Are DUIs More Common During the Holidays?

December 23, 2021

Yes. DUI arrests and drug- and alcohol-related car crashes are more common during the holidays. Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partners with local law enforcement agencies to enhance DUI enforcement. If you hear the slogans, “drive sober or get pulled over,” or “if you feel different, you drive different – drive high get a DUI,” know that police officers in your area will be on the lookout for impaired drivers this holiday season.


What Holiday Has the Most DUIs?

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the holidays with the most DUIs. According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all traffic fatalities on January 1 are alcohol-related – the most of any U.S. holidays.


Many people stay out drinking until midnight, then try to drive home. Others may not realize they are still drunk when they wake up in the morning and try to drive.


The best plan for navigating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is to arrange a safe ride home and quiet morning in. With technology, it is easier than ever to call an Uber or Lyft on the way home and use Postmates, Grubhub, or another online food ordering app for breakfast.


DUIs on Christmas

Many people celebrate Christmas with alcohol – from champagne to hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps. If you get behind the wheel after drinking, the most wonderful time of the year becomes the most dangerous.


Remember, drinking coffee doesn’t “sober you up,” and eating bread doesn’t “absorb” the alcohol. The only way you can sober up after drinking is to give yourself time. On average, human bodies take 10 hours to fully metabolize 5 alcoholic drinks.


What to Do During a Holiday DUI Stop

If you drive impaired during the holidays, you are more likely to get pulled over or get stopped at a DUI checkpoint. When dealing with police officers, always be respectful and follow instructions carefully.


Provide the officer with your name, driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Do not lie, but do not apologize or say much else, either. Remember that you have the right to remain silent, and the officer can use anything you say or do against you, so do not agree to the field sobriety exercises or provide a breath sample.


At any time during the traffic stop, you can ask for an attorney. If you are arrested, call your lawyer immediately.


What Are the Consequences of a DUI in Florida?

In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) applies to alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, and controlled substances. You can get a DUI if your normal faculties are impaired or you have an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level (0.08 or above).


According to The 2021 Florida Statutes 316.193, the penalties for DUI in Florida include:


  • Fines of $500 to $1,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months for a first-time offense
  • Fines of $1,000 to $2,000 and imprisonment up to 9 months for a second conviction
  • Fines of $2,000 to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 12 months (including mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days) for a third conviction
  • Fines of at least $2,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years for fourth and subsequent offenses


All consequences can increase for aggravated DUIs or DUIS with breath/blood alcohol levels of 0.15 or higher. Penalties may also be more severe if there are minors in the vehicle.


Of course, many of the consequences of DUI are worse than this. You could accidentally injure or kill yourself or someone else, which could result in more serious charges (like manslaughter and vehicular homicide) and civil liability. Additionally, you will lose your license, and your car insurance rates will increase.


Can I Avoid a DUI Conviction?

Even if you get arrested for a DUI, you may be able to avoid a conviction. Be sensible when interacting with law enforcement and call an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.


The Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC has been representing clients in DUIs since 2004, and we have helped thousands of people like you navigate the legal system. Our team has extensive trial experience and a history of proven results.


