Say No to Drunk Driving Over the Holidays

While the holiday season brings plenty of celebration to go around, it’s also known for bringing tough circumstances. Unfortunately, these circumstance can leave a scarring impact on families and friends. You’ve likely heard it most of your life, “don’t drink and drive.” But, there are many who still choose to turn a blind eye to the negative long-term affects. Need tips for how to get out of a DUI/DWI or MIP?  Kitchin Law Firm can give you the legal backing you need. Schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help fight for your rights, record and future!

Drunk Driving Statistics

Drinking and driving can lead to many unwanted consequences such as being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Kansas or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri and minor in possession (MIP). It can also lead to serious injury or death if an accident occurs.

As reported in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Transportation, over the last 5 years, an average of 300 people died from drunk driving accidents throughout the United States between Christmas and the New Year. What’s more staggering than that? In 2016, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving related accidents in December alone.

At Kitchin Law Firm, this is not something we take lightly. Our team makes an effort to encourage individuals to make the best, informed decisions ahead of time. However, we do realize that the unexpected in life happens… and we’re here to help when it does.

Ring in the New Year the Right Way

By this time, Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas is quickly approaching, and the New Year will be here faster than we can blink! This time of year isn’t called the “most wonderful time of year” for nothing. It’s a great time to enjoy and celebrate with your friends and family. But, it’s also important to be mindful of the best and most responsible way to enjoy the festivities it brings.

College students, this is for you. If you’re under the age of 21 or of the drinking age, we want to give you some tips for staying safe and keeping yourself free from an unwanted DUI/DWI or MIP charge over your holiday break.

3 Tips for Avoiding DUI/DWI’s on New Year’s Eve

As you know, a lot of parties are happening on New Year’s Eve. And, many of them come together at the last-minute, leaving little room for good decision-making. You may feel the pressure to “wing it” like everyone else, without really considering the type of situation you’re getting yourself into. Here are three tips to stay safe on NYE:

1. Know the Plan Before You Get There

Know where you’re going and who you’re going with and consider these things:

– Where is the party located?
– Who all is going to be there?
– Will people be drinking alcohol?

Considering these factors may seem pointless or like a waste of time. However, it could be the one vital step you take that keeps you from getting caught up in an unexpected, alcohol-related situation.

2. Have a Back-Up Plan (or two)

If you decide to go to one of the parties your friends invited you to, your next step is to have a suitable back-up plan in place. Knowing where the party is, who all is going to be there, and whether or not there will be alcohol doesn’t mean that that things won’t change after you arrive.

Question: what would you do if you showed up to a New Year’s party and everyone is drinking alcohol?

This is where your trusted back-up plan comes in. When you’re proactive in the “what-if” scenario, you’re less likely to be reactive in the moment.

– If you’re a minor, leave the party. Whether you’re drinking or not, you don’t want to run the risk of getting a minor in possession (MIP) in the event of the police showing up and shutting the party down.

– If you’re 21 and you brought minors with you, leave the party. No questions asked.

– Secure a designated driver (D.D.) ahead of time. If you’re 21, but you drove your friends who are also of the legal drinking age, make yourself the designated driver. This step is needed to prevent any sort of alcohol-impaired driving that can result in a possible DUI arrest.

Always expect the unexpected. And, when the unexpected happens…be prepared to take initiative. The last thing you want to do is ring in the New Year from your local county jail. It’s not worth it.

3. Don’t Risk It

No first time DUI offenses or MIP charges are ever planned or intended for. So, when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming a few drinks, the answer should always be no.

If you drove yourself to the party and think you’re okay to drive home after taking some time to sober up — don’t risk it. Talk to another friend or person who you know is a D.D. for the night. Another safe option is to get an Uber, Lyft or local taxi to take you home. These options are in place to not only keep you safe and help prevent drinking and driving, but to keep others around you safe on the road as well.

How to get out of a duI, DWI, or MIP

There’s no guarantee your charges will be dropped, but legal representation can help your case.

We know that holiday parties aren’t always safe proof. And, they can lead to unexpected legal trouble (which is never what you want).

Facing MIP charges and not sure where to start? You can find more information for how to take control of your first MIP here. If you find yourself up against a DUI/DWI or MIP charge, contact our trusted criminal defense attorney.

Kitchin Law Firm brings more than 25 years of experience to handling criminal defense and traffic violation cases. We care about you, your record and your future. Contact us today and find out how we can fight to keep your record clean for the New Year!