While residents are out and about ringing in the new year local law enforcement will be keeping a sharp eye out for those who may have celebrated the end of the year a bit too much.
As KVOE News has reported in recent weeks, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is one of many local agencies participating in the Taking Down DUI enforcement effort which began last December 26 and continues through Thursday. Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope joined KVOE’s Morning Show Monday to discuss the effort and explained exactly what will happen if someone is pulled over under suspicion of DUI.
In terms of major consequences for being caught driving under the influence, Cope says drivers can face either suspension or revocation of their driver’s license, significant financial penalties including court costs and attorney fees, loss of employment and potential jail time. He says those are hefty prices to pay for a situation that can be avoided by planning ahead and having either a designated driver or alternative means of transportation in place before heading out to ring in the new year.
Last year the Sheriff’s Office reported 45 stops and four arrests for suspected DUI between December 26 and January 2. Other local agencies participating in the enforcement effort include sheriff’s offices in Chase and Morris counties as well as the Council Grove Police Department.
