Have a Happy New Year, but be safe!

Happy New Year Everyone! Some of you may know that I work at a probation office that specializes in supervising offenders with DWI convictions, so I feel it is my duty to warn everyone of the potential consequences of your actions this weekend. This is the process if you get arrested for DWI in St. Charles County Missouri, other jurisdictions may be more or less stringent, but this is a typical scenario:
A typical offender gets pulled over for speeding or improper lane usage, which is just a fancy way of saying that your car touched one of the lines on the road at some point (yes that it all it takes for an officer to stop you). You will then be given a series of field sobriety tests which also vary and then be asked to submit to a BAC test to measure your blood alcohol content, if you refuse you will automatically lose your license for a year and probably be charged with DWI anyway. If you blow over a .08 you will be arrested, booked, fingerprinted, etc. You must then obtain an attorney to represent you when you go to court (typical rate $1,000-$2,000) Once you plead guilty (which you will) you will be placed on probation with an agency like mine and ordered to pay a minimum $420 probation fee. You will also be ordered to take a state mandated Substance Abuse program the price of which ranges from $345- $1000 depending on the level of treatment required. You also will have to pay a recoupment fee to the law enforcement agency that arrested you (typically $100). You would also have to attend a Victim Impact Panel put on by MADD and sit through countless tragic drunk driving stories. Additionally, you will lose your license (typically for 90 days unless refused BAC), you will also have to obtain SR-22 insurance and pay higher insurance premiums for many years. Also keep in mind that if you are involved in an accident and/or injure someone else's person or property additional restitution will be ordered.
So the recap:
At least $3000 in fines, fees, premiums, etc.
The stigma associated with being on probation and having an arrest record. Probation, loss of license, and/ or insurance requirements may also affect current or future employment opportunities.
A second offense has even more conditions and cost more money!
So please, please, please don't drink and drive-- it is NOT worth it! I don't care if the cab ride home costs $1000 it is still cheaper then getting a DWI and I have plenty of clients as is it, I really don't not need anymore!
Again, have a safe and happy new year!