Labor Day weekend results in many DUI arrests in Riverside area

Labor Day weekend is widely considered to be the last weekend of the summer season. In an effort to give summer a proper send-off, many California residents celebrate with a few drinks and brats by the pool. Unfortunately, some of these celebrations end with a party-goer getting arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Over the weekend, one officer reported that there were three deadly crashes in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

During Labor Day weekend 2015, 122 people were arrested throughout the Inland Empire. The California Highway patrol announced a “maximum enforcement period” that went from Friday evening to Labor Day before midnight. Officers from Beaumont, Indio, Riverside and Temecula stations were out and about, focused on catching DUI suspects and other potentially negligent drivers.

This deployment happened to be at the same time as Riverside County’s weekend enforcement campaign. The campaign required law enforcement agencies all across the county to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. The National Highway Safety Administration’s nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign was the basis for both of these local efforts.

With these increased enforcement efforts, more people find themselves facing DUI charges. If convicted of such a charge, a person may find themselves in serious trouble, even if it is just their first offense. Drivers can face license suspension, hefty fees, and possible jail time. While most first-time offenders are charged with a misdemeanor, in more serious cases, a DUI charge can be a felony. However, being charged with a DUI does not mean that you will be convicted. A legal professional may be able to advise you on some of your options.