’s Day. Beginning on Saturday night and extending through Sunday, authorities in Oklahoma County and elsewhere in OK will be on the lookout for drunk drivers. If you have been arrested on DUI charges in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to contact our DUI defense attorneys at AMA Law. Our lawyers have experience handling drunk driving cases throughout Oklahoma, and will work diligently to protect your legal rights.
POLICE INCREASING EFFORTS DURING HOLIDAY WEEKEND
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office, saturation patrols will be in action starting Saturday night at about 10:30 p.m. and ending around 3 a.m. on Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day. A checkpoint will also be set up at an undisclosed location, and anyone found in violation of driving under the influence of alcohol will be arrested under Oklahoma’s zero tolerance policy. The increased DUI arrest effort is specifically scheduled to coincide with the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, a time when far too many drivers get behind the wheel after drinking.
PENALTIES RESULTING FROM A DUI ARREST
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday enjoyed by many, but the consequences associated with a DUI arrest are far from enjoyable. According to some estimates, between fines and fees, each DUI arrest can cost an individual $5,000 or more. A first DUI conviction carries penalties including jail time between five days and one year, a 30-day license suspension, and participation in an assessment and evaluation treatment program. The consequences associated with a DUI arrest are severe, but the penalties resulting from a DUI accident are even more so, and statistics show a dramatic increase in alcohol-related incidents on St. Patrick’s Day every year.
CONTACT OUR DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEYS TODAY
In 2009, more than one-third of all motor vehicle accidents that occurred in the United States on March 17 involved alcohol, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities. Because of these risks, law enforcement tends to increase efforts to curb drunk driving during holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. If you have been charged with a DUI in Oklahoma City, or elsewhere in Oklahoma, consult our reputable DUI defense lawyers at AMA Law as soon as possible. Our law firm is located in Oklahoma City, and our attorneys have years of experience protecting the rights of individuals charged with drunk driving offenses throughout the state. Contact our law firm today to discuss your possible defense options.