What You Should Know About DUI Penalties

By Camelia Johnston -

Did you know that driving under the influence (DUI) is the leading cause of traffic-related deaths and accidents in the U.S.? To know more about DUI and the penalties associated with it, read the article below.

What is driving under the influence (DUI)?

It is when individuals get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of drugs. Individuals guilty of DUI have blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than .08. Moreover, it is one of the common reasons why people get jailed and spend the night in jail.

Depending on the state or jurisdiction where you belong, DUI comes in variety of names like driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating a motor while intoxicated (OWI), driving while impaired (DWI) or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI).

DUI not only includes alcohol but any intoxicant like narcotics drug or any other drugs which affect our central nervous system.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 17,000 individuals died of alcohol-related crashes in 2006 and about 10.2 individuals aged 12 years old and above drive while they are under the influence of illicit drugs.

Statistics show that about 40% Americans got themselves involved in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes during their lifetime, while more than 50% of drivers got arrested for drunk driving.

Did you know that every two minutes, someone got himself injured because of alcohol related accident? Moreover, these accidents and injuries are not only restricted to the lives of drivers and pedestrians but it leads to about 73 billion dollars worth of losses. In 2008 alone, about one-third of drivers got themselves involved in alcohol-related crashes due to drinking and driving.

Because of the rising DUI cases in different states in the U.S. the government has imposed strict tolerance on DUI cases. Even though penalties vary from state to state, there are some common penalties which are universal.

Penalties and associated costs of DUI conviction:

  1. For first time conviction, those found guilty of DUI are imprisoned from 24 hours to 11 months and 29 days, penalized from $350 to $1,500 and their drivers’ licenses are revoked for one year.
  2. For second time conviction, those found guilty of DUI are imprisoned from 45 days to 11 months and 29 days, penalized from and revocation of drivers’ licenses for two years.
  3. For the third conviction, those found guilty are imprisoned from 120 days to 11 months and 29 days, penalized from $1,100 to $10,000 and their drivers’ licenses are revoked for three to 10 years.
  4. For fourth conviction, those found guilty are imprisoned for not less than 150 consecutive days, penalized from $3,000 to $15,000 and their drivers’ licenses are revoked for five years.

Other consequences of DUI conviction:

  • Fines
  • Court costs
  • Towing of vehicles and payment of storage fees
  • Bail
  • Professional fees of lawyers
  • Mandatory enrollment to alcohol education program
  • Driver’s license reinstatement fees
  • Higher cost of insurance premiums and SR-22 form
  • Payment of ignition interlock program

With the detrimental impact of DUI conviction to your life and your future, it is best that you should avoid drinking if you are driving or you should not drive if you drink.

Camelia Johnston enjoys writing for Drunkdrivinginmichigan.com which offers information on Michigan DUI attorney and Royal Oak DUI attorney as well as a host of additional services.

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Online DUI Records Boon For Everyone But Offender

By Tim Rasmussen -

A person’s flaws are typically something they want to keep very private, but sometimes knowing more about someone than they’re saying is essential.

Having a record of driving under the influence isn’t something anyone wants to talk about, but when it comes down to it, these DUI records are public information and anyone can get their hands on it.

Checking DUI charges just got a lot easier. Getting the information once meant going down to the court house, standing in line, or waiting weeks for the mail to bring it to the mailbox. It was either that or pay hundreds of dollars for a private investigator to collect the records.

Now, however, anyone can check DUI convictions in their state without all that hassle. This is because the records are public information along with factors like repeat offenses, a very high level of inebriation, children’s involvement, the vehicle’s speed during the arrest and any injuries suffered as a result.

And it’s no wonder people don’t want this information getting out. An entire industry of specialized DUI lawyers has even sprung up to help people expunge their records.

Parents and employers alike, however, can use this information to their benefit.

