Spring Break is quickly approaching. This year, over 53% of people aged 18-34 plan to travel for the week off. This mean a lot more people on the road and in airports. Attractive Spring Break destinations start filling up with people primarily interested in drinking, socializing, and partying. This environment creates a perfect combination of elements for drinking in excess, which can then translate into a variety of infractions that can lead to an alcohol-induced arrest.
The stats on drinking during Spring Break
The average spring breaker spends 19 percent of their vacation budget on alcohol. Considering how costly it can be to travel to some of the idyllic destinations for this week off, that could total up to a decent sum. This doesn’t just account for single drinks bought while out. Many college students save money by buying alcohol in bulk and drinking in their hotel or rented house before even heading to bars or clubs. As a result, while on Spring Break, men drink an average of 18 drinks per day, and women drink an average of ten.
Risqué behavior often stems from having too much to drink, when inhibitions go down along with patience. The potential for this problem increases during Spring Break due to the total number of vacationers getting intoxicated each day they’re away. According to Psychology Today, 44 percent of college women and 75 percent of college guys get drunk on a daily basis during Spring Break.
How intoxication gets you arrested
Activities that can lead to an arrest connected to excessive drinking vary. You may not even get arrested for being intoxicated, but rather your behavior while drunk can lead to charges like disturbing the peace or destroying property. Common alcohol-induced arrests consist of:
- Underage drinking
- DUI
- Public intoxication
- Fighting
- Damaging property
- Urinating in public
- Public indecency
Even drinking in public can get you charged. This causes confusion for some college students since certain destinations allow open containers in public while others do not. Over Spring Break 2018, in Panama City, for example, over half of the 200 arrests taking place the first few weeks of the season were for drinking on the beach.
Arrests related to any of these activities can lead to criminal consequences, fines, or even jail time. They should all be taken seriously and managed with the help of an attorney with experience handing DUI and alcohol-related charges.
What to do if you find yourself in a squad car
Getting arrested over Spring Break, regardless of the charge, can become exacerbated by how you handle the situation. Even if you’re impaired as a result of alcohol, remember how you behave during the arrest can make a huge difference.
Stay calm and show respect: Regardless of how you feel about the treatment from the officer, be polite and keep your cool. You’ll still get arrested if you’re breaking a law, but good manners go a long way. Good behavior could even increase your chances of getting away with just a warning.
Tell the truth: Do not give a police officer a fake ID or lie about your identity in any way. Getting caught in a lie by the police can add an additional charge to your arrest. Keep it truthful when identifying yourself and your age, even if it means getting caught for underage drinking.
Avoid suspicious behavior: Never do anything that may make an officer feel like their safety is threatened. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking to an officer and never try to resist arrest. If you’re driving and get pulled over, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Ask the officer for permission before reaching to open a glove compartment or purse to get out your license and registration. Acting suspiciously can lead to a serious reaction by police, and you could find yourself injured as a result.
Contact a lawyer for alcohol-related charges
Contacting an experienced attorney, well-versed in cases related to alcohol-related charges as soon as possible after an arrest. Their familiarity with the legal process will help facilitate a smooth transition from your arrest to the next legal steps. Even if you’re out of town, you can contact a lawyer back home for initial support before working with someone local. If you find yourself under arrest over Spring Break, The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can help. Their case knowledge and personalized attention will assist you in getting the best outcome possible for your case.
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