It is now spring in Colorado, and the time of year drinking and driving charges explode. It is like there is a sign which says, “drink and drive – it’s ok now”. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI) or Drugs like marijuana (DUID), result from men and women lacking the discipline or clear head to say “I’ll get a ride home.” After 21 years practicing Criminal Defense in Denver and Arapahoe County, I think the causes of DUI and DWAI cases can be categorized even a little deeper. Once people start drinking, they don’t realize they can no longer make intelligent decisions. So, they need to give away their car keys and schedule a ride before the first sip of alcohol.
While I agree that some people can drink a little alcohol and then drive safely, most people cannot. Most people can’t stop at just one drink, and most people lack the capacity to make the smart decision to let someone else drive. I think the designated driver rule is a good one, but not every group has a person willing to stay sober and be sure everyone gets home safe.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol charges are only one of the crimes arising from alcohol: We recently saw a case where a man went into the wrong house because he was so drunk (trespassing). We have men and women going to bed with one another because they think they are in love when drunk (unwanted pregnancy or STDs). We find men accused of sexual assault because a woman later says she was incapable of giving consent to sex the night before – forgetting that the man was just as drunk (Sexual Assault). Should he call the police on her? Finally, we see fights, many fights, between drunk people (Assault). Crimes like assault, sexual assault, felony trespassing abound.
The bottom line with drinking is that you must plan ahead in Douglas, Jefferson and Adams County. Have a designated driver and a designated friend. Your driver and friend will ensure that you get home safe. The degree of planning would greatly reduce DUI and DWAI cases in Broomfield, Larimer and Weld County.
When contacted by the police for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol charges or Driving While Ability Impaired, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced DUI / DWAI attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office, P.C., at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.