For example, nobody wants someone driving the company car if they’re irresponsible enough to get a DUI in the past. And most companies’ insurance won’t even allow someone with a DUI arrest on record to work. But for small businesses, it’s quite pricey to pay for a full background check.

Parents also see a lot of value in having the records handy, nobody wants their child to riding around with someone caught drunk driving. But they too are hard pressed to pay for a background check and probably don’t have the time to waste at a courthouse.

The solution? Online public record databases have helped millions of people.

These online DUI record search sites typically charge a small fee, but are basically a full background check.

Looking for DUI records in your state? Try http://duirecords.org/

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Knowing Your Rights Is The First Step In A DUI Defense

By Lawrence Koplow -

When Arizona’s new DUI Law took effect in September 2007, it became more imperative than ever for those charged with an Arizona DUI to be able to defend themselves against such charges. A conviction under the new Arizona DUI statute may bring with it stiffer penalties including increased jail time and license suspension. With so much at stake it’s surprising that many drivers do not know their rights when pulled over. Some do not even know that they have rights at all. At Koplow and Patane, we encourage you to learn how knowing your right and keeping them close at hand is the first step to beating a DUI charge.

DUI defense

If you’ve ever been pulled over for suspicion of DUI, you know that it can be a very frightening and intimidating situation. But did you also know that you have the right to remain silent? You may refuse to answer questions. You may refuse field sobriety tests. However, in most situations the law will require you to submit to a chemical test. Moreover, depending upon the situation, you may also be able to speak with an attorney prior to the test. Remember, this may not always be the case, but always request to speak to an attorney. You should also consider getting an independent test of your blood. You may be able to get the test at a hospital emergency room.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they are pulled over is to submit to field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests were created years ago in ideal lab conditions that cannot be replicated on the side of a roadway in different weather and lighting conditions. Issues such as height and weight or medical problems may make certain field sobriety tests more difficult for some people. Field sobriety tests are not one size fits all and because they are subjective they are not always accurate.

Knowing your rights when pulled over for suspicion of DUI can turn a potential nightmare into a manageable one. The most prudent course of action is, of course, not to drink and drive. However, if you are pulled over, being polite to the officer and invoking your rights are the first steps in creating a more manageable outcome.

Phoenix, Arizona DUI attorney Lawrence Koplow is a lawyer who provides legal representation for vehicular manslaughter and other criminal defense needs such as DUI, driving while intoxicated (DWI) and other vehicular crimes. Mr. Koplow’s record as a DUI attorney shows that he is an experienced defense attorney, dedicated to helping people who need an aggressive and qualified DUI lawyer.

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DUI – How Long Will I Lose My License?

By Royy Butler -

DUI is the abbreviation used for the term Driving Under Influence. It is sometimes also called as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). It is the act of driving the motorized vehicle during or after the consumption of alcohol or drug or both.

DUI is criminal offense in many countries and the person can be charged high fines or imprisonment for this crime. Driver has to lose his license for specific time period or permanently depending on the severe-ness of the crime.

The person is considered drunk when his BAC count is above 0.08. The penalties for DUI charge can vary from state to state. The period of suspension of license of the driver can vary depending on the percentage of the BAC count, state in which you live and the severe-ness of the crime. The BAC limit of 0.08 is same for all countries.

How Long Will I Lose My License?

The charges for the DUI can be as follows:

• Imprisonment: Maximum of 6 months

• License suspension for 12 months if BAC count is within the range of 0.08 to 0.15

• License suspension for 18 months if BAC count is within the range of 0.15 to 0.19

• License suspension for 24 months if BAC count is greater than 0.20

• Fine can be charged ranging from $500 to $1500

The length of the suspension of the license can vary depending on the charges. It can be increased from the above mention period in some cases. In some states, license suspension is obligatory if the driver refuses for the breath analyzer test.

If you possess the commercial driver’s license, you may face additional suspensions for the charge of drunk driving. All countries have made it mandatory to suspend the license of the driver found guilty under DUI charge. Typically, the suspension period can vary from 30 days to one year if you are charged first time for DUI.

