The 411 on Drunk Driving

By Lou A Mitchell -

“Never drink and drive.” This is the familiar statement we hear continuously. We are frequently reminded by law enforcement or your own parents to never drive if we are intoxicated. But most individuals just seem to forget this reminder every time they go home from the bar or a party. So to know more about the problem of drinking and driving, here are some interesting facts on drunk driving. These facts are important to learn because they could save your life as well as the lives of others.

1. Drunk driving is responsible for approximately a third of all the traffic fatalities in the U.S.

2. On average, an individual in the USA dies due to a drunk driver every 40 minutes.

3. About 3 in 10 Americans will likely be involved in an alcohol-related crash some time in life.

4. According to the United States law, someone is recognized as legally intoxicated when the blood alcohol content, or BAC, reaches least 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dl).

5. Impairment begins even before your BAC reaches 0.08 g/dl.

6. With a BAC level of 0.02, response time and driving ability can be disrupted. At 0.05, the odds of an automobile accident raises significantly. And at 0.08 g/dl, the chances increase speedily.

7. It takes about 6 hours for the alcohol to be completely removed from the body for a BAC level of 0.08 g/dl.

8. A man approximately 170 pounds needs to consume 4 standard drinks in an hour for his BAC level to reach 0.08 g/dl.

9. A woman weighing approximately 140 pounds would need to consume 3 conventional drinks in an hour for her BAC level to reach 0.08 g/dl.

10. About 80 % of drunk driving deaths or due to beer consumption.

One thing can be deduced from all of these facts. Drunk driving is dangerous. It’s the major cause of many car accidents and has killed many lives. It has not just taken the lives of those drunk drivers but innocent people’s as well. If you do not care about getting yourself in trouble, think of the other people you could end up killing with your actions.. If there is one thing that you should always take seriously, it is always your life and the lives of others. Never get behind the wheel drunk, even if you think you will be fine, it is important to understand the severity of drunk driving.

If charged with a DUI you want to make certain you look at DUI Lawyers and locate one that will best represent you If heading to the court room.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_A_Mitchell
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-411-On-Drunk-Driving&id=7005438

 

 

DUI Offenders and Car Accident Liability

By Frank Schumacher -

Do not attempt to drink and drive. There are already law enforcement tactics and public awareness campaigns all over the state yet some people still disregard this. As a result, they face the consequences as stated in the law.

Police officers have the authority to pull your car over if they notice something peculiar about you or the way you drive. They will perform an alcohol test and if they find less than 0.08 percent of alcohol in your blood, you just might be sentenced to 10 days jail time. They call such case as “impaired to the slightest degree”. The fine starts to a minimum of $1,450 up to a maximum of $2,500.

If your blood alcohol content is 0.15 percent or greater, then you are really in a lot of trouble. You can end up paying more than $2,500 as fine and the judge can impose 6 months jail time aside from being subject to 3 years of probation. For second time DUI offenders, the penalty is much more severe.

The penalties stated above are just for instances when you get pulled over. If you are driving under the influence of alcohol and because of it you caused an accident, that is another matter altogether. If you think being caught with DUI is trouble, you have a whole new world of trouble if you get involved in a car crash. In such case, it would be best to hire a car accident attorney.

The victim will definitely push charges against you for all the damages you caused him or her. The best thing to do in this scenario is not to panic. Stay relaxed and focused and call your car accident attorney right away. He or she will be able to straighten things out for you. Damages will be computed and the victim will be properly compensated if you have a reliable car accident lawyer by your side.

Your lawyer is the best person to sit down with the lawyer of the other party to discuss damage compensation. You will be liable for property damage, personal injuries, wage loss, medical expense, loss of lifestyle as well as physical and mental stress. The victim will try to bargain for higher compensation so it is the job of your accident lawyer to minimize your expenses as much as possible. There will be several offers passed between the two parties until they both agree on a price. If both parties do not come to an amenable terms or do not cooperate with each other, the case might even go to litigation. More expenses will be incurred this way so better have an out of court agreement.

