Spring Break is a time for college students to cut loose and celebrate the end of winter. Texas certainly sees its share of young adults flocking to the state to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, the revelry often includes alcohol or even illegal drugs. When someone puts the keys into the ignition after drinking, they are at great risk of getting into an accident and hurting someone.
The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas has stepped up the fight against DWI this spring break. The state’s Department of Transportation got a jump start by spreading awareness around college campuses about the dangers of drunk driving. This awareness campaign included a “DUI Not So Fun House,” along with a video exhibit.
We expect plenty of arrests, as well. The state has stepped up enforcement during critical periods, like the holidays. If you are arrested, contact a Houston DWI defense attorney.
Texas DWI Cases & Spring Break
In 2022, the state saw over 800 alcohol-related crashes during spring break. And that’s just accidents: many more drivers avoided crashing but were nonetheless a serious risk of getting into a wreck. These wrecks ended up seriously injuring 90 people and tragically killed 44.
Unsurprisingly, over 50% of these alcohol-related crashes during spring break had drivers between the ages of 17 and 30. That shows how much drunk driving jumps during Spring Break.
Texas officials believe these accidents are preventable and are encouraging Spring Breakers to take a cab or request an Uber instead of driving to a hotel. Another option is to not travel at all after a night drinking.
Expect a Heavy Police Presence
Crime tends to jump during Spring Break: fistfights, theft, and public intoxication are common. Police are usually a heavy presence during Spring Break, at least at popular locations. Many business owners welcome the presence of police to their restaurants and bars.
A greater police presence means more officers looking for signs of drunk driving. If you were swerving in the road, speeding, or even driving too slowly, then you could have caught the eye of an officer.
Drunk driving is a serious offense, and even first-time offenders can face time in jail. College students will also get a criminal record, which can make finding a job after graduation harder, regardless of your grades or degree.
We Represent Out-of-State Defendants
If you were picked up for DWI while visiting Texas, we can help. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can defend even out-of-state college students in a DWI case. Regardless of where you live, your criminal case will take place here, in Texas.
Hiring a Texas criminal defense attorney is essential, because your lawyer back home can’t defend you in Texas court. They also wouldn’t know the prosecutors and judges the way we do. Our office has handled literally thousands of DWI cases, so we understand what defenses work the best and whether we can
Call our Houston DWI lawyers today. We offer a free, confidential consultation to anyone facing alcohol-related crimes.
