St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida. From parades and pub crawls to green beer and whiskey shots, it’s a day when many people let loose and enjoy the festivities. However, with the celebrations also comes a significant rise in drunk driving arrests and DUI charges.
If you plan to drink on St. Patrick’s Day, BD Law is offering a Sober Ride Giveaway to help you get home safely and avoid the costly consequences of a DUI.
Drunk Driving on St. Patrick’s Day: A Major Issue in Florida
Every year, law enforcement agencies across Florida increase DUI checkpoints and patrols during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 290 people nationwide lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day between 2018 and 2022.
In Florida, where tourism and nightlife are a major part of the culture, St. Patrick’s Day brings an alarming spike in DUI arrests, especially in areas like West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Delray Beach. Police are on high alert, looking for impaired drivers, and if you are caught driving under the influence, you can expect serious legal consequences.
The Cost of a DUI in Florida
A DUI charge can have significant financial and personal consequences. Aside from the potential fines, legal fees, and increased insurance rates, a conviction can lead to:
- Employment difficulties – Many employers conduct background checks and may see a DUI as a red flag.
- Permanent criminal record – A DUI conviction remains on your record, potentially affecting future opportunities.
- Loss of professional licenses – If you work in a field that requires a professional license, such as law, medicine, or commercial driving, a DUI could jeopardize your career.
- Immigration consequences – Non-U.S. citizens may face visa issues, deportation risks, or difficulties obtaining residency or citizenship.
These risks highlight why avoiding a DUI is crucial, and BD Law’s Sober Ride Giveaway is an excellent way to ensure a safe trip home after a night of celebrating.
A Message From Brandon Dinetz
“Hey, this is Brandon Dinetz from BD Law. March 17th is St. Patrick's Day, and I want everybody to enjoy themselves responsibly and not find themselves in a position where they need to be on the phone with me following St. Patrick's Day. So, in order to have a fun night and enjoy yourself responsibly, I'm giving away $100 Uber vouchers. Go to the pinned post in my Instagram account, follow the instructions, and you'll be entered to win $100 in Uber vouchers for the night of St. Patrick's Day and to use whenever else you want. I want everybody to enjoy themselves and have a fun time from BD Law to you.”
BD Law’s Sober Ride Giveaway: Free Uber Rides for Safe Travels
To prevent drunk driving accidents and help South Floridians in West Palm Beach make safe choices, BD Law is offering free Uber rides on St. Patrick’s Day.
How It Works:
- Visit BD Law’s Instagram account.
- Follow us on Instagram.
- Tell us your St. Patrick’s Day plans in our pinned “Giveaway” post.
- Share our post to your story and tag us.
The first 10 people to do this will win a free Uber voucher to use on St. Patrick’s Day. Winners will be messaged directly on March 14, 2025. We will update our post after the first 10 winners are selected.
Rules:
- Winners must reside in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, or Palm Beach Gardens.
- Maximum voucher for $100
- One Uber voucher per person.
This initiative helps save lives, ensuring that no one has to choose between celebrating and getting home safely.
Florida’s Strict DUI Laws: What to Expect If Arrested
If you find yourself pulled over and arrested for DUI in Florida, it’s important to understand what you’re facing. A DUI conviction in Florida carries harsh penalties, including:
- First-time DUI offense: Up to six months in jail, fines up to $1,000, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school.
- Second DUI offense: Harsher penalties, including up to nine months in jail, increased fines of up to $2,000, and longer license suspension.
- Third or subsequent DUI offenses: Felony charges, at least 30 days in prison, and significant financial consequences.
- DUI with property damage or injury: Even a first-time offense can result in serious legal consequences if an accident occurs.
Florida’s implied consent law also means that if you refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, you face an automatic license suspension and possible additional penalties. The best course of action is to consult with a DUI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
How BD Law Can Help If You’re Arrested for DUI in Florida
If you are arrested for DUI on St. Patrick’s Day or any other time, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side. At BD Law, Attorney Brandon Dinetz brings extensive experience as a former prosecutor, giving him a strategic advantage in DUI cases.
Why Choose BD Law for DUI Defense?
- Former prosecutor experience: Understanding both sides of DUI cases for a stronger defense.
- Personalized legal strategies: Tailored defense plans based on your specific case details.
- Aggressive representation: Fighting to reduce or dismiss DUI charges.
- License protection: Working to minimize license suspension and restore driving privileges.
Common DUI Defenses in Florida
At BD Law, we use a variety of legal strategies to challenge DUI charges, including:
- Unlawful traffic stop: If the police did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, the case could be dismissed.
- Improper field sobriety tests: If sobriety tests were administered incorrectly, they may not be valid in court.
- Breathalyzer inaccuracies: Breath tests can be flawed due to improper calibration or medical conditions.
- Violation of rights: If your Miranda rights were not read or your legal rights were violated, evidence against you may be suppressed.
Preventing DUI Arrests: Safe Transportation Options in South Florida
Even if you don’t win the BD Law Sober Ride Giveaway, there are still many ways to avoid a DUI arrest on St. Patrick’s Day:
- Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft – A small fare is worth avoiding the high costs of a DUI.
- Designate a sober driver – Plan ahead and have a responsible person drive.
- Take public transportation – Many cities offer extended or free transit services on major holidays.
- Book a nearby hotel – Staying close to the festivities can eliminate the risk of driving drunk.
Stay Safe This St. Patrick’s Day—Take Advantage of BD Law’s Free Sober Ride Giveaway
St. Patrick’s Day should be a time of celebration, not a night that ends with an arrest and life-changing legal consequences. Plan ahead, make responsible choices, and take advantage of BD Law’s free Uber ride giveaway to stay safe.
If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges, contact BD Law immediately for a free consultation. Our team is ready to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Don’t let one night of celebration ruin your future—BD Law is here to help. We represent clients in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Delray Beach.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.