If you are on the lookout for the best Arizona car accident attorney, search for it using the internet. You can get complete information on a lot of websites out there. Just make sure that the Phoenix car accident attorney you will hire is associated with the state lawyer association and has sufficient knowledge and experience in the field.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Schumacher
http://EzineArticles.com/?DUI-Offenders-and-Car-Accident-Liability&id=4456014

 

 

Arizona DUI Punishments

By Andrew Sarski

Facing a charge of a DUI-related offense in Arizona is a serious legal problem, regardless of the circumstances. The public has pressured the legislature for years both in Arizona and around the United States to pass tougher punishments for DUI convictions, and the legislature has heeded that call.

Below is a look at the potential punishments for convictions of DUI charges in Arizona, and these represent the maximum penalties allowed by law. Rather than face these maximum punishments, you should contact a DUI defense lawyer in order to fight the case and possibly reduce your exposure.

DUI Punishments in Arizona

Below are the maximum punishments attached to the different DUI charges in Arizona:

  1. First-time DUI – 180 days in jail, $1,800 fine plus jail costs, license suspension for 90 days and 12 months of an interlock ignition device.
  2. Second-time DUI – 180 days in jail, $3,000 fine plus jail costs, license suspension for 90 days and 12 months of a breath alcohol locking unit on your car.
  3. First-time Extreme DUI – If you are convicted of DUI with a BAC of .15 or above, you’ll face a maximum of 180 days in jail, a $3,000 fine plus jail costs, a 90-day license suspension and 12 months of an interlock ignition device.
  4. Second-time Extreme DUI – 180 days in jail, $3,750 fine plus jail costs, a one-year revocation of your driver’s license and 12 months of an interlock ignition device.
  5. First-time Super Extreme DUI – If you are convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .20 or above, you’ll face 180 days in jail, $3,250 fine plus jail costs, a 90-day revocation of your driver’s license and 18 months of an interlock ignition device.
  6. Second-time Super Extreme DUI – Mandatory 180 days in jail, $4,000 fine plus jail costs, a one-year driver’s license revocation and 24 months of an interlock ignition device.
  7. Class 4 Felony Aggravated DUI – This charge arises if it constitutes your third DUI within seven years or a DUI with a suspended or revoked license. You will face a minimum of 4 months in prison, more than $150,000 in fines plus costs, a three-year driver’s license revocation and an interlock ignition device.
  8. Class 6 Felony Aggravated DUI – This charge arises when you are arrested for DUI with a child under 15 years of age in the vehicle. You will face the minimum sentences for the DUI charges above and could lose your vehicle. You could also face more than $150,000 in fines plus costs, a three-year driver’s license revocation and an interlock ignition device.

Your Next Step

Of course, none of these charges listed above include such remedies as probation, alcohol assessments or the requirement to attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victims Impact Panel. Rather than face these charges alone, contact the Phoenix DUI lawyers at Phillips & Associates today to get the process of building your defense started. Please visit http://www.arizonacriminallaw.info to learn more about Arizona drunk driving penalties and defense strategies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Sarski

http://EzineArticles.com/?Arizona-DUI-Punishments&id=2453715

 

 

10 Police Secrets to Catching Drunk Drivers Revealed!

By Merel Johnson -

Officer “X” Reveals His Top Methods For Making His DUI Quota.

I was visiting Alabama last week and met up with an old co-worker. She’s married to a cop, and we got to talking about how police catch the bad guys. Steve said his squad has a lot of secrets to catching drunk drivers. Since conviction of a first Alabama DUI can mean up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $2,100 and the suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t part of the quota for Officer “X.”

1. Be very careful in Alabama: Their DUI law doesn’t require a drunk driver be caught driving the car! Just the fact that you’re in the car and able to operate it may be all that police need to arrest you. It’s not a secret, really – unless you don’t know the law, that is! Be aware of this Catch-22.

2. Don’t sleep it off in the park – the cops cruise through there regularly. Don’t sleep it off in any public place. It might ultimately be a lot cheaper to just rent a motel room for the night.

