It’s finally that time of year when the snow is melting, flowers are beginning to bloom, and most of us return home while the sun is still shining. While this all calls for a celebration (as does St. Patrick’s Day), it’s important to remember that even one drink can be too many.

For drivers over the legal drinking age of 21, a blood alcohol content of 0.08 and above will be evidence of impaired driving. For those younger drivers, 0.02 and above is considered over the limit.

Here in New Hampshire, it’s possible that you could receive an additional aggravated charge if you’re caught driving under the influence. The singular factor of a breathalyzer at or above 0.16 will likely land you in boiling water.

Several other factors could also lead to these additional, aggravated charges, such as:

• Driving 30 miles or more over the speed limit.
• Causing an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, even if you only injure yourself.
• Attempting to elude law enforcement pursuit.
• Having a passenger under the age of 16.

What’s worse than having a damaged vehicle, a ticket, and a fine? New Hampshire has mandatory sentencing for DUI/DWI convictions, such as loss of license, fines, fees, required classes, and alcohol/drug screening. Aggravated charges also carry mandatory jail time.

To avoid these holiday headaches and a summer without being able to drive or operate a watercraft, we recommend the following to avoid drunk driving:

• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
• If you’re impaired and don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi, Uber, friend, family member, or use public transportation.
• If you observe someone on the road who appears to be under the influence, call 911 as soon as it is safe for you to do so.
• If you observe someone about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them arrange other transportation to their destination.

The attorneys at Wescott Law can assist you or someone you know if you find yourself in a bout of bad luck this St. Patrick’s Day.