By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com
New Year's Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year.
It's also one of the most dangerous out on the roads.
If you drink and drive, you could pay with your life or suffer the legal consequences for years to come.
Lawyers say the financial penalties are extremely harsh.
For a first offense, the minimum fine is a thousand bucks and 2 days in jail.
And a 3rd offense? You're looking at 5 years behind bars.
"It never goes away totally even if you get the best of both worlds. Unless you're found not guilty," said Robert Bradfield, an attorney for Scott County.
Lawyers and officers said the best way to combat drunk driving is to have a designated driver.
