May 2, 2012

Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate for both those who use the time to celebrate the Battle of Puebla in Mexico or simply to enjoy the company of family and friends. However, Cinco de Mayo and drinking have become commonly linked in celebrations throughout Ventura and California as a whole. While this can add to many festivities, it can also result in incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and subsequent arrests.

Often, those who drink at Cinco de Mayo parties do not plan on driving afterwards, but impaired judgment and poor planning may lead to them getting behind the wheel. As such, those planning on going to Cinco de Mayo parties and enjoying alcohol should find another way of getting to the party instead of driving themselves and plan a way home. This can be by taxi, designated driver, or other forms of transport that they do not operate. Those hosting such parties should also be aware of possible drunk drivers and prevent them from driving or overindulging in the first place. This can prevent a possible arrest or accident from occurring.

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 governs the state's drunk driving laws, which, like other states, makes driving while impaired or driving with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher illegal. Being convicted under California DUI law can result in a defendant being subjected to up to $1,000 in fines, a license suspension of up to six months mandatory DUI school, installation of an ignition interlock device, and up to six months in jail for a first-time conviction. When charged for multiple DUI convictions in Ventura, the severity of these penalties increases with each subsequent conviction.

If you are facing drunk driving charges, Ventura County DUI defense attorney Daniel E. Kann has the skills and experience to successfully defend you in court and have your charges dismissed or reduced. For more information on how our legal team can assist you in your case, call the Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann at (805) 290-4932.