The holidays are a time for visiting with family and friends and celebrating, but it can also mean getting behind a wheel after you have been drinking. The number of D.U.I.'s have increased through the years. Although, people drink year-round, the holidays are an exception where people are less likely to plan and think ahead and therefore D.U.I.'s occur.

    Three things must be considered when it comes to penalties. First, is this the person's first offense or have they gotten a D.U.I. before? Second, how much alcohol or drugs are in the bloodstream of the driver? Third, was any property or people injured and was anyone killed?

     The consequences for a D.U.I can vary from paying fines, to taking required classes, losing your driver's license or even prison time if someone is killed. The more D.U.I.’s someone has on their record, the greater, the penalty.

      Tim George, a D.U.I. lawyer in Erie says, "during this time of the year the absence of an exit strategy, that being an appointed designated driver or simply calling for a Lyft or an Uber results in these otherwise good people facing consequences that can result loss of freedom and driving privileges.
      A lawyer isn’t necessary to retain, but it is helpful to seek advice about the situation so the proper steps can be taken to prepare for the penalty.

         The most important thing to remember when drinking is to always have an exit strategy, it's best to ask for a ride instead of getting behind the wheel of the car.