[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hundreds of drivers across California were arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) over Memorial Day weekend. CHP had announced a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) would be in effect for the entirety of the weekend from Friday 6:01 p.m. through Monday 11:59 p.m. On Tuesday, CHP stated that 979 arrests were made during the 78-hour MEP.
CHP also announced that at least 35 people were killed in car crashes across California during the MEP, an increase of 13 percent from 2020. The majority of the traffic fatalities were not wearing a seat belt. CHP did not indicate if any of those arrested for DUI were involved in any of the fatal collisions.
The legal penalties for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated can be severe. A DUI Conviction can result in jail time, community service, probation, fines and court costs, and a suspended driving license. The penalties can be more severe if the driver has a previous DUI conviction, causes a car collision, injures anyone, or causes property damage.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth strongly urges anyone who has been consuming alcohol to designate a sober driver or find a means of transportation that does not involve getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, including rideshares. This extends to every time anyone consumes alcohol, not just during maximum enforcement periods. Please drink responsibly and do not drive if you have been drinking.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
