St. Patrick`s & DUI`s

Van Tieu | 3/17/2013

This St. Patrick`s Day, some people are celebrating the best way they know how, which is drinking all day.

"[I`ve been drinking] probably since noon.... Just one or two drinks," said Leo Kuntz. When questioned, he replied, "Okay! Maybe that`s a lie."

With icy roads, Kuntz and his friends are taking precautions getting home.

"We don`t drive around being stupid, so that`s what we`re doing today," he said.

This weekend, others weren`t so smart. The Bismarck Police Department issued six DUI`s on Saturday.

"It was a busy night, obviously St. Patrick`s Day is today," said Officer Tim Bleth.

A DUI isn`t just a bad mark on your record, it`s also a costly and disruptive consequence for a dangerous act.

"The first offense they get a minimum 91 day suspension, up to a $400 fine, and possibly jail time," said Bleth. "It`s expensive. If they fight it, if they contest it, it can cost up to 10 thousand for court costs and attorney fees."

With slick roads and maybe too much in your system, Bleth reminds revelers to be smart. "Not just for today, but always plan ahead. If you`re going to be drinking, have a designated driver. And don`t be drinking and driving."

Or, you can do what other party goers plan to do:

"Actually, a taxi. Yes. I plan on calling a taxi to get me home," said Jason L.

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