The Rules Revocation of License under DUI Charge:

• First DUI conviction results in license cancellation for 1 year

• Second DUI conviction results in license cancellation for 5 years

• Third DUI conviction results in license cancellation for 10 years

• Fourth DUI conviction results in license cancellation for lifetime

Your license can also be revoked for the first DUI conviction in some countries. It can also be cancelled if you refuse for the chemical test after your arrest. Repeated convictions can lead to the revocation for long term or lifetime. It is also possible to reduce the period of your license suspension or complete dismissal of your revocation, but the sudden action is needed to check these options. You can consult with your lawyer for these options. Your lawyer should request a DMV hearing within 10 days of completion of your hearing. Failing to do this can leave you without any further options.

It is not that you will lose your license if you are charged for DUI. There are various ways where you can defend against these charges. You can consult with your attorney for the substitute ways.

Roy Butler is a professional expert in giving information about DUI and DUI Lawyers.

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DUI Lawyer – Why To Hire One?

By Alice M Shown -

DUI, that is, Drinking Under Influence, refers to a situation when a person is found to have been driving a motorized vehicle after/ during consuming alcohol or drugs. DWI, that is, Driving While Intoxicated, is a synonymous term indicating a similar criminal offence.

Many people mistakenly think that a DUI charge is a minor violation of traffic rules. In reality, a DUI is a serious legal issue that can penalize the convict severely, depending upon the effects of driving under influence.

DUI charges can be anything from sacking of driver’s license to facing jail time depending on the severity of the charge. The officers in charge also check whether the convict has any past DUI charges. In a nutshell, a DUI charge can take a serious shape. This is the reason why you need to get help from a DUI lawyer.

Here are a few advantages of hiring a good DUI attorney:

  • A skilled lawyer can fight for you with evidences and might even win the case in your favor. It is his job to help you out of the case. He will try his best to minimize the penalty.
  • Only an experienced lawyer can help you with his expert advices and you can easily decide on your next step.
  • Professional DUI attorneys are likely to be in touch with the court personnel and will be updated with the law systems. This is a major advantage of hiring an attorney for your case.
  • With your attorney handling all the legal procedures, your mind can be at ease and you can ease yourself of the stress of convictions and involved tension.

While you are looking for a good DUI attorney, you should keep in mind the following factors:

Experience – This is an important factor to consider while you are looking for a good attorney who can fight your case. Experience of an attorney can give you a fair idea about how efficiently he can tackle your case.

Certifications – A skilled lawyer is likely to hold excellent qualifications. Make sure to go through his certifications thoroughly. This can help you to understand the caliber of the lawyer.

Referrals – Try to talk to the previous clients that a DUI attorney has handled recently, analyze the feedback. This would help you to make a correct decision.

Do not take a Driving Under Influence charge lightly and hire a DUI lawyer. Phoenix, Arizona dwellers can hire skilled and experienced lawyers at Breger law.

DUI Lawyer Phoenix – Phoenix DUI/DWI lawyer provides best possible solutions to people who have been arrested for drunk driving in Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area.

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Drunk Driving DUI, Your First Offense? Things to Know About DUI Charges

By Radhia Gulam -

When you are arrested for a DUI there are certainly a lot of things to worry about, especially if it was your first offense. Nowadays, DUI offenses are on the rise and many people and politicians are asking for more strict action to be taken on those who are arrested for this offense. You might be wondering what to do when you are arrested and how you can get this problem over with. Below are some things that you should know about DUI Charges:

1. How should I plead? Contrary to what you think or believe, being arrested for a DUI offense is very serious business. The best thing you can do for yourself is to plead not guilty to the charges. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, paying hefty fines, losing your license and license plates, you might also have to forfeit your vehicle. The worst part is, you would have to buy a different kind of insurance. This insurance is for those convicted of DUIs and will cost more than double of what you are currently paying. You must also remember not to talk to any police officers, insurance investigators, friends or family members with regards to the charges as anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.

