4th of July DUIs: How a Buzz Can Cost You Your Independence

With the Fourth of July approaching, millions of Americans will be lighting fireworks, gathering around the grill, and sharing drinks with friends and family. Many of these people will make the terrible decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. This decision — a momentary misjudgement — can have disastrous and life-altering consequences. If you drive drunk on the Fourth of July, your chance of being arrested will be elevated due to increased pressure from law enforcement officials. This could lead to your license being suspended or even result in the death of an innocent. If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you need an aggressive and experienced DUI attorney in Tampa.

One of the Deadliest Holidays of the Year

As with many holidays, there is a significant spike in drunk driving on the Fourth of July. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Independence Day is “one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk driving.” The NHTSA reports that, of the 146 people killed in 2015 due to drunk driving crashes, the majority of these crashes involved a driver with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of almost twice the legal limit of .08 percent. The Fourth of July doesn’t excuse dangerous and irresponsible behavior. Buzzed and behind the wheel of a car, you would not only be risking your own life, but you would also be risking the lives of everyone else on the road.

Giving up Your Independence

If not your life, driving drunk can cost you everything else. If you are charged with and convicted of a DUI in the State of Florida, you may be subject to the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $4,000 if your BAL is .15 or higher or there is a minor in the vehicle
• 50 hours of community service
• Vehicle impoundment or immobilization
• Three-year license revocation in the event of serious injury
• A prison sentence of up to nine months

If none of this sounds bad enough, these are only the statistics for a first-time offense not involving manslaughter or vehicular homicide.

Your Freedom Is Worth More Than a Beer

The Fourth of July is meant to be a celebration of life and freedom. Under no circumstances should you risk both by driving drunk, especially when there are so many options, like ridesharing services, that can get you home safely. In the unfortunate event that you are charged with a DUI, what you do next could be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. Protect your freedom by contacting a DUI defense lawyer in Tampa that can defend your rights.

For a free consultation with a DUI defense lawyer in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.