Mount Holly Criminal Lawyer: Weather Plays a Role in DUI Arrests
Weather patterns can impact DUI arrests, DUI investigations and DUI defenses. Warm, dry weather events such as outdoor concerts, outdoor sporting events, carnivals and fairs often serve alcohol. On a sunny day, it is likely that outdoor events and backyard get-togethers attract large numbers of individuals looking to socialize and relax among friends and family. Consuming alcohol during these types of gatherings can result in serious and sometimes deadly consequences for those who have had too much to drink and insist on getting behind the wheel.
Cold weather tends to keep people inside the comfort of their homes. However, the winter months bring the holiday season which often provides opportunities for social gatherings and celebrations that include alcohol. Aside from holiday celebrations, warm weather months tend to result in more individuals on the roads who have high levels of alcohol in their systems than in the colder months.
Odds Increase for DUI Arrests During Warmer Weather
Police officers find that the number of DUI offenders is likely to be higher in dry warm weather than in wet warm weather. Law enforcement makes more DUI arrests in warm weather compared to cold weather. In part, increased arrests for driving under the influence in warm weather is because police personnel are more willing to get out of their vehicles when the weather is nice. Weather conditions can also affect field sobriety tests. Rain or snow can impede the instruction of field sobriety tests and make the exercise more difficult.
Cold Wet Weather Increases Risk for a DUI Accident
Snow-covered or rain-slicked roads pose a higher potential for DUI offenders to get into an accident than on dry roads. In drunk driving accidents wherein only the driver’s vehicle is involved, a tow truck driver called to the scene who suspects the driver may have been drinking will notify police. When more than one car is involved, it is normal procedure for someone to call the police to the scene of the accident. In these cases, if police suspect the driver used alcohol or drugs, they have probable cause to initiate a DUI investigation.
DUI Defense Is Complex
A DUI / DWI in New Jersey (N.J.S. 39:4-50) is classified as a traffic violation. New Jersey DUI / DWI defense has become particularly intricate and specific. The penalties of a DUI conviction in New Jersey are severe and individuals found guilty of driving while under the influence face significant monetary fines, fees and surcharges, license suspension, ignition interlock device, jail time and community service.
The only systematic way to determine whether an individual is driving under the influence is through blood alcohol concentration (BAC). BAC can be tested with a simple Breathalyzer test. In New Jersey, a person with a BAC of 0.08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI).
Mount Holly DUI / DWI Lawyer Michele Finizio Aggressively Defends DUI Charges in New Jersey
If you or loved one is facing DUI charges in New Jersey, you need an experienced Mount Holly DUI lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Michele Finizio, we provide quality legal representation and aggressive defense for individuals facing Mount Holly DUI offenses. We serve clients throughout Southern New Jersey including those in Camden County, Cherry Hill, Mount Holly, Burlington County, Gloucester County and Salem County. For a free consultation, call 856-888-9059 or submit an online inquiry.
