If you have enjoyed a night out with your friends and had a few beers or cocktails, the last thing you want is to end up getting a DUI. You may think that this could never be you because you would not drive when you had too much to drink, but the truth is that many people don’t realize just how much they’ve had to drink and how much it has affected their ability to drive.

At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we can help those who have been charged with a DUI but of course the best option is to avoid being charged in the first place. Following are a few of the tips that could help you prevent this costly experience. If you have been charged then contact us right away at (949) 585-9055 so we can determine your best way forward.

Make a Plan in Advance

The best thing you can do for yourself is to have a plan in place before you start drinking. If you park your car at the bar and your plan is to find another way home if you have too much to drink, you may be tempted to drive when you shouldn’t. This is especially true if your home is just a few blocks from the bar.

To help prevent making a costly and potentially dangerous mistake, have a plan in advance. This may involve a designated driver or it may involve getting a ride to and from the bar from a taxi or rideshare vehicle. If you have a solid plan in place then you will not be forced to make a decision when you are too impaired to do so safely.

Take Steps to Reduce Your Drunkenness

Remember what the public service announcements have told you: Buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you are feeling the effects of alcohol then you should assume you have had too much to drive. If you only want to have one or two drinks over the course of an evening then, depending on your weight, medical history, and other factors, you may be safe to drive.

In addition to keeping your drinking down to just one or two drinks over the course of an evening, we recommend eating plenty of food. Alcohol will affect you more on an empty stomach. Drink a few glasses of water between alcoholic drinks and make sure you are keeping track of how much you are drinking. Avoid drinks in which your glass is refilled before it is empty as this makes it harder to track how many you have had to drink.

What to Do if You Are Arrested for a DUI

If you do end up driving and you get pulled over and arrested, then you should talk to a DUI attorney right away. Many people think they only need an attorney if they are dealing with specific circumstances, such as an underage DUI. The truth is that a qualified attorney could help reduce your penalties no matter the situation. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell now at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.