The end of the year tends to come with fun celebrations for your friends, family, and coworkers. Often these celebrations include drinking alcohol- it is easy to remind people to not drink and drive, but it is more beneficial to help offer plans and solutions to stop driving under the influence. Read on for useful tips to both understand the Colorado laws and to avoid getting a DUI during the holiday party season.
Refresh on the Colorado DUI Laws
Colorado law prohibits an individual from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol- this includes operating a car, motorcycle, bike, or scooter. The standards for a DUI charge vary if the person is under 21 or over 21. Underage Drinking and Driving, aka “UDD” is defined by an individual under the age of 21 whose breath alcohol content is at least 0.02 but not more than 0.05 at the time of driving or within two hours after driving. Once a person is of legal drinking age in the United States, the breath alcohol content threshold increases to 0.08 for a DUI classification. A Driving While Ability Impaired or DWAI charge can occur even if you are below 0.08 BAC as long as the individual is less able to drive than the person ordinarily would have been.
A Driving Under the Influence conviction can not only ruin your life but has the potential to ruin- or even end the lives of others. Simply put, never drink and drive. In the event you receive a DUI charge, make sure you secure excellent legal representation and know your rights.
The law requires drivers to take a blood or breath test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the person is DUI or DWAI. Refusal to submit to either test is both admissible in court and grounds for revocation of a driver’s license.
The legal consequences range from points assessed against your motor vehicle driver’s license to felony charges if your actions injure or kill others. The social consequences also carry a heavy weight- what would you think of your friends if they killed someone while drinking and driving?
Alternatives to Drinking and Driving
Many occasions in life are worth celebrating to the fullest- but there is no excuse for doing so irresponsibly by drinking and driving. Here are some tips to try this holiday season:
- Plan ahead: If drinking is in your plans, commit to using rideshare or public transportation so no one is tempted to get behind the wheel.
- Know your limits: It takes most metabolisms one full hour to properly digest one standard drink.
- Spend the night: One way to avoid the temptation of driving home is to plan to spend the night at a close hotel or friend’s place.
- Remember the law: The best way to avoid getting a DUI is to not drive after drinking alcohol. If you do choose to drink, take every necessary step to avoid putting yourself or others at risk.
Key Takeaways
The holidays are worth celebrating, but nothing is worth derailing your life. Drinking alcohol impairs your decision-making processes and can cause one to act in ways they may never consider when not under the influence. Drink water and eat food while enjoying alcoholic beverages. Set the social standard in your circle that it is not okay to drink and drive. Be aware of your surroundings and plan your night from the get-go to eliminate driving from your evening of drinking.
The Colorado Defense Group is here should you need legal assistance this holiday season. Add the Colorado Defense Group to your contacts today should you or a friend need it: (720) 594-7260.