Avoiding an arrest when being evacuated from a natural disaster

When a person is out of their element, sometimes it can cause him or her to use bad judgment. One thing that comes to mind is people who have been displaced by a hurricane or other natural disasters.

Naturally, when people are under pressure they often turn to alcohol use. There was a time when the police and prosecutors were extremely sympathetic to people who made mistakes while under pressure and stress. However, those times are over.

In today's less forgiving world, when someone is charged with a crime, particularly a DUI, there is no forgiveness. Accordingly, use the same common sense as if you were at home.

There is nothing wrong with having a drink but drink responsibly. If in a group, use a designated driver. If alone, use a taxi or ride-sharing service.

• Drive the speed limit. Remember, you are likely spending time in a place that is unfamiliar to you. Reduce your speed to avoid the possibility of getting in an accident. Remember, using your GPS to guide you can also be a distraction.
• Stay off the roads late at night. The police are more likely to be looking for DUI drivers between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
• Walk to dinner. Not only is it healthy to get in a few steps; walking to dinner can save you from a Georgia DUI Arrest. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps a day. We recommend that some of those steps happen after dinner. However, please note that you cannot legally be a public drunk or act or have disorderly conduct while walking home.

The key to our advice is to use the same common sense that you use while at home. Being displaced by a natural disaster is a horrible experience. Being in jail after being displaced is surely much worse. Take care everyone.