The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also lead to unwise decisions regarding drinking and driving. In order to effectively monitor the behavior of drivers, many law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols during the the holidays. Tennessee drivers who are pulled over as a result of a sobriety checkpoint or a drunk driving patrol may need to be particularly vigilant to protect their rights.

There is a statewide campaign to discourage drunk driving. It’s called Booze It and Lose It. The campaign is motivated by the particularly high number of alcohol-related crashes in the state during the year, and law enforcement will be particularly vigilant over the next few weeks. This will come in the form of increased checkpoints, more officers on the road and more communication with drivers on the potential dangers of drinking and driving.

It is possible that by showing “zero tolerance” for drunk drivers, law enforcement officers could tread on some legal rights of those who have been stopped for alleged drunk driving. Those who are charged with DUI could face jail time, steep fines and other serious penalties if a conviction is ultimately secured. The consequences of a conviction could have a far-reaching impact, and it is important for those arrested for drunk driving to safeguard their lawful entitlements.

When a Tennessee driver is accused of drunk driving, it is important to seek legal help immediately. There may be problems with the prosecution’s case or a person’s rights may have been violated, which could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. Every person has the right to a full understanding of their options, which can be identified with a complete case evaluation.

Source: clarksvilleonline.com, “Clarksville Police Department to increase DUI Enforcement during Holiday Season“, Dec. 14, 2015