While Denver residents enjoyed Thanksgiving meals, law enforcement officers in the area and throughout the state were on the lookout for people who may be driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. The increased enforcement efforts are part of the year-long Heat is On campaign, which sets out certain times of the year to specifically target drunk drivers. Along with local law enforcement agencies, the campaign is sponsored by the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Though the number of arrests made over the Thanksgiving weekend have not yet been reported, last year officers placed 411 individuals under arrest during this particular holiday weekend, including 50 people arrested by local Denver police.
The emphasis on patrols over Thanksgiving is only the beginning of increased law enforcement efforts that will largely continue through the end of the year. As Thanksgiving largely marks the start of the winter holiday season, December is expected to bring holiday parties, gatherings, and other events for many Denver residents. Not surprisingly, many of these events involve alcohol. Though efforts in December will center around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, efforts will be largely increased during the entire month.
While it is only natural that drinks will be part of the holiday party season, nothing dampers a holiday faster than an arrest and DUI charges. For this reason, everyone should take precautions if you plan on partying away from home in December. First, having a sober driver or an alternate form of transportation is always the most reliable method of avoiding a DUI. Next, realize that police will be out in increased numbers, especially saturation patrols in popular areas with bars and restaurants. Even if you are not planning on drinking, look online for any scheduled DUI checkpoints so you can completely avoid interactions with law enforcement, which can take time and be stressful. Even people who have not been drinking may be nervous and appear suspicious to police officers.
Next, in the unfortunate event that you are arrested on suspicion of DUI, always have a plan. You, a family member, or a friend should always have the number of an experienced DUI defense attorney so that they can contact him as soon as possible following your arrest. Though no one wants to consider the possibility of a DUI arrest, contacting a defense attorney as soon as possible can help significantly in the end result of your case.
If you have been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving or are already facing criminal charges, your first step should be to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Jay Tiftickjian and the team at the Tiftickjian Law Firm are known for their work helping people in and around the Denver area fight DUI charges and penalties. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin building an aggressive defense in your case.
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