Jeremy Rosenthal | December 16, 2025 | DWI
Getting arrested for DWI is stressful under any circumstances. When it happens on New Year’s Day, however, the situation can feel even worse than usual.
Many people are surprised to learn that January 1st consistently ranks as one of the busiest days of the year for DWI arrests in McKinney and across Texas. While celebrations may wind down after midnight, law enforcement activity does not. In fact, it often ramps up.
Learning about why New Year’s Day leads to so many arrests can help explain what happened and why the police were so focused on impaired driving. It can also help you better understand your rights and what comes next if you are arrested.
Holiday Drinking Patterns Play a Major Role
New Year’s Eve is one of the most alcohol-heavy holidays of the year. Parties often start early and last well into the morning hours. Unlike other holidays that center around a single meal or event, New Year’s celebrations usually involve extended drinking.
Many arrests happen after midnight, when drivers assume the holiday is “over” and it is safe to head home. However, in reality, alcohol takes time to leave the body. Someone who felt fine at 11:30 p.m. could still be legally impaired at 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. This delayed effect is one of the biggest reasons DWI arrests spike on New Year’s Day.
Increased Police Presence in McKinney
Law enforcement agencies plan for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day well in advance. McKinney police, along with state and county agencies, typically increase patrols during this period. Officers expect impaired driving and will actively look for it as a result.
This heightened enforcement often includes:
- Extra patrol units assigned to major roads and highways
- Saturation patrols focused on impaired driving offenses
- Traffic stops for minor violations that may lead to DWI investigations
- Coordination with regional and statewide holiday enforcement campaigns
With more officers on the road and more stops taking place, the chances of an arrest increase for everyone, including drivers who would not normally be pulled over.
Morning-After Arrests Are Common
Not all New Year’s Day DWI arrests happen late at night. Many occur the following morning or afternoon. Drivers may still have alcohol in their system from the night before, after heavy, prolonged drinking. Per Texas Penal Code § 49.04, you can be arrested for DWI any time your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, regardless of when you consumed alcohol.
This often catches many people off guard. For example, driving to brunch or heading home after staying overnight can still result in a DWI arrest if alcohol remains in your system.
Checkpoints and Testing Increase Risk
While Texas does not commonly use traditional sobriety checkpoints, officers often conduct similar enforcement through increased stops and investigations. On New Year’s Day, officers may be more likely to administer field sobriety tests and request breath or blood samples if they suspect impairment.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these tests are not always as reliable as they seem. Various factors can call their results into question during the DWI process, including roadside conditions, medical issues, and more.
Contact Our McKinney DWI Lawyers at Texas Defense Firm for Help with New Year’s Day Arrest
A DWI arrest does not mean a conviction is guaranteed. New Year’s Day cases often involve unique factors, such as rushed investigations and overworked officers, that can affect how an arrest was handled.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in McKinney or its surrounding areas and need legal help, contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Texas Defense Firm. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
We proudly serve Collin, Denton, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Texas Defense Firm – McKinney Office
7300 State Highway 121 Suite 400
McKinney TX 75070
(972) 369-0577
Available 24/7