It’s that time of year again: Super Bowl time. Every year people gather to watch the big game, eat chicken wings and queso, and of course, drink. It is time for family, food, and friendly wagers. For many people, Super Bowl game day is more than just a day to watch the game. It is a time to come together and celebrate while enjoying a little healthy competition. While the game itself may only last a few hours, the consequences of drinking too much and then driving home can haunt you for years to come.
Take a look at the headlines from across the state in the weeks leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.
From Austin to Abilene, law enforcement officials have been gearing up for this night in particular. Why? Because Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous “holidays” for drinking and driving. According to one Texas news outlet, in 2018, more than 1,400 fatal accidents on Texas roads were alcohol-related. One of those accidents on Super Bowl Sunday took the life of one woman’s daughter, a tragedy she is still reeling from today.
However, it isn’t just the day of the big game itself. Many statewide DWI enforcement points run all weekend long and into Monday morning. These checkpoints are serious. Law enforcement officers are on red alert for people who have been drinking. Typically, when a driver comes into contact with one of the checkpoints, officers will stop the driver and look for visible signs of impairment or intoxication. They may scan the vehicle for obvious open containers of alcohol, ask the driver questions, or request that the driver submits to a field sobriety test if they have reason to believe the driver has been drinking.
Drivers should also note that Texas has what is known as an “implied consent” law. That means that all drivers lawfully arrested for driving while intoxicated are required to submit to a blood or breath test to determine their blood alcohol concentration. Refusing this test typically results in the driver having their license suspended.
The penalties for driving while intoxicated on Super Bowl Sunday or any day of the week are severe. An individual convicted of a DWI can face jail time, fines, probation, and license suspension. If a driver is involved in an accident while legally intoxicated, the penalties are even more severe. A DWI conviction can change an individual’s life, and that isn’t an exaggeration. A conviction on your record can impact your career, family life, and your ability to get behind the wheel again.
In the days to come, you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed, and uncertain about your future and the outcome of your DWI arrest. If you are facing charges of an alcohol-related crime like DWI, you need immediate legal representation. At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we have a highly qualified and experienced team of attorneys who can review the circumstances of your case and offer you the legal advice you need. We want to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Don’t face a DWI alone. Contact us today by calling (972) 369-0577 for a free consultation. We can take immediate action to protect your legal rights. One night doesn’t have to determine the rest of your life.