Arrests and prosecutions for DUI skyrocket during the holiday season. The most simple reason for this fact is that more people choose to drink and drive during the holiday season and the police are aware of this fact. Accordingly, just about every police department and the state of California increases patrols, checkpoints, and DUI spotting close to bars and restaurants frequented by partygoers.

The best way to avoid an arrest for DUI or driving while intoxicated is to designate a driver. If you're going to drink, you should not drive. This is the easiest way to avoid trouble from the law and potentially disastrous consequences to others and yourself. With a designated driver you are free to enjoy the evening and you'll be free from arrest and prosecution. In short, you may never need a DUI lawyer such as Mr. Bruno.

If you do have a drink and you get into a car and drive you are taking a significant risk. Of course, it is not illegal in the state of California to drink and drive. It is only illegal to drink and drive if the alcohol affects your ability to drive such that you can no longer operate a vehicle in a way that a sober person would, or, your blood alcohol content is 0.08 or above. Oftentimes, it is difficult to tell whether or not you're breaking the law if you get into a car and drive after you've been drinking. Alcohol lowers the inhibitions. After you've had three drinks, you may feel like you're OK to drive. But keep in mind that the decision-making process that you are going through is that of a person having already consumed three drinks Perhaps you would make a different decision if you were sober and had not consumed the three drinks. Many times people that have had three or four drinks honestly believe that they can drive

home safely. But if you would ask that same person--if they had not consumed any alcohol-- whether or not they felt they could drive home after four drinks they would likely admit that they could not. It is the decision-making process that leaves the mind when alcohol enters the body. By designating a driver, you're making the decision before consuming any alcohol. That is always smart.

If you do not designate a driver and If you are pulled over please be polite to the officer. However, it is your right to refuse to take any of the field sobriety tests including a preliminary alcohol screening test. You should exercise that right. You will need to submit to a chemical test which includes breath or blood when requested or you will lose your driver's license for one year as part of a refusal case. In my opinion, you should request a breath test with a urine backup sample. Do not say anything else to the officer, like where you were coming from, how much you've had to drink, or how much you had to eat. Politely decline to answer his questions and call Keith J. Bruno at (714)-973-2121.

The best way to prevent a DUI is to designate a driver. The best way to prevent a DUI conviction is to call Keith J. Bruno.