The “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose” campaign began on August 21at and ran through the Labor Day week-end. Labor Day week-end has historically had more than its share of motorists failing to obey the traffic laws as well as driving while under the influence which is one reason the campaign was launched just prior to the busy holiday week-end. The Omaha Police Department as well as the Nebraska State Police participated in the campaign, along with other Nebraska law enforcement agencies. According to the Omaha Police, 10 separate operations were simultaneously conducted across the area at various times and locations, ultimately resulting in 484 citation for a wide variety of offenses. The breakdown of arrest and citations by law enforcement agency is as follows:
- ·Nebraska State Patrol: 82 DUI arrests, 6,726 speeding tickets and warnings, 126 driving under suspensions, 53 minor in possessions, 179 misdemeanor drug possessions.
- ·Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: Four speeding citations, 11 DUIs, three misdemeanor outstanding arrest warrants.
- ·Sarpy County Sheriff’s Attack: 166 speeding citations, 21 DUIs, nine drug possession arrests, 23 driving under suspensions.
As you can see, the campaign was a success, judging by the numbers. The agencies involved in the effort hope to raise awareness to the dangers and risks involved in drinking and driving. Grants from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety helped pay for the efforts by Omaha police, the patrol and other agencies, including the Douglas County and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Offices and La Vista police.
If you are a Nebraska resident you should already be aware that the State of Nebraska has been a leader in the fight against drinking in driving. The state has some of the toughest drinking and driving laws and penalties in the nation. If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in Nebraska it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney to determine if you have a viable defense that may allow you to avoid a conviction. Contact the Petersen Law Office 24 hours a day at 402-513-2180 to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney.