Brushes With the Law Never Take Time Off
Unfortunately, cutting loose and living it up does not come without risks. While many of us worry most about the airline losing our luggage, or the trusty van breaking down in the middle of nowhere, few consider an all too common cause of a bad vacation, an encounter with the law.
The fourth of July, not New Year’s eve, is the worst day of the year with respect to fatal road accidents in the United States. Very aware of these facts, law enforcement agencies are out in force during the summer holidays, and are in no mood for leniency.
In recent years, in response to the rising number of maritime accidents, law enforcement has stepped up waterborne patrols in many jurisdictions. Nowadays there are as many things to worry about as a boater as there are as a motorist.
So how can you protect yourself while enjoying your vacation? First step is to know the local laws wherever you are spending your holiday.
Many vacation spots require the use of life preservers while on the water, and established marine facilities will also require running lights on boats, even rentals. Steering a boat when underage can draw a significant fine in places, and even the most simple fishing expedition can be derailed by lack of the appropriate license, or ignorance of restrictions on catching certain species of fish or fishing in certain areas.
A criminal lawyer likely knows the focus of law enforcement during holidays, and what crimes a particular jurisdiction frowns most strongly upon. Some locales are not too overbearing in their enforcement of alcohol consumption regulations, but will immediately arrest and prosecute anyone suspected of boating under the influence, even if they are close to the legal limit.
In such cases, local legal counsel can be as valuable as a travel guide. Having an expert to consult on local laws and ordinances prior to heading out on holiday can avoid a great deal of trouble in the first place.
Attorney Marc A. Zeve offers the most complete Worcester County, MD DUI law in the area. He is a year-round resident with offices in Ocean Pines and Snow Hill who has been concentrating in the practice of criminal law and DUI law for 20 years. We also practice in Wicomico and Somerset Counties.