The holidays are quickly approaching and planning family and work festivities may already be well underway. Drinking alcohol is a commonly enjoyed holiday activity and there are a number of fun cocktails designed just for the season. 

However, the holidays are also a time when Maryland DWI arrests are up. Here’s how you can avoid being charged with drinking and driving while still enjoying seasonal celebrations. 

Know Your Alcohol Limits 

The legal limit of blood alcohol content, or BAC, a driver is allowed to have is 0.08% or less. However, because not everyone responds to different types of alcohol in the same way, it’s difficult to know exactly how much alcohol and of what kind it requires for you personally to reach the legal limit. 

Consider buying a cheap breathalyzer test so you always know if you’re safe to drive, or calculate an estimate of your BAC using an online app that takes into account weight, age, gender, type of alcohol consumed, food eaten, etc.

Arrange for a Driver 

If you will be drinking alcohol during the holidays, it’s a good idea to arrange to have a designated driver ahead of time if possible. If not, at least have a backup plan to call an Uber or a friend if you end up drinking too much and aren’t able to safely drive yourself back home. 

Don’t Submit to a Field Sobriety Test 

Contrary to what most people were taught, you are actually not legally required to submit to a field sobriety test in Maryland or any other state in the U.S. Even if the officer who pulled you over asks for you to step out of your vehicle, you do not have to do so unless you are being placed under arrest. 

Call a Maryland DWI Attorney If You’re Arrested 

If you’re arrested on a DWI charge, your best chance at reducing or avoiding a conviction is with the help of an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can review the evidence in your case and develop a solid defense strategy aimed at preserving your rights, reputation, and record. 

Contact Richard Brueckner Today 

Were you charged with drinking and driving? You may believe that there’s enough solid evidence against you for a slam-dunk case, but this may not be true. It’s critical to discuss your case with a seasoned criminal defense attorney to build an effective defense. Don’t wait to get legal help after being arrested. Contact criminal defense and DWI lawyer Richard Brueckner at 410-430-1464 now for your initial consultation.