Dutchess County officials have kicked off a STOP-DWI program called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The Dutchess County executives and legislators told residents not to “drink and drive. It’s just not worth the risk.”
The joint initiative is an enhanced effort by authorities to make our roads safer and prevent fatalities caused by driving while intoxicated. Organizations involved in the imitative include Beacon, Poughkeepsie, East Fishkill, Hyde Park and the Village of Red Hook police departments. The Dutchess County Sherriff’s department and New York State Police are also participating in the coordinated effort.
STOP-DWI board members are aware that the summer months between Memorial Day, prom season and Labor Day are woefully the months when our community witnesses increased numbers of drunk driving accidents. In fact, just the weekend before our first three-day holiday, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office arrested eight people for misdemeanor DWIs.
The goal of the enforcement effort is to remind drivers that making the decision to drink and drive can potentially end or ruin your life, or the lives of others.
If you do get pulled over for DWI, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer who has experience mitigating any fallout from the arrest. They can help you plea bargain to a lesser charge or fight for your rights in court. They can also help you maintain your driver’s license so you can get to work and maintain your daily obligations.
Sometimes police do not use proper techniques during the field sobriety tests or do not have calibrated breathalyzers.
Whether you were charged with felony DUI, underage drinking, are from out-of-state, or have a suspended license, you still have an opportunity and obligation to defend your rights.
Source: midhudsonnews.com, “Dutchess launches impaired enforcement crackdown,” May 23, 2012
