On New Year’s Eve, the risk of being involved in an alcohol-related collision significantly increases due to the prevalence of alcohol consumption at holiday gatherings. Consequently, New Year’s Eve is notorious for being one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. Many people wrongly assume that because they haven’t drunk anything since midnight the alcohol has dissipated from their system. As such, you may find yourself facing DWI charges if you decide to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If this reflects your circumstances, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of an experienced Dallas DWI Lawyer who can help shield you from an uncertain future. 

Is DWI Common on New Year’s Eve?

As with any celebratory holiday, people often ring in the New Year with champagne toasts and open bar specials. Unfortunately, there is an increase in DWIs on New Year’s Eve as many people don’t realize that even one drink can impact their ability to safely operate a vehicle. According to research, studies show that an estimated 70% of New Year’s Eve accidents involve someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As such, there is a drastic increase in law enforcement on the road to help identify drunk drivers and mitigate the risks of accidents.

What Should I Do if I’m Stopped By the Police?

After ringing in the New Year, if you are pulled over by the police because they suspect you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. It’s important to understand that despite being presumed innocent, the police are looking to make an arrest. To protect your future, it’s important to understand your rights.

During a traffic stop, the police will look for a variety of signs that the driver is intoxicated. This includes slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol or drugs, as well as whether there are any open containers or drug paraphernalia in plain view. After a visual assessment, the officer will ask you whether or not you have had anything to drink. It’s important to understand that you have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. However, lying to the police is a crime. Therefore, you should remain respectful, inform the police that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment right, and ask to speak to an attorney.

The officer will likely ask you to perform a field sobriety test. In Texas, these standardized tests are voluntary, not mandatory. As such, you should not participate as it will provide the police with evidence they can use to make an arrest. Keep in mind that refusing to perform a breathalyzer test or provide a blood sample can have serious consequences.

To ensure the strongest possible defense, it’s important to retain the legal services of a skilled Dallas DWI lawyer from Spangler Law. Our team is prepared to fight for the best possible outcome. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.