Consequences of Drinking and Driving on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful holiday celebrated with friends, family, and drinking. Although it’s a fun holiday to partake in, it’s not as great of a day to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 60 people died in drunk driving-related accidents during the holiday back in 2016.

We recommend taking a rideshare or finding a designated driver for the holiday ahead. Drinking and driving should never be an option, and to prove so, the Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. team is here to share with you the downsides of receiving a DUI.

Revoked License

Each DUI case is different, but for the most part, upon arrest, your license will be confiscated. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test in Minnesota, you can face both criminal and civil penalties. The refusal of a breathalyzer test can result in a one-year license suspension.

Fines

Once you are convicted of a DUI, you must pay certain penalties for your crime. If your BAC is under 0.16 and it’s your first offense, you could receive anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 worth of fines. Felony convictions can result in a $14,000 fine. On top of paying for fines, you will also be stuck with paying attorney fees for your upcoming case.

Potential Jail Time

Each case is different, and depending on the severity of your case, you can face serious jail time. For refusing a breathalyzer test, you could face a maximum of one year in jail. If this is your fourth DUI conviction within a 10-year period, you may be charged with a felony that could lead up to 7 years in prison.

Permanent Record

DUIs may not be on your driving record forever, but they will remain on your criminal record forever. They can remain on your driving record anywhere from five to 10 years, which can lead to higher insurance rates.

We cannot put enough emphasis on how important it is to drive sober, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. With the risks of drunk drivers on the road being higher, it’s not worth your safety or wellbeing.

If you do end up getting arrested for a DUI, it’s essential to act with urgency. The Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. team is here for you 24/7, so don’t hesitate to get your case started. With our combined experience, we can handle even the most complex cases to ensure your best interests are taken care of.

Call our office today at (612) 444-5020 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.