We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you get into trouble, do not hesitate to call us at 954-637-1154 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Handcuffs resting on a pile of one hundred dollar bills, suggesting crime.
February 25, 2026
Facing economic crime charges in Fort Lauderdale? Learn what to expect, potential penalties, and how the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC can help.
Woman in orange prison jumpsuit covers face at a table; another person in suit is seated across from her.
January 28, 2026
Facing a probation violation in Broward County? Learn what to expect, potential penalties, and how the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC can help.
Person breaking into a car, using a tool on the window. Black hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a silver car.
December 30, 2025
Charged with theft or property crimes in Fort Lauderdale? Learn how Florida theft laws work, potential penalties, and defense strategies that may help protect your record and future.
Scales of justice, gavel, car keys, and beer mug on a wooden table, suggesting DUI or legal implications of drinking and driving.
December 30, 2025
Facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale? Learn why early legal representation is critical—even for first-time offenders. Protect your license, record, and future with proven DUI defense.
A judge 's gavel and scales of justice are on a wooden table.
September 18, 2025
Why You Should Never Go to Court Alone—Even for a Misdemeanor
A pair of handcuffs and a judge 's gavel on a gray background.
August 21, 2025
The Critical Difference Between Assault and Battery Under Florida Law
A car key next to a spilled glass of wine on a wooden table.
July 24, 2025
Facing a DUI in Fort Lauderdale? What You Need to Know Right Now
Criminal Justice System
July 5, 2023
The  Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC  is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges in Florida. With extensive experience in criminal defense, our firm understands the complexities and challenges clients may encounter when navigating the Florida criminal justice system. In this blog post, we will outline the crucial steps involved, from arrest to trial, to help you better understand what to expect. Arrest and Booking The first step in the criminal justice process begins with an arrest. When law enforcement believes there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, they have the authority to detain and arrest the individual involved. After the arrest, the person will be taken to a police station for booking. During this process, personal information is collected, fingerprints are taken, and a mugshot is captured. Remaining calm and exercising your right to legal representation by contacting our firm immediately is essential. Bail and Pretrial Release Following the arrest and booking, the next consideration is bail and pretrial release. Bail is an amount of money the court sets that, if paid, allows the defendant to be released from custody until the trial. Our experienced attorneys can help navigate the bail process, making arguments for reduced bail or alternative forms of pretrial release, such as house arrest or electronic monitoring, depending on the circumstances of the case. Arraignment and Plea Bargaining After release from custody, the defendant will receive a court date for an arraignment. During this hearing, the charges will be formally read, and the defendant will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a critical stage where our skilled attorneys can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain, potentially securing a reduced sentence or lesser charges for our clients. Discovery and Investigation Once the plea has been entered, the discovery and investigation phase begins. Our legal team will thoroughly examine the evidence against you, gathering information through interviews, witness statements, and expert opinions. This meticulous investigation helps identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Pretrial Motions and Hearings Throughout the pretrial phase, our attorneys will file motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence, suppress certain statements, or request a change of venue, among other legal strategies. Pretrial hearings are conducted to argue these motions before the judge, presenting our case for the best possible outcome. Trial The case proceeds to trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached. Trials in Florida can be either by jury or bench trials, where the judge alone determines guilt or innocence. Our experienced trial attorneys will meticulously prepare your case, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering persuasive arguments to protect your rights and advocate for your innocence. Sentencing and Appeals After a verdict has been reached, the final step is the sentencing phase. If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on the nature of the offense and other relevant factors. Our firm can explore post-conviction options, including appeals, to challenge an unfavorable verdict or sentence. Navigating the Florida criminal justice system can be a daunting task. Still, with the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC by your side, you can have confidence knowing that you have experienced and dedicated legal representation. From the initial arrest to trial and beyond, we will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Contact Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future!
A man wearing handcuffs is standing in a room.
June 13, 2023
If you're pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence ( DUI ) in Florida, you may be required to take a breathalyzer test or other sobriety test to determine your level of intoxication. This is because Florida, like many other states, has an implied consent law that requires drivers to submit to chemical testing if they are lawfully arrested for DUI. Yet, many people don't fully understand what implied consent means or how it works in practice. What is Implied Consent Law? Implied consent law is a legal doctrine that implies drivers have given their consent to chemical testing if they are arrested for DUI. This means that if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test or other sobriety test after being lawfully arrested for DUI, you can face additional penalties, such as a driver's license suspension or even criminal charges. However, implied consent law doesn't give law enforcement officers unlimited power to conduct sobriety tests. There are certain rules and procedures they must follow to ensure that your rights are protected. In Florida, a first refusal is punishable by license suspension for 12 months. a second or subsequent refusal can result in longer license suspension periods and even jail time. Your Rights Under Implied Consent Law As a driver in Florida, you have certain rights when it comes to implied consent law. For example, you have the right to: Be informed of your rights and the consequences of refusing a sobriety test Choose which type of sobriety test you want to take (breathalyzer, blood, or urine) Have your own independent test performed by a qualified professional Have an attorney present during any sobriety testing However, it's important to note that these rights are not absolute. If you refuse to take a sobriety test, you can still face penalties, such as a driver's license suspension. Tips for Dealing with Implied Consent Law If you're pulled over for suspicion of DUI in Florida, there are several things you can do to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of implied consent law. These include: Cooperating with law enforcement officers, but not admitting guilt or answering any questions without an attorney present Choosing the breathalyzer test over other types of sobriety tests, as it is generally considered less invasive and more reliable Contacting an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights  Implied consent law can be confusing and intimidating, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a DUI arrest. If you're facing charges related to DUI or implied consent law in Florida, don't hesitate to contact the  Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC  for experienced and effective legal representation.
A man wearing a watch is driving a car at night.
May 19, 2023
Florida DUI checkpoints are designed to catch drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a driver in Florida, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when encountering these checkpoints. In this blog post, we will discuss some common issues drivers face at DUI checkpoints and provide tangible advice on handling them. Being informed and prepared can protect your rights and avoid potential legal trouble. Understanding DUI Checkpoints in Florida DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are temporary roadblocks set up by law enforcement to stop vehicles and check drivers for signs of impairment. These checkpoints in Florida are legal and typically conducted during weekends and holidays when alcohol consumption is more prevalent. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides guidelines for law enforcement agencies to follow when conducting DUI checkpoints, ensuring they are completed fairly and legally. Your Rights at a DUI Checkpoint When you approach a DUI checkpoint, knowing your rights is essential. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), you have the right to: Remain silent Refuse to consent to a search of your vehicle Ask for an attorney if you are detained or arrested However, it's important to note that refusing to cooperate with law enforcement officers at a DUI checkpoint may lead to further suspicion and possible detainment. Be polite and respectful, but exercise your rights when necessary. Your Responsibilities at a DUI Checkpoint As a driver, you have specific responsibilities when encountering a DUI checkpoint. These include: Stopping at the checkpoint when directed by law enforcement Providing your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance when requested Following the instructions of law enforcement officers Failure to comply with these responsibilities can lead to legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or arrest. What to Do if You Are Suspected of DUI If a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI at a checkpoint, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a breathalyzer test. While you can refuse these tests, doing so can result in an automatic license suspension under Florida's implied consent law. If you are arrested for DUI, it's crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong defense. How the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC Can Help If you have been charged with a DUI after encountering a Florida DUI checkpoint, seeking legal representation from an experienced DUI defense attorney is essential. At the  Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC  , we understand the complexities of Florida's DUI laws and can help you navigate the legal process. Our team will work diligently to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. With our expertise in Florida DUI Checkpoints: Your Rights and Responsibilities, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. Contact the  Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Grossman, LLC  today and let us help you fight your DUI charges!