3. Drive safely. You have to make a driving mistake in order to be pulled over. If you’re driving safely and courteously, the cops won’t suspect you. Did you know that, if you’re driving unsafely, even if you haven’t been drinking, you can still be charged with an Alabama DUI?

4. Do not take a field sobriety test. If you’re unlucky enough to get pulled over, and the police ask you to walk-and-turn, or do the one-leg test, it is your right to say no, because it’s completely voluntary. Don’t take the bait!

5. Watch out for the bouncer. Police will often bribe the bouncer to tip them off to the people who might be drunk. Police have a quota to fill, you know!

6. Don’t go to the liquor store after you’ve had a few. Police will regularly cruise around liquor stores. If someone’s been drinking, just parking poorly will tip off the cops, let alone if they see someone fumbling to open their car door.

7. Keep your cool at roadblocks and checkpoints. They’re not a very effective method of catching drunk drivers, as only about.03% of the drivers turn out to be drunk. It’s really just a bait and switch method for meeting their DUI quota, because the cops are watching and waiting up the road for you to turn around and leave as though you have something to hide.

8. If you’re on parole, make sure you’re stone-cold sober when you see your parole officer. A lot of police officers have parole officers for friends, and friends share information. If you’re a DUI parolee, especially if you live in a small town, you’re already on the police radar.

9. And if you are a DUI parolee, remember you’re not supposed to frequent establishments that serve alcohol, except for ball parks, concerts, etc. Stay clean even when you visit these places, because there are always a lot of cops there!

10. Call a cab. The second-shift cops always cruise around bars and clubs after closing time, looking for suspects. It will be much cheaper – and safer – to call a cab instead.

MyDUIAttorney.org is a directory of qualified attorneys, lawyers and firms who deal with drunk driving cases and help defend those charged with a DUI offense. The directory provides a source of marketing and lead generation for these attorneys, lawyers and law firms, making it easy for DUI offenders to search and contact qualified professionals who can help them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Merel_Johnson
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Police-Secrets-to-Catching-Drunk-Drivers-Revealed!&id=3805430

 

 

How To Work With Your DUI Defense Attorney As A Team

By Abraham Avotina -

Too often people work against their DUI defense attorney rather than with them. Lawyer and defendant should work as a team, and honesty is important. If you don’t reveal all necessary facts and information about the case to your DUI defense attorney, you are taking several risks during the trial. Their purpose is to do their best to serve you and your case. Sometimes this may entail placing a plea with which you disagree or bringing to light information which you feel should be kept secret. While you may have your own ideas about how you expect to reach the most desirable conclusion for your trial, the lawyer knows what is actually possible and likely depending on the facts that they have.

Withholding Information

The biggest mistake defendants’ make during their cases is withholding information from their DUI defense attorney. Naturally, you might remember certain facts later on as you’ve had time to reflect on the experience, but deliberately keeping information in an attempt to control the outcome or actions of your lawyer, can lead to disaster and the opposite of your intent. For example, if you don’t reveal details about where you were going or where you came from after your arrest, the prosecutors can uncover this information with their own research, greatly reducing your credibility. Even the most innocent information that you omit can be used as ammunition against you, so trust that your lawyer will know what to do with the information that you give them.

Lying

Anyone will tell you that lying to your DUI defense attorney is the equivalent to lying in front of the judge. The truth often has an ugly way of coming out when you least anticipate it, so it is far better to be honest and risk the consequences than the greater penalties that come with getting caught up in one lie or even several. If you’re at the point where you have to hire a lawyer, there is no denying the charges against you. It is far better to work towards a compromise on your plea and the goal of negotiations rather than having unrealistic expectations of getting away from the situation with no consequences.

Not Communicating

Aside from deliberately withholding information or lying, some defendants make the mistake of just avoiding or not talking with their lawyer at all. Ignoring the situation will not make it disappear, and your DUI defense attorney stands little chance of negotiating with the judge unless you make the effort to supply them with the necessary information and documents. You have to cooperate with your lawyer and be available when needed to get the job done, just as you would expect them to do the same. Leaving things to the last minute can result in greater penalties or an undesirable outcome. Help your lawyer be prepared and you won’t end up wasting either your money or their time. Make preparing for your trial or court appearance the priority that it should be.

