Under the Legal Limit: Charges Below .08 BAC?

Most all of us understand the idea of a DUI. You were stopped, given field sobriety tests, a breathalyzer, and you were over the legal limit; next thing you know, you’re on your way to jail with a newly minted DUI charge and the messy aftermath. However, in most cases, if you register under the legal limit— you’ll walk away unscathed. However, having a BAC even under.08 can be problematic if you become involved in accident.

Under the Legal Limit: Charges Below .08 BAC?

Maybe you go out for a drink with some friends. You have one, drink water, know you’re staying below the legal limit, and then head home. However, on the way home, you find yourself in an accident that’s not your fault. Typically, this wouldn’t be a big deal. However, having alcohol in your system can create a bigger issue than you might realize.

Even with a BAC below the legal limit, the court has the opportunity to try and place blame on you for having consumed alcohol before an accident occurred. Therefore, in the case that you have any BAC whatsoever, the presence of alcohol can put you at fault for an accident that is not necessarily your fault.

How do I fight this?

Ultimately, your first step to combatting these accusations is to find a qualified attorney who will fight for you, and the result you’re looking for. The first step you should take, is to record all details of your accident. Take photos of the scene and accident, record conversations, get information from the other party, police, and retain every possible detail leading up to the accident. From where you are, how long you’ve been there, weather conditions, what you had to drink, receipts, and so forth. While these details might feel small, and insignificant, you never know what will become the difference maker in your case.

The thing to remember for now is that you were not driving illegally. It’s easy to feel as if you’ve made a fatal error, however you’re just caught up in a bad situation. Speak with an attorney, provide details, and let them see what they can do for you. Every case is different, and having the right people on your side can make a big difference.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Where, When, and What They’re Looking For

One of the most quizzical ways to get a DUI, is through a sobriety checkpoints. These checkpoints can pop up at any point in time, but are quite common during the holiday season. However, your biggest question, like many others, is what to expect if you happen to come upon a checkpoint. What do they look for? Where will they likely set up? And how do I avoid them?

Sobriety Checkpoints: Where, When, and What They’re Looking For

When?

Officers may set up a DWI checkpoint at any time they chose. In fact, in most cases, officers schedule these checkpoints in advance throughout different areas. Most of the time, these stops take place at night as people would be leaving parties or bars. These checks occur a lot around holidays. For instance, Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas, and New Year’s are popular times for DWI checkpoints. Because these points in time are likely to bring more drunk drivers to the road, more checkpoints will inevitably be out there to try and stop them.

Where?

Sobriety checkpoints will often be set up along busy streets, or a street that connects to a common drinking spot. Typically, if the road sees a lot of traffic, or drunk drivers, then it will be at the top of the list for officers. No matter the location, keep in mind that both sides of the road are going to face a stop.

What Do They Look For?

During a sobriety checkpoint, an officer will ask to see your license. They’ll start by checking to make sure the license is valid. Then, they might ask where you’re going to, or coming from. They’ll watch your basic functions, and look for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, or poor coordination. They might also glance into your car for signs of drugs, alcohol, or the remnants of such.

How do I avoid them?

The thing to keep in mind about sobriety checkpoints, although they can feel quite invasive, is that they’re there to make the roads safer. Therefore, the best way to avoid them— is to not drink and drive. Furthermore, if you pass a sobriety checkpoint, do not share it on social media. While you don’t want your friends to drink and drive, you also don’t want to be part of the reason why someone was injured or killed because your friends slipped through the cracks.

Drive safe, drive smart, and drive sober.

Fall-themed Cocktails: Mixing it Up in Cooler Weather

Over the past week in Charlotte, we’ve gotten a small taste of that Fall weather. While it came and went quickly, and we’re now met (once again) with the stifling 90 degrees days, we’ve begun to indulge in that fall mindset. Pumpkins, orange leaves, brisk mornings, sweaters…. ’tis the season that nearly all types of people can indulge in just a bit. And, as we know, part of indulging, can come in the form of alcohol. Fall-themed cocktails can come in many forms. You’ll likely see them gracing the menus of local bars and restaurants once that weather makes a more… permanent appearance.

Fall-themed Cocktails: Mixing it Up in Cooler Weather

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Apple cider is a staple for the Fall and the Winter. It’s warm, making it perfect for cooler temperatures. So, let’s spike it. You can take that hot apple cider and make it that  much better with a little bit of whiskey, bourbon, or spiced rum. To make it, you’ll need to either make a batch, or get a jug, of your favorite apple cider. Take your preferred portion, and put it in a pot over low heat. Add a stick of cinnamon, star of Anis, a few drops of vanilla. Let it warm, pull it off heat, strain, add your spirit of choice, and top with whipped cream, caramel, cinnamon, or whatever you prefer! Now, you have a delicious, seasonal, fun beverage to make available at your next holiday party.

Pumpkin Martini

You and I both know that Fall is just a fancy way of saying pumpkin season. So, what better way to commemorate that than with a pumpkin martini? You can make this martini strong, sugary, thin, or creamy— put your own little twist on this one, and take credit at the next get together. You’ll surely be named the new mixologist for all get togethers with this fun little night cap. To make it, we’ll start with a vanilla vodka. Stoli Vanil is my favorite, but mixer’s choice. Next, you’re going to want to get a pumpkin syrup— you can use the same type you would in a coffee.

Pumpkin spice syrups are actually quite easy to find in the later months. Then, you’ll want to get some baileys if you want a creamier texture. I personally think you can go with or without, just because the vodka has a creamier flavor, but the cream is a nice touch. To combine it all, using a shaker, add your 2 oz. of vanilla vodka, 1/2 oz. pumpkin syrup, 1 oz. bailey’s, and one small scoop of ice. Shake it up. Then, take your martini glass and rim it with cinnamon sugar (you won’t regret it). Pour up your martini, and top with whipped cream. Delicious, creamy, and season-friendly.

Mulled Cherry Spice

Of the other fall-themed cocktails we’ve brought to you, this one is definitely the most alcohol forward. Mulled cherry spice is rich in spices (hence the name) and slightly tart (hence the cherry). To kick this recipe off, you’ll pour yourself a hearty serving of your favorite bourbon. Then, you can top it off with a dash of cherry juice, and a splash of root beer. If you want some added spicy goodness, add a dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice and stir. Remember to never shake your bourbon— that’s a big no-no.

As we wait patiently for this Fall weather, or begin to enjoy it depending on your neck of the woods, fall festivities become a priority. Bonfires, hay rides, pumpkin patches, and fall-themed cocktails. The only thing to remember here, is that most themed beverages are going to be sugary sweet, and can make you forget just how much alcohol is in there. So, drink smart, keep track of what you’re having, and don’t get behind the wheel after having those holiday beverages. The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and family. Don’t spoil that good time with a DUI.