It is that time of year when people go out to celebrate the holidays. Some people stick to parties with family or friends. Other people host their own holiday shindigs. Still many more prefer to go to company office parties. Most people feel like they have to make an appearance at these parties if they want to stay in their employer’s good graces. Unfortunately, this means that there are a lot of people getting behind the wheel after drinking alcoholic beverages. That is traditionally what is served at these parties. With this in mind, the police in Boise battle back with strategically placed DUI checkpoints throughout the region. Our Boise DUI attorneys meet with a dozen or so people who were pulled over and arrested at these checkpoints every year. If this happens to you, then it’s a good idea to contact one of our Boise criminal defense lawyers right away.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Boise, Idaho?
A lot of our clients insist that it is illegal for the cops in Boise to set up DUI checkpoints, especially during the holidays. Some of them refer to these checkpoints as entrapment. It can be hard for our Boise DUI lawyers to explain to them that DUI checkpoints are absolutely legal. In fact, the police are encouraged to implement these checkpoints in order to protect the public. While there may be more drunk drivers on the road during the holidays, there are also a lot of innocent people just trying to get to their destination. They should not be exposed to the potential dangers of drunk driving just because some people want to imbibe at holiday parties. It’s the police’s job to make sure this doesn’t happen. DUI checkpoints is one of the most effective ways to do that.
Where Do the Police Set Up These DUI Checkpoints?
The police must plan their DUI checkpoint well ahead of time. They must post the locations of their planned checkpoints for people to see. What this means is that you could probably have avoided the checkpoint if you checked ahead of time to see where they will be posted. While we would never encourage people to drink and drive, it is only fair that you know how to avoid possible arrest and prosecution. The police aren’t trying to hide the fact that they plan on using DUI checkpoints during the holidays. They simply hope that potential drunk drivers pass by their checkpoints before they hurt anybody.
Why Are There More Checkpoints During the Holiday Season?
If you think about it, it makes perfect sense to have added DUI checkpoints out this time of year. Cops can pull people over at just about any given location. All they have to do is pick a high-traffic location and set up their DUI checkpoint there. Some of the locations they like to be near when they do this include the following:
- Bars and restaurants
- Large office parks
- Malls
- Party venues
The hope is that the people passing by the checkpoint are the ones who are drinking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The police officers aren’t doing this because they get a thrill out of arresting people. Their job is to keep the public roads safe. They can’t do this if they knowingly let people drink and drive. Knowing when most of the holiday parties take place, the officers set themselves up in a prime position to stop would-be drunk drivers.
There Are More Drunk Drivers on the Road This Time of Year
Some of the busiest travel days of the year happen this time of year. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years’, there are millions of people traveling on unfamiliar roads. Many of these people are on their way to or from a holiday gathering. Others have been out shopping and stopped for a much-needed cocktail. They never think that one or two drinks can lead to their being arrested for DUI. However, if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit, the cops won’t hesitate to lock you up. Depending on how long it has been since you had a couple of drinks, you may blow much higher than the .08 legal limit. If this happens and you are arrested, our Boise criminal defense lawyers can help. We will help prepare a defense that will convince the prosecutor to agree to either reduce or dismiss the charges.
People Who Normally Don’t Drink Celebrate a Bit Too Much
During the holidays, people attend all sorts of celebrations. They go to holiday parties at their friends and family members’ homes. Their employers throw all sorts of parties at fancy restaurants, clubs, and other venues. Alcohol is typically served at any of these holiday gatherings. This is especially true when it comes to New Years Eve parties. People who would normally never drink and then get behind the wheel don’t realize what they’re doing when they grab their keys to head home. They figure they’ve only had a couple of drinks, and, after all, it’s been a few hours – why not? Unfortunately for them, the police on the lookout for drunk drivers can spot them a mile away. All it takes is weaving in and out of your lane once or twice to garner the suspicion of the local police.
Our Boise DUI Attorneys Are Busier than Ever Throughout the Holidays
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are more drunk drivers on the road this time of year. People who normally would never get behind the wheel after drinking aren’t so careful this time of year. They go to a holiday party or office luncheon and don’t think twice about driving home. The cops know this. Their job is to keep drunk drivers off the road. This means that, if you drink and drive this holiday season, you will likely get caught. If that happens, you’re going to need a seasoned Boise DUI attorney. They can help prepare your defense and try to negotiate a favorable plea with the State prosecutor. We suggest you call our office as soon as possible after your arrest. We can get to work on securing your release and then find a way to prepare the strongest defense possible. With so much at stake, it’s not a good idea to try to handle this all by yourself.