Are you heading out to party? Protect against a DUI

Maybe you’re a college student with a long night of partying ahead of you. Maybe you’re heading to a local bar in Greeley with some co-workers. Or perhaps a friend or family member is having a get together where you’re sure to drink alcohol.

If you’re heading out to party, regardless of the location or company you’ll keep, it’s critical that you take steps to protect against driving under the influence of alcohol.

Here are some of the many things you can do:

• Vow not to drink: Even if you enjoy drinking a few alcoholic beverages, it’s not worth the risk if you know you’ll be driving. There are other ways to have fun, so open your mind to the possibilities.
• Opt for public transportation: There’s more than one way to get to and from your destination. You don’t necessarily have to drive. For instance, if you know you’ll be drinking, call an Uber. It will set you back a few dollars, but it’s much better than the consequences of a DUI conviction.
• Choose a designated driver: For example, if you’re going out to the bar with a group of friends, name a designated driver. This ensures that everyone in your group has a ride home with someone who is 100% sober.

The key to avoiding a DUI is planning in advance. When you know that you’re heading out to party, think about how you’ll get to and from your destination. Don’t begin to think about this once you’re intoxicated. If you wait, you could find yourself making a rash decision, which could result in your getting behind the wheel.

If you make the mistake of driving drunk and find yourself pulled over by police, do the following:

• Don’t admit that you were drinking
• Don’t share too much information, such as where you’re coming from
• Don’t resist arrest

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, this doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll be convicted of the crime. Revisit the circumstances of your arrest, learn more about your charges and then formulate a DUI defense strategy that can help lessen your punishment or avoid a conviction altogether.