If you are looking for a DUI defense attorney Charleston is home to a legal professional with the knowledge and experience you want. For more information, visit: http://www.stephenharrislaw.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Avotina
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Work-With-Your-DUI-Defense-Attorney-As-A-Team&id=5897276

 

 

How To Help Fight Drunk Driving

By Fred Guthrie -

If you saw someone leave a suspicious looking bag under the seat in a subway just before leaving the train, would you call the police? Of course you would. Unfortunately, you likely wouldn’t be as civic minded if you saw someone driving drunk–the one thing that causes more wrongful deaths and injuries than any other in the US. This is because you likely don’t know what to look for and what to do if you spot someone driving or trying to drive drunk. So here are some ideas on what to look for to spot someone who is likely driving drunk and what to do if you do.

One of the surest ways to tell if someone is driving impaired is if he accelerates quickly and brakes continuously. No normal person would do this. Another sign is if someone almost hits another car, street sign or other object. Some obvious signs are if you see someone driving in the opposite lane against traffic, changing traffic lanes often, not staying in between the lane markers, turning suddenly without signals and driving without headlights. Driving too slow can also be a sign that something is wrong and the most likely cause is drunk driving.

These are far too common events on our roads and we will see them every day. But if we see someone who is most likely drunk while driving, we likely won’t do anything for the simple reason that we don’t know what to do. So what exactly is the best way to react if we have good reason to suspect that someone is driving while impaired? Here is a list:

The first thing to do is stay away from the drunk driver, the farther away the better. The worst thing you can do is drive up to or alongside the offender to try and see if he is really drunk or just having some other difficulty. It is not your job to guess and someone’s life may be in danger. Worse, the impaired driver may get confused and hit you. Next, if you are able to without putting yourself in danger, take note of the driver’s license plate number along with details of his auto’s make, model and color and then try to stop as soon and as safely as possible. One way to take note of the number safely is to read it to yourself aloud and keep repeating it aloud until you are able to stop safely. Then, while you are still repeating the number aloud to yourself and have stopped, write it down as quickly as possible, along with the details about the offender’s car–the make, model, color. You will also want to note the road he was traveling on and in what direction, and any cross streets that you may have just crossed. Then call 911 immediately and read them all of this information.

There is no need for you to do anything else. Just leave the rest to the police as they know best how to safely handle the situation.

For more information on drunk driving, go to DWI in Texas and Texas DWI laws.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Guthrie
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Help-Fight-Drunk-Driving&id=6814023

 

 

Phoenix DUI Charges and Legal Process

By Andre Fletcher -

DUI in Phoenix can be charged in two ways. The first is driving impaired. Driving impaired suggests that your capability to operate a vehicle has been jeopardized from the ingestion of alcoholic beverages or another drug. Since you aren’t breaking the “per se” statute, driving impaired is not as severe a criminal offense as DUI. The “per se’ law is whenever your BAC is.08 % or more.

Phoenix drunk driving laws cover almost anything that you need a permit to operate. This would cover cars and trucks, jet skis, motorbikes, and may even extend to bicycles. seem tough to believe, but it is true. Whenever you’re under the influence of a substance that reduces your mental capability to control a vehicle, you are subject to Phoenix laws. Driving a car while being impaired by alcohol consumption is definitely the main instance of Phoenix DUI arrests. Even so, many other substances are widespread as well. These include marijuana, cocaine, meth, tranquilizers along with other well-known drugs.

Phoenix DUI laws do not allow driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08 % or higher. If you’re stopped while driving a car and has a BAC of .08 percent or greater, you are going to be arrested and charged with DUI.

Listed here are the legal ramifications plus the legal process for DUI in Phoenix.

The fines and punishments with regard to a Phoenix DUI will be different based on the circumstances of the criminal offense, and whether or not there is a track record of earlier offenses. However a Phoenix DUI is still a significant charge. If found guilty you are facing a large fine, driver’s permit suspension, and possibly other restrictions. Hence, even if this is your first DUI, you have got to consider this a major predicament.

