Maryland police: DUI crackdown will continue through holidays

Adult beverages and celebrating seem to go hand-in-hand, which is why drunk driving arrests typically spike around the holidays. Thanksgiving was no different this year, with Maryland state police arresting close to 100 people for suspected drunk driving over the holiday weekend.

Maryland State Police reported that they pulled over more than 8,900 drivers from Thursday through Sunday. State troopers from all 22 state barracks said they “made their presence known” on the roads by cracking down on drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving and driving without seatbelts.

They ended up making 96 arrests for drunk driving. Additionally, another 56 drivers were arrested on suspected drug violations and 133 were arrested for other crimes. Police also said that they confiscated three guns from motorists over the holiday weekend.

Police warned motorists that similar crackdowns will take place throughout the remainder of the holiday season in Maryland. In order to avoid a drunk driving arrest, it is wise to plan ahead for a sober driver if you plan on consuming alcohol at parties and celebrations.

For the people who have already been arrested and charged with DUI, it’s important to acknowledge that a conviction can seriously affect your life. Not only does a conviction cost money and potentially lead to the suspension of your driver’s license, you could also face jail time.

That’s why it’s important to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help defend your rights. For example, maybe the arresting officer did not have probable cause to search your car, or maybe the breath test was conducted improperly. These are things an experienced defense attorney looks for.

Source: Baltimore, “State police arrest nearly 100 for drunken driving over holiday weekend,” Kevin Rector, Nov. 26, 2012