Thanksgiving is one of the most traveled holidays of the year — and one of the heaviest drinking days. The night before Thanksgiving (“Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday”) is one of the biggest bar nights in the country. Between family gatherings, late-night reunions, and holiday stress, it’s no surprise that DUI arrests in Virginia — especially in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover — spike dramatically.

If you’re stopped for suspicion of DUI during Thanksgiving week, your freedom, your license, and even your job can be put at risk. At a time meant for gratitude and family, a DUI charge can feel overwhelming.

Here’s what Virginia drivers need to know right now.

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Why Thanksgiving Weekend Leads to More DUI Arrests

Law enforcement across Virginia increases DUI patrols every Thanksgiving. Police departments coordinate saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and targeted enforcement along:

• I-95

• I-64

• Route 288

• Broad Street, Hull Street, Midlothian Turnpike

• Chesterfield, Richmond City, and Henrico high-traffic zones

According to the Virginia DMV, alcohol-related crashes and arrests consistently spike around Thanksgiving. Officers expect it — and prepare for it.

Even a minor traffic issue (rolling through a stop, wide turn, lane drift, or equipment violation) can quickly turn into a DUI investigation during this holiday period.

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Understanding the DUI Stop: What Really Happens

If you are pulled over this week, here’s what typically happens in a holiday DUI stop:

1. The officer looks for “indicators” — even innocent ones

Bloodshot eyes, “nervousness,” slow movements, or a slight odor of alcohol may be used by police to escalate a basic traffic stop into a DUI investigation.
But these indicators are often unreliable — especially when you’re tired, traveling long distances, or stressed from holiday traffic.

2. Field Sobriety Tests are voluntary

Most Virginians don’t know this — but roadside sobriety tests (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, eye tests) are not required by law. Police may make them sound mandatory, but they are not.

These tests are subjective, inconsistent, and often performed in poor lighting, cold weather, or stressful circumstances — all common during Thanksgiving weekend. Errors in instructions or administration can become powerful defense tools.

3. The “3-Hour Rule” still applies

Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.2, for Virginia’s implied consent law to apply, the ARREST must occur within 3 hours of your last operation of the vehicle.

4. Body camera footage is critical

Holiday DUI arrests often involve rushed decisions by officers. In many cases we defend, the body cam tells a very different story than the written police report.

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What Happens If You Are Charged With DUI in Virginia This Weekend?

A DUI in Virginia is serious — especially during a holiday weekend when courts are closed until Monday.

You may face:

• Automatic license suspension

• Mandatory court date

• Possible jail time (especially with high BAC or prior offenses)

• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

• Employment or professional licensing risks

To understand DUI penalties by offense level, your readers can explore reliable statutory language here:
➡️ Virginia Code § 18.2-266 (DUI law)

Check out these other educational DUI posts:
➡️ The Virginia DUI 3-Hour Rule Explained
➡️ Second DUI in Virginia: What You Need To Know

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Why You Should Act Quickly

Most people wait until after the holiday to seek help, but early intervention is critical. A DUI lawyer can:

• Review body cam and stop footage

• Analyze the legality of the stop

• Evaluate the officer’s administration of sobriety tests

• Challenge the timing under the 3-hour rule

• Identify calibration issues with the breath machine

The sooner these issues are documented, the stronger your defense becomes.

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Why Peters Law Firm, PLLC

At Peters Law Firm, we understand how a DUI charge can disrupt your life — especially during the holidays. Our mission is simple:

We help people pursue happiness by protecting their freedom.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• A strategic defense approach built around timing, evidence, and procedural accuracy

• Interpreter services in over 180 languages

• Compassionate, judgment-free representation

• Direct communication and step-by-step guidance

• An understanding of how criminal charges impact professionals, students, service members, and immigrants

We serve clients throughout Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and the surrounding counties.

If you’re facing a DUI this Thanksgiving weekend, you don’t have to face it alone.

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Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

El fin de semana de Acción de Gracias es una de las épocas con más arrestos por DUI en Virginia. Si lo detienen o arrestan por DUI en Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield o Hanover, podemos ayudarle a proteger su licencia y su futuro. Ofrecemos orientación inmediata, defensa estratégica y acceso a intérpretes.