First violations seldom entail prison time except if the DUI incident included a physical injury or death.

A Phoenix DUI usually is a misdemeanor except if: 1. If in the last five years you have been convicted of 2 or more DUIs. This is applicable even if the DUI was in another state besides Arizona. 2. If you have had your drivers permit suspended and you’re driving under the influence 3. A child younger than fifteen is in the automobile at the time of the drunk driving criminal offense.

A more significant charge of third degree homicide or vehicular homicide often is the end result when there is a death as a result of the drunk driving.

Typically a Phoenix drunk driving case is a tried by a jury. If you choose, you may give up the right to having a trial by jury. If that’s the case, your judge will rule.

Due to the fact Phoenix drunk driving cases are such a common legal offense, there are plenty of Phoenix DUI lawyers to help you in defense of the offense. Actually, there are many attorneys that will only handle DUI cases. These attorneys are often called ‘DUI attorneys’. Since driving under the influence is a really serious charge, it is strongly suggested that you consult with an attorney without delay after receiving charged. You obviously want to select the most effective Phoenix DUI attorney for your case.

I invite you to check out more information about Phoenix DUI.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Fletcher
http://EzineArticles.com/?Phoenix-DUI-Charges-and-Legal-Process&id=4735034

 

 

Drunk Driving – Why It’s Not Worth It


Drunk Driving – Why It’s Not Worth It
By Joseph Devine

Simply put, drunk driving is illegal, and drunk drivers who are charged with a DUI under the age of 21 face a number of penalties in the United States. Though a DUI under 21 rarely results in a prison sentence, there are still serious consequences that you will have to face if you are arrested for driving drunk.

Potential Consequences

Ultimately, the temporary thrill you may have from illegally getting drunk with your friends and then illegally driving drunk is just not worth the risk. Before you get behind the wheel while drunk or accept your friend’s invitation into a car while they are drunk, consider the many consequences you may face:

  • Risk of injury or death. This is probably the most rehashed point made against drunk driving, and with good reason. Drunk driving is not worth risking your life, your friends’ lives, or someone else’s.
  • Dealing with the court system. Getting a DUI means that you will ultimately have to face your day in court. There is a lot of stress, time, and money involved in preparing for court, and when you are already bogged down by school or work, you don’t need this additional stress.
  • Having a criminal record. A DUI isn’t like getting a parking ticket. It’s not something that you can pay for and have it disappear. A DUI charge goes on your criminal record and can hurt your chances of getting a job, applying to schools, or getting a loan, even years later.
  • Costs of sealing a record. If you decide to hire a lawyer to get your criminal record sealed so that your DUI doesn’t hurt your future, you will be facing a number of legal fees and another round of dealing with the court.

What to Do If You’ve Been Drinking

You can save a lot of time, money, pain, and stress by thinking before you act. If you are under 21 and have been drinking, don’t get in the car. Most states have a zero tolerance policy and will arrest you for any detectable alcohol consumption, and police officers are trained to spot drunk drivers. Instead of driving, call a friend or family member to pick you up. Even if the only people you can reach are your parents, you are better off dealing with punishment at home than with a court of law.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Being charged with a DUI under 21 is a serious offense. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI under 21, contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately. A good lawyer with expertise in DUI defense can provide solid legal advice and help you prepare for your defense in court.

For more information and assistance with DUI defense, please see the website of Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly here.

Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

http://EzineArticles.com/?Drunk-Driving—Why-Its-Not-Worth-It&id=2658829


DUI Law – How One Is Charged With Drunk Driving

By Muhammad Sannan -

It is commonly believed that alcoholism, which is defined as “an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency,” is one of the leading causes of drunk driving. However, studies have shown that this statement is false since it was found that most people with DUIs (people driving under influence of drugs or alcohol) are not even alcoholics.

There are severe laws against drunk driving in the US. They are collectively known as DUI or DWI laws. There’s an entire procedure to be followed if you are caught or suspected to be driving drunk.

