Summer is the season of barbecues, cookouts, and vacationing– but unfortunately, it's also a busy time for DUI arrests. Every year, police officers are on high alert for intoxicated driving throughout the summer months. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there’s usually an uptick in DUI charges handed down by law enforcement.
If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence, it’s important to hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible. In this blog, we will discuss more statistics related to DUI offenses during summertime and how to make sure your rights remain protected should something like this happen to you.
The Rise in DUI Charges During the Summer Months
In Florida, there were a total of 32,177 arrests for DUI in 2018 alone. According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, Memorial Day weekend had the highest number of drunk driving crashes of the year, with 448 drunk drivers involved in accidents. Before that, the NHTSA found that the Fourth of July weekend is also extremely dangerous, with 812 people killed in crashes involving drunk or drugged drivers on or near the Fourth of July holiday occurring between 2014 and 2018. The Traffic Safety Facts 2019 report also found that approximately 465 fatalities occurred in 2019 over the Memorial Day weekend, 37% of which happened in an alcohol-impaired crash. To put things in even greater perspective, 28 percent of all DUI deaths occur in summer months, and 28 percent of all driving deaths occur due to DUIs.
With the increase in outdoor activities and social events during the summertime, it's not uncommon for individuals to indulge in alcoholic beverages. However, it's essential to remember the consequences of driving under the influence. Not only are there legal ramifications, but the potential risk to one's personal and professional life cannot be overlooked.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney to Defend Your Case
Finding yourself in legal trouble can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and when charged with a DUI, the stigma that’s attached can make it hard to find support. That's why it's crucial to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in defending these cases. At Ali & Blankner, our skilled DUI attorneys know how to provide legal guidance and advice, investigate the facts of your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you with all of our resources and skill in court. We have seen firsthand the devastating consequences a DUI charge can have on a person’s life, but no one deserves to be harassed and hounded because of an alleged mistake. So if you have been arrested, do not hesitate. Give Ali & Blankner a call, and let us fight for you.
Don’t face a DUI alone! Call (407) 753-1312 to get started on your case today, or request a free, confidential consultation online.