Halloween is meant to be a night of costumes, candy, and fun. But every year, this spooky holiday brings real-life dangers that can lead to legal trouble. From DUI arrests after parties to vehicle accidents caused by impaired drivers, and even premises liability injuries during trick-or-treating, Halloween can quickly take a frightening turn.
At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, our experienced attorneys in Augusta, GA, provide skilled legal defense and representation for individuals facing criminal charges or injury claims related to Halloween mishaps.
Halloween and Drunk Driving Risks
Halloween consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous nights for drunk driving accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk drivers were responsible for 44% of fatal crashes nationwide on Halloween night in recent years.
In Augusta and surrounding areas, Halloween celebrations often include adult parties, bar events, and neighborhood gatherings. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to poor decisions about getting behind the wheel.
Our team defends clients facing:
- DUI charges after being stopped at Halloween checkpoints
- Criminal charges related to impaired driving
- Personal injury lawsuits if an accident has occurred
Trick-or-Treating and Premises Liability
For children, Halloween is about trick-or-treating. But for property owners, it comes with legal responsibility. Poorly lit walkways, unrestrained pets, or hazardous decorations can cause accidents that lead to premises liability claims.
Common injuries include:
- Trips and falls on uneven sidewalks or stairs
- Dog bites from excited or frightened pets
- Burns or injuries from unsafe decorative displays
In Georgia, property owners can be held liable if unsafe conditions on their property cause injuries to trick-or-treaters or guests.
Vehicle and Pedestrian Accidents
Halloween night is one of the deadliest evenings for pedestrians, especially children. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that children are three times more likely to be killed by a car on Halloween compared to any other night of the year.
In Augusta neighborhoods like Summerville or West Augusta, where streets are lined with eager trick-or-treaters, the risk of distracted or impaired driving is especially high. Our attorneys handle cases for victims and families injured in these devastating accidents.
How Our Legal Team Helps
At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, we offer comprehensive legal services to protect your rights in the aftermath of Halloween mishaps:
- DUI Defense: We represent drivers accused of driving under the influence, challenging evidence, field sobriety tests, and protecting your future.
- Criminal Defense: From misdemeanors to felonies, our attorneys fight aggressively to safeguard your rights.
- Personal Injury Law: For victims of drunk driving accidents or unsafe property conditions, we pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
With decades of combined experience serving clients in Augusta, Columbia County, and throughout the CSRA, our team is trusted for both criminal defense and personal injury representation.
As a long-standing Augusta law firm, we understand the unique needs of our community. Whether it’s defending a University of Georgia or Augusta University student facing DUI charges after a Halloween party, or helping a family recover damages after a neighborhood accident, we bring both compassion and determination to every case.
Protect Yourself This Halloween
While we encourage everyone in Augusta and the CSRA to celebrate Halloween safely, we know accidents and mistakes can happen. If you or a loved one are facing the aftermath of a Halloween legal mishap, having experienced attorneys on your side makes all the difference.
Contact Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, in Augusta, GA, today for trusted DUI defense, criminal defense, and personal injury representation.
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