Here’s Why DUI Arrests Increase During Summer

Binge drinking, summer holiday celebrations, and increased patrols are all factors that lead to an increase in DUI arrests each year. The warm weather provides inviting driving conditions that may encourage drivers to take risks. Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicates that the number of crimes reported nationwide increases by 12% in the summer.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is common when people gather in groups. It so happens that summer weather encourages social gatherings and outdoor events. It is during these events that people lose control and engage in drinking games. Some of them end up driving vehicles, leading to DUI charges and the need for a criminal attorney.

Summer Holidays

Many Americans celebrate summer holidays by going to beaches and public spaces where drinks are flowing. Meanwhile, long weekends like the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are associated with drunk driving and top the statistics for road accidents.

Inviting Driving Conditions

The rain and snow in the spring and winter make people reluctant to drive under the influence. In contrast, the clear weather in the summer makes individuals feel confident that they can drive after a few drinks. The false sense of security leads to intoxicated persons taking the wheel.

Night Accidents

The NCVS data indicates that over 50% of the accidents that happen at night involve alcohol intoxication. In the summer, most people stay out late into the night due to the favorable weather. This increases the amount of driving that happens at night, leading to more traffic accidents.

Underage Drinking

Learning institutions are closed during the summer, providing ample time for college and high school students to engage in mischief. Many of them form gatherings and frequent clubs where they try alcohol. Some of them get caught driving under the influence while going home.

Increased Patrols

Because DUI incidences increase in the summer, law enforcement agencies intensify patrols accordingly. There are more traffic officers on the road in the summer vigilantly looking for intoxicated drivers. 

Due to the high risk of DUI arrests in the summer, it helps to have the number of a criminal attorney to assist with DUI charges.   

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

People facing drug crime charges who were victims of unlawful search or seizure may wonder, “What role does search and seizure law play in drug cases?” Under the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure law protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officers. The Minnesota constitution provides similar protections.
One question that may linger on your mind upon discovering you are under drug crime investigation is: “What should I do if I’m arrested on drug charges?” The first thing you should do if you’re arrested on drug charges in Minneapolis is stay calm and cooperative. Then, document the arrest while the event is still fresh in your mind. Next, hire a lawyer who has built a successful practice around helping criminal defendants facing drug related charges.
If you are facing a sex crime charge or suspect the police are investigating you, you might wonder: “Can I be charged with a sex crime if the other party consents?” While you might have consensual sex with someone, sex crime charges can still be filed against you in Minnesota. Legal concerns, such as the complainant’s age, mental capacity, and legal authority, are usually considered during court proceedings for sex crime cases. All those issues can impact your case.