DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 1,300 people were arrested over a 19 day period that included Labor Day weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Criminal defense and DUI attorney Nicolas Geman advises taking care when choosing to drive during the holidays. “Of course, the best defense is not to drink and drive,” says Geman.

Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT, reported that “the Labor Day crackdown is one of the annual enforcement periods where we see significant increases in impaired driving arrests.” Drivers can expect a similar increase in DUI enforcement during the upcoming holiday season.

DUI convictions can completely change drivers’ lives. “It’s important to know your rights when charged or stopped for DUI,” explains Geman.

First, Colorado drivers have the right to record everything that happens during a traffic stop without asking the officer’s permission. Geman recommends creating a record of the events by using a smartphone to record audio.

Second, Colorado drivers don’t have to perform roadside sobriety maneuvers when stopped for DUI. Geman suggests declining participation because the maneuvers are unreliable and only hurt the driver’s case.

Third, because Colorado has DUI express consent laws, refusing a breath or blood test can result in serious penalties. Geman recommends requesting a blood test because it’s usually performed at a hospital where there are witnesses to corroborate the situation.

“Regardless of the circumstances, anyone charged with a DUI needs the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer to protect them,” says Geman. Without the proper representation drivers could face stiffer penalties.

In addition to DUI defense, Geman’s misdemeanor and felony criminal defense practice includes drug offenses, assault and domestic violence charges, white collar crimes, civil rights litigation, and more.

To learn more about what to do while being stopped or after being charged with a DUI in Colorado, and for more information about the criminal defense services of The Law Office of Nicolas Geman, visit GemanCriminalDefense.com.