RSSLabor Day, like almost every holiday weekend in Southern California, is a time when countless residents are enjoying time off from work, and frequently some traveling as well. Labor Day weekend is also well-known for its DUI crackdowns that can leave unsuspecting driver in a lot of legal trouble.
However, as hundreds of area drivers found out recently, DUI crackdowns are no longer reserved just for holiday weekends. Between August 15 and 22 of this year, 800 people were arrested for either driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This involved a coalition of police officers from over 100 different agencies and spanned Los Angeles County.
Hallmarks of a DUI crackdowns are checkpoints as well as increased resources poured into patrols. Drivers often notice a visibly increased police presence during this time, and may find themselves getting pulled over for relatively minor infractions. According to a coordinator with L.A. County, the higher level of anti-drunk driving resources is viewed not only on Labor Day weekend itself but also well ahead of the actual holiday.
While the number of arrests resulting from this year’s crackdown seems huge, last year even more people were arrested during the same event: 975 in total. Officials advice to drivers for avoiding arrest? Contact a designated driver if at all possible and dial 911 if one suspects another driver may be intoxicated.
This August, checkpoints have been experienced in Baldwin Park, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, El Monte, West Covina and Arcadia. Monrovia and Whittier saw higher-than-usual numbers of police patrols.
Drivers often leave police checkpoints feeling either relief or dread regarding what comes next. Some penalties are felt immediately, even before a conviction. For example, police officers in California can confiscate a DUI suspect’s license at the time of arrest. Drivers must pay a reissue fee to the state DMV and file proof of financial responsibility in order to get their license back at the end of their suspension or revocation period, but that is often just the beginning of the often-complicated legal process.
To discuss your DUI charges with an experienced DUI defense attorney, call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 at any time.