The primary trigger of suspicion while driving drunk is the apprehensive driving behavior of a person. When a traffic police officer notices any kind of such driving behavior, he has the authority to call a traffic stop on that vehicle. If, at the stopping of the vehicle, the officer observes slurred speech, general incoherence, and/or odor of alcohol, he has the authority to order a field sobriety test. These tests don’t measure actual blood alcohol content level, but they measure the coordination of the suspect, requiring the demonstration of good judgment and motor skills.

Failure to exhibit these will lead to the officer demanding a BAC test (Blood Alcohol Content test.) To pass this test, the level of alcohol in your blood should be lower than the legitimate limit set by the state. In most states, this limit is.10% BAC, while in others it is as low as.08% BAC. For drivers under the age of the legal drinking age, which is 21 years, this limit is normally zero, but in some states it can be as high as.02% BAC. Since the BAC in a person’s body lowers over time, this test must be administered quickly if the officer wishes to gather evidence to make a DUI charge. For this reason, police officers mostly use breathalyzers rather than standard blood tests, as breathalyzers are minimally invasive as well as quicker as they immediately calculate the blood alcohol content in a breath sample.

However, it is important to note that no DUI suspect is bound by law to follow any of the procedures, after the traffic stop. Before the tests are administered, protocol requires that the suspect be given the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Once the suspect avails his right to a lawyer, no further questioning is allowed, and no tests can be administered.

If you require further information, please visit: Drunk Driving

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muhammad_Sannan
http://EzineArticles.com/?DUI-Law—How-One-Is-Charged-With-Drunk-Driving&id=6875044

 

 

Why You Shouldn’t Drink and Drive

By C Dreyer -

Most people have heard ad campaigns that drive home the point of why you shouldn’t drink and drive. But how many of us actually pay attention to these ads? Many people seem to think they are somehow invincible, and that somehow they can stay in control of a vehicle even if they’ve had too much to drink. If you are one of these people, there are some things you should think about before you get behind the wheel of a car.

Consider these important reasons for why you shouldn’t drink and drive:

1. Drinking and driving can create a permanent black mark on your record.

Drunk driving is a criminal offense that can carry stiff fines, jail time, and hamper your ability to get a job, qualify for housing, or gain access to other important services in the future. Do you really want to have to answer “yes” when asked if you have a criminal record? Is it really worth the risk of losing employment and other important opportunities?

2. You could cause significant property damage.

Many insurance companies will not pay for damages to your own vehicle that resulted from negligent drinking and driving. You could end up costing other drivers ? and yourself ? a ton of money by driving under the influence. Ask for a ride, take a taxi, or stay put to avoid totaling your car in a drunk-driving crash.

3. Consider the example you are setting.

If you have young children, younger siblings, or friends who look up to you, consider what example you are setting for them when you get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. Consider the embarrassment that you will face if you are arrested for drunk driving ? this is not a reputation you want to create for yourself.

4. Drinking and driving costs lives.

As many as 37% of all traffic-related fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. Not only does this cause tremendous heartache and suffering to injured parties and their families, but you may wind up causing an accident that you’ll regret for the rest of your life. Other drivers aren’t necessarily the only casualties ? you also put your own life at risk, as well as anyone else who rides in the car with you. Do you really want to risk playing with people’s lives?

Drinking and Driving Should Never Be an Option

The bottom line is that there are many reasons why you shouldn’t drink and drive, and not a single reason why you should. The best plan is to be prepared ahead of time by making transportation arrangements if you know that you plan to consume alcohol.

Planning Ahead

Don’t wait until you’re already impaired by alcohol to make a transportation plan ? by then your judgment is already compromised, and you risk making a stupid decision to drive under the influence. Leave the car and keys at home, choose a designated driver, or just make arrangements to stay where you are. Above all plan ahead, stay safe, and never drive under the influence of alcohol.

Hawaii dui lawyers have to follow a different legal set of laws when defending dui cases. Find out what these are. Delaware dui lawyers can help you in your dui case.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Dreyer
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Shouldnt-Drink-and-Drive&id=2331887