Avoiding a DWI During Holiday Party Season

Everyone enjoys holiday parties. As the winter holidays approach, we all can look forward to fun, food, and drink at these festive gatherings. But be careful. If alcoholic beverages are served, the last thing you want is to get pulled over for DWI on the drive home.

The tips below help you avoid a DWI conviction during the holiday season. If you have a question about a DWI charge, please contact The Law Office of Michael Hayes, LLC.

Eat Food

Many people are afraid of putting on pounds during the holidays. But eating plenty at the holiday party will slow down the absorption of alcohol.

If you are hosting a holiday party, offer lots of snacks, appetizers, and other treats but avoid giving people salty chips and nuts because they can encourage people to imbibe more.

Plan Ahead

You probably know in advance there is a holiday party with alcohol, so you should be able to plan. For example, ask someone to be the designated driver. Or plan to sleep over. With Uber and Lyft in most cities, it is possible to get a ride home and not break the bank.

Stop Drinking Toward the End of the Night

The average person metabolizes alcohol at about one drink per hour. You should allow yourself and your guests at least two hours to sober up before driving home. This, of course, will depend on how much you drink. As the evening winds down, drink coffee, juice, water, and or other non-alcoholic options.

Stay Overnight

If you intend to let it rip at a holiday party, strongly consider staying overnight or getting a hotel room. It is better to sleep over than to risk getting a DWI and dealing with law enforcement.

Never Sleep It Off in the Car

Some people sleep in their cars after a night of drinking during the holidays. This is not a good idea for many reasons. Law enforcement is on the lookout in the early morning hours for the last cars in a parking lot. If a police officer believes you have turned on the engine, you can be arrested for OWI even if there is no proof that you were driving. Turning on the engine to stay warm is a terrible idea. If you are going to sleep in your car, two warnings: Don’t sleep in the front; sleep in the back. When you wake up after your share of holiday cheer, you are probably still over .08 at 6 a.m. or even later.

Do Not Mix Booze with Medications

Prescription drugs keep many people healthy. But it is often a mistake to take these medications with alcohol. Many prescription drugs cause drowsiness and poor judgment when combined with alcohol.

Contact a Milwaukee County DWI Attorney Now

It is best to never drink and drive. Then, there is no need to worry about a DWI. However, even the most responsible people make mistakes sometimes.

If you are arrested for drunk driving in Wisconsin, you risk significant jail time, large fines, lengthy driver’s license revocation, an Ignition Interlock order and a conviction that stays on your record for 55 years. You can avoid or lessen some of these consequences by hiring the Milwaukee County DWI attorneys at The Law Office of Michael Hayes, LLC. Your attorney will present vigorous arguments in your favor in court to achieve the best result.

Our DUI attorneys are proud to serve Milwaukee and many nearby communities in Milwaukee County. Contact our DWI attorneys today for a free consultation.