Are you planning on drinking at any holiday parties this year? If so, it is crucial that you drink responsibly in order to reduce your chances of being charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). An OWI charge can carry harsh consequences, exposing you to stiff fines, a license suspension, and the possibility of serving jail time. In order to keep you safe, our firm has come up with a short list of tips that can keep you out of cuffs this holiday.
1. Drinking? Get a ride home: The most obvious and only guaranteed way to avoid being arrested on OWI charges is to not drink and drive at all. If you are attending a holiday party or are just planning on going out drinking with your friends, it is crucial that you make arrangements to either get a ride home from someone or spend the night. Try taking turns being a designated driver with a friend or call a cab at the end of the night. Remember, any cab fare or hotel charge will always be better than the consequences that an OWI can bring.
2. Watch your blood alcohol concentration (BAC): In Wisconsin, anyone who is caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more can be arrested for OWI. If you are a commercial driver’s license holder, you only need to have a BAC of 0.04% to be charged. For this reason, it is crucial that you keep your BAC to a minimum if you plan on getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking. There are several ways you can manage your BAC, including pacing yourself to one drink per hour, eating plenty of food, drinking water, and waiting enough time after drinking. Everyone reacts to alcohol differently, so it is important that you use your judgment.
3. Drive safely: Rolling through stop signs and cutting off drivers is one of the easiest ways to get pulled over. If an officer stops you and they smell alcohol on your breath, even if you are under the legal limit, you may still find yourself in the back of a squad car.
Arrested? Call (414) 882-8382
At the Law Office of Christopher J. Cherella, our Milwaukee OWI lawyers understand that sometimes good people find themselves in tough situations. If you should be arrested on OWI charges this holiday season, our firm’s talented legal professionals are prepared to stand up for your rights and use their 20+ years of proven criminal defense experience to pursue an optimal outcome for your situation.
To get started, contact our office online or request a complimentary case evaluation today!