How to Celebrate Responsibly: A Guide to Holiday Drinking and Driving

The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and festive celebrations. However, with celebrations come the risks associated with drinking and driving. At The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we know how quickly a festive night can turn into a legal nightmare. To help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary legal consequences, we’ve compiled this guide to celebrating responsibly and protecting yourself from a DUI charge.
If you or someone you love is facing DUI charges in Long Beach or other parts of Southern California especially if this is you or your loved ones’ first time, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Call our team of DUI defense attorneys at 562-216-2944 to discuss how we could help you.
Plan Ahead for Safe Transportation
Before you head out to a holiday event, plan how you’ll get home. Deciding on transportation in advance can be the difference between a safe night and a DUI charge.
- Designate a sober driver: Have someone in your group abstain from drinking and act as the driver for the night.
- Use rideshare services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available and convenient. They can get you home safely, even after the bars close.
- Public transportation: In major cities, buses, subways, and trains often extend service hours during the holidays.
Any DUI defense attorney knows that planning ahead can save you from the stress and expense of dealing with a DUI charge.
Know Your Limits and Drink Responsibly
Understanding your alcohol tolerance is essential. Overestimating your ability to drive can result in an arrest, accidents, or worse.
- Pace yourself: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and monitor your alcohol intake.
- Eat while drinking: Food slows alcohol absorption, so eating throughout the night can help you maintain control.
- Know your legal limit: In California, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is grounds for a DUI charge, according to the state’s DMV. Even if you feel capable, you may be over the limit.
At our DUI defense law firm, we often encounter cases where individuals misjudged their sobriety. Drinking responsibly helps protect both you and others on the road.
Understand the Consequences of a DUI Charge
A DUI charge can impact every part of your life. It’s crucial to understand the potential consequences before making the choice to drive after drinking.
- Legal penalties: A DUI conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and mandatory DUI classes. For repeat offenders, penalties escalate substantially.
- License suspension: A DUI conviction may result in a suspended license, making it challenging to get to work or fulfill daily responsibilities.
- Insurance rates: DUI convictions can raise your insurance rates, costing you more over time.
While avoiding a DUI altogether is always the best outcome, you may need a DUI defense lawyer who will fight to minimize these penalties.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for Suspected DUI
Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself pulled over after holiday festivities. Knowing how to respond can make a difference in your case.
- Stay calm and cooperative: Remain polite and respectful. Avoid sudden movements, and keep your hands visible. Officers take note of your behavior, so staying calm reflects well on you.
- Know your right to remain silent: You don’t need to answer questions about how much you drank. Politely inform the officer, “I choose to remain silent.” Exercise your right without being confrontational.
- Refuse field sobriety tests: In California, field sobriety tests are voluntary. These tests are subjective and often used as evidence against you. Politely decline if asked.
- Consider chemical testing options: California’s implied consent law requires you to take a chemical test if you’re lawfully arrested. Refusing a chemical test can result in automatic license suspension.
Do not hesitate to contact a DUI defense lawyer if you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you face a DUI charge, don’t handle it alone. A lawyer can make a substantial difference in your case by exploring every avenue for your defense. They will:
- Investigate evidence: A DUI defense attorney reviews all aspects of your arrest, from the officer’s conduct to the accuracy of testing devices.
- Challenge field sobriety tests: These tests can be flawed. Our team at The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates can challenge the reliability of field sobriety evidence.
- Negotiate for reduced charges: A lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges, especially if it’s your first offense.
At The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we’re dedicated to providing strong defense strategies tailored to your specific situation. Our DUI defense law firm works to minimize the impact of a DUI on your life and helps you move forward.
Tips for Avoiding a DUI Charge Altogether
To ensure a safe holiday season, consider these final tips for avoiding a DUI:
- Track your drinking: Use apps that help track your BAC based on what and how much you’ve had.
- Set a drink limit: Establish your limit before the night begins and stick to it.
- Leave your car at home: If you know you’ll be drinking, don’t drive to the event. It removes the temptation to drive home.
Remember: Making responsible choices ensures that your season remains joyful and free from legal troubles.
Moving Forward After a DUI Charge
If you’re already facing a DUI charge, act quickly. Contact our team at The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates for guidance. We’ll work with you to understand the details of your case, protect your rights, and seek the best possible outcome. Our attorneys know the complexities of DUI law and are here to support you every step of the way. Call at 562-216-2944 or fill out our confidential contact form to discuss your case today.

Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.