Why this matters right now in Houston
The holidays bring joy, family, and celebration—but they also bring a predictable rise in alcohol‑related crashes and DWI enforcement. In Texas, law enforcement and public safety campaigns ramp up through Christmas and New Year’s because December historically sees some of the highest impaired‑driving numbers of the year, with national fatalities exceeding 1,000 in December 2023 alone. In the Houston area specifically, Harris County led the state with thousands of DUI alcohol‑related crashes in 2023, and agencies increase patrols each holiday season to curb the trend. [trafficsaf...keting.gov], [dklaw.com] [kvue.com]
If you plan to celebrate, plan to stay safe—and know your rights if things go wrong.
1) Pace Yourself & Know Your Limits
In Texas, drivers 21 and over are legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08%; commercial drivers face 0.04%, and any detectable alcohol for drivers under 21 can trigger a DUI charge under zero‑tolerance rules. Even below 0.08%, you can still be arrested if alcohol or drugs impair your normal mental or physical faculties. [txdot.gov], [cantulawrgv.com] [nealdavislaw.com]
Practical tips:
- Alternate alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks; hydrate and eat throughout the night. (Simple steps that help keep BAC down and judgment clear.)
- Set a personal limit before the event; pace your toasts—festivity doesn’t require excess.
Legal stakes (first‑time DWI): A Class B misdemeanor can mean up to $2,000 in fines, 3–180 days in jail, and a license suspension up to one year; surcharges may apply and penalties escalate with higher BAC (≥0.15%) or repeat offenses. [txdot.gov], [nealdavislaw.com]
2) Plan a Safe Ride Before You Drink
Rideshare, taxis, designated drivers, or staying overnight are the safest options. Public agencies consistently stress that planning a sober ride is the simplest way to avoid preventable tragedies during the holidays. [trafficsaf...keting.gov], [kvue.com]
Quick checklist:
- Decide your ride home before the party starts.
- If plans change, call a rideshare or a sober friend—no excuses.
3) Look Out for Friends & Loved Ones
The holidays are about community. Keep an eye on your circle and intervene if someone’s about to drive impaired. Local and national campaigns run every December because late‑night hours (especially midnight–3 a.m.) see a disproportionate share of drunk‑driving fatalities. [trafficsaf...keting.gov]
Do the right thing:
- Offer to call a car or arrange a safe ride.
- Don’t let social pressure override safety—your nudge can save a life.
4) Hosting? Offer Non‑Alcoholic Options & Understand Liability
Serve responsibly. Beyond great mocktails and water stations, make a plan so every guest has a safe way home. If minors could be present, know this: Texas generally limits social‑host liability for serving adults, but there’s a major exception—serving alcohol to minors. Adults can face civil and even criminal penalties if they provide or allow alcohol to minors who then cause harm. Texas courts have recognized claims tied to making alcohol available to minors, reinforcing the duty to prevent underage drinking at private gatherings. [tabc.texas.gov], [edgettlawfirm.com] [legalclarity.org]
Bottom line:
- Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Control access to alcohol and verify ages when needed.
- For adult guests, focus on safety planning rather than over‑serving.
If Things Go Wrong: Steps to Protect Yourself
- Call an attorney immediately. Early counsel helps protect your rights and mitigate consequences.
- Do not provide statements beyond basic identification without legal advice.
- Mark the 15‑day ALR deadline. After a DWI arrest, you generally have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing to fight driver’s license suspension. [zealousadvocate.com]
- Document everything (receipts, texts about rideshare plans, witness names).
- Follow release conditions (no alcohol, interlock device compliance) meticulously.
Understanding Texas DWI Basics (Fast Facts)
- Legal intoxication: 0.08% BAC for adults; impairment standard applies below 0.08% if faculties are affected. [txdot.gov], [nealdavislaw.com]
- Under 21: zero tolerance—any detectable alcohol can trigger DUI charges. [txdot.gov]
- Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC limit. [cantulawrgv.com]
- First offense penalties: up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days in jail, license suspension up to one year; enhanced penalties for BAC ≥0.15% and repeat offenses. [txdot.gov], [nealdavislaw.com]
- Open container can add consequences and complicate a case. [txdot.gov]
Local Perspective: Houston & Harris County
Holiday enforcement is high‑visibility in Houston. Agencies emphasize “Drive Sober” campaigns and increase patrols through New Year’s due to the spike in alcohol‑related crashes. Use this to your advantage—plan ahead so you never need my number for an emergency call in the first place. [kvue.com], [trafficsaf...keting.gov]
Your Safety Plan (Printable/Shareable)
- ✅ Decide not to drive if you drink.
- ✅ Book rideshare before your first drink.
- ✅ Alternate alcohol with water; eat food.
- ✅ Designate a sober driver and backup plan.
- ✅ Hosts: offer mocktails, check ages, and arrange rides.
- ✅ If impaired: stay put or call for help—no exceptions.
Call Now—Your Future Depends on Fast Action
If you or a loved one is facing a DWI, DUI, or alcohol‑related criminal charge in Houston or Harris County:
📞 713‑521‑9955 — Omar Saman, P.C.
One Call. One Lawyer. 24/7 Defense in Houston, TX.
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