Thanksgiving Eve, which is also sometimes called “Blackout Wednesday,” is one of the busiest nights of the year for bars, restaurants, and social gatherings across South Florida. For many drivers, the night of celebration ends abruptly when they’re stopped by law enforcement and charged with a DUI (driving under the influence). If you've been arrested for DUI on Thanksgiving Eve in Florida, it’s crucial to understand the process, your rights, and how a strong defense can make all the difference.
Why Thanksgiving Eve is High-Risk For DUI Arrests
Bars and restaurants tend to be packed on Thanksgiving Eve. With holiday traffic, late-night driving and alcohol involved, law enforcement ramps up patrols and sobriety checkpoints across regions like Palm Beach County, Broward County and Martin County.
This night is also particularly dangerous because college students home for the holiday often go out with friends, increasing the number of inexperienced and underage drinkers on the road. Officers expect a spike in impaired driving during this window, which leads to heightened enforcement.
According to Brandon Dinetz, even a first‐time DUI arrest during this period can carry serious consequences.
The Initial Stop: What to Expect After Arrest
If you’re pulled over under suspicion of DUI, you’ll likely face some of the following:
- Field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer request.
- Arrest and processing at a law enforcement facility.
- An administrative driver’s license suspension (for test refusal or BAC over the legal limit).
Florida’s updated refusal law (Florida Statute § 316.1939) imposes harsh penalties for drivers who decline chemical testing, making a first refusal punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The penalties increase for repeat offenses and can lead to up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Anyone arrested on a major holiday weekend should understand that refusing testing now carries more severe consequences than in previous years.
Similar Post: New Florida Breathalyzer Law: What Drivers Need to Know About the 2025 Changes
Criminal Charges & Penalties After a DUI Arrest
Your charges and possible penalties will depend on factors such as prior DUI history, your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), and whether an accident or injury was involved. Even first‐time offenders face harsh outcomes: fines, license suspension, ignition interlock devices, and possible jail time.
Because the arrest occurred on Thanksgiving Eve, prosecutors may look unfavorably upon it, arguing alcohol, impaired driving and distraction were foreseeable risks.
Similar Post: Arrested for DUI in Florida? What You Must Do Within 24 Hours!
How an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
An arrest is not a conviction. Experienced DUI defense attorney Brandon Dinetz (a former prosecutor) can help by:
- Reviewing whether the traffic stop met legal requirements (reasonable suspicion).
- Challenging the administration and accuracy of field sobriety and chemical tests.
- Representing you in administrative hearings over license suspension.
- Negotiating for diversion programs or reduced charges where possible.
As the firm notes: one mistake should not define your future.
Crucial Steps to Take Immediately After an Arrest
- Remain silent beyond providing identification. Avoid apologizing or admitting you were impaired.
- Request a copy of the arrest report and any chemical test results as soon as you can.
- Contact a DUI defense attorney immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chance to preserve evidence (like breath machine calibration logs or officer body-cam footage).
- Follow all deadlines, including administrative hearings on license suspension. If you let the 10-day opportunity expire you may lose rights without a fight.
Because Florida’s new refusal law increases penalties for anyone accused of refusing testing, it’s even more important to challenge the basis of the stop quickly and preserve evidence that may undermine the state’s claim that you “refused” or that refusal was properly documented. This rule change makes early legal intervention critical.
What Makes a Thanksgiving Eve DUI Different?
- Higher scrutiny: Law enforcement expects intoxication and impaired driving on major social nights.
- Visibility: Traffic stops during holiday hours are more likely to be witnessed or captured on video.
- Out-of-state visitors: Florida hosts many holiday travelers, who may be unaware of Florida’s strict DUI laws and consequences. BD Law handles out-of-state DUI arrests, as well.
These factors increase the urgency of retaining effective legal representation.
Long-Term Consequences for a DUI Conviction
A holiday DUI arrest might lead to far-reaching consequences, including:
- Permanent criminal record and driver’s license issues.
- Increased insurance premiums or policy cancellation.
- Employment or professional license problems.
- Travel restrictions or international consequences for non-citizens.
Understanding this helps underline why acting quickly can preserve your future.
Your Defense Options & Possible Outcomes
Depending on the facts, a defense attorney may be able to:
- Argue that the traffic stop was unlawful (no reasonable suspicion).
- Challenge breath/blood tests for calibration or procedural errors.
- Seek diversion programs or plea agreements, particularly for first‐time offenders.
- Negotiate reductions (for example from DUI to reckless driving), which carry fewer long-term consequences.
Your specific strategy will depend on your case history, BAC reading, and whether other aggravating factors (injury, accident, minors) apply.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Case to Resolve
- Stay off social media: Avoid posting about your arrest or situation; prosecutors may use your social posts.
- Avoid driving until your license status is clear: Driving on a suspended license can lead to new criminal charges.
- Keep all documents: Booking records, test results, court notices, and letters from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles matter.
- Follow your attorney’s instructions: Do not attempt to handle the legal process alone.
Behavior during the interim period can influence plea negotiations and later sentencing.
Why Choose BD Law for a Thanksgiving Eve DUI Arrest?
At BD Law, the team brings critical advantages for holiday DUI cases:
- Former prosecutor insight: Working from the other side gives them an edge in anticipating the state’s strategy.
- Local South Florida focus: The firm handles DUIs across Palm Beach County, Broward County, and neighboring regions.
- Personalized attention: Every arrest is unique, and BD Law emphasizes case‐by‐case strategy rather than one-size-fits-all.
When a DUI arrest comes at a high-risk time like Thanksgiving Eve, you want a defense team that understands the stakes.
Arrested for a DUI on Thanksgiving Eve? Call BD Law Today
A DUI arrest on Thanksgiving Eve can feel like the opposite of gratitude. It can feel like a defining mistake. But you still have rights, and the right legal strategy can help you protect your future.
If you or someone you love faced a DUI arrest on or around Thanksgiving in South Florida, call BD Law now at (561) 778-5213 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our criminal defense team is ready to review your case, explain your options and start building a strong defense on your behalf.
Your freedom, reputation and future matter. Let the former prosecutor at BD Law, Brandon Dinetz, fight for you. He represents clients throughout Florida, including Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and West Palm Beach.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.