2. Do I need a DUI Lawyer? Of course you do! Since this is a serious offense, without serious consequences, you should hire a lawyer to represent you. Even if this is your offense, do not take the risk thinking you can represent yourself. A lawyer who specializes in DUI cases will have more experience and will able to achieve more than you can, so yes, it is essential for you to get a lawyer before going to court. If you have to go to court without a lawyer, ask the judge for a continuance and this would be granted to you. Use this time to quickly search for a lawyer. You might only get one continuance, so use it wisely. If you have to go to court without a lawyer, do not speak to any about the circumstances surrounding your case. Do not make any statements about your arrest and do not speak to the prosecutor in an attempt to negotiate the case for yourself. Remember, anything you say can be used against you so it is best for you to keep quiet until you get a lawyer. Getting a lawyer will help you as the lawyer will know what laws to use and what conditions about your case that could get the charges against you dismissed.

3. How much will a lawyer cost? Well, how much is your freedom worth to you? Spending money on your lawyer would be money well spent if it means that you do not have to go to jail. There is no specific amount as each case is different from the next.

Since you got yourself into this mess, you will need to get yourself out. This entire process can be very stressful at times, but if you really want to get the charges dropped then you have no choice and you have to keep moving forward. Just remember, next time, do not drive under the influence.

To find out more about Georgia DUI attorneys to represent your drunk driving legal case at Georgia, visit http://Ga-DUI-Attorney.com/

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Driving Drunk

Brenda Williams -

Drunk driving is something that you would have thought would be under control by now, and to some degree it is getting better (depending on where you live). However, drunk driving is still a serious problem that we all encounter on a daily basis.

In the area where I live, it is not uncommon to see the police officers conducting traffic stops late at night. If this is the case, as you approach the traffic stop, to speed things along, make sure that you have your driver’s license ready and out for the police officer as well as your vehicle registration within reach (just in case they ask for this). At most traffic stops, the only thing that the police officer will ask you for is your driver’s license. In the meantime, because traffic stops involve several officers, while the one officer is checking your driver’s license, another police officer will usually be walking around to the back of your car to check your license plate in order to make sure that your vehicle registration, inspection and insurance are up to date.

Traffic stops are a great way to catch people who are violating the law either by driving around in uninsured vehicles, with revoked and/or suspended licenses or who are driving their vehicles under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. When I was a police officer, there was one incident where I responded to a call that someone had driven their vehicle right off the road. It was late on a Friday night, so right away, I knew that the person was more than likely intoxicated. Sure enough, when I arrived on scene, the car was down in a ditch and there were several construction workers standing by with a boy who looked like he was no older than thirteen years old. One of the construction workers approached me and informed me that when the light turned green, the boy behind the wheel of the car simply drove the vehicle straight through the light onto the dead end street and drove the car right past the dead end sign and into the ditch.

I looked over at the boy and could immediately see the tell tale signs of intoxication. He was slurring his words to whomever he was on the phone with and was wobbling back and forth on his legs. I went over to him and asked him if he was ok to which he responded that he was. While I had been talking to the construction workers, I had overheard the boy telling whoever was on the phone that he was in a certain location which was nowhere near where he was. Curious, I asked the boy if he knew where he was as I looked down at his driver’s license. As expected, he gave me the names of several locations, none of which were even remotely close to being correct. As it turned out, this young man was eighteen years of age and a freshman in college. He had been at a party and told his friends to make sure that he didn’t drink. They failed. He ended up being arrested not only for drunk driving, but for drunk driving as a minor. Hopefully, he won’t do it again.

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car transportation services

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DUI Charges

By Matthew Burns -

DUI charges are incurred when a person is caught drunk driving. It is a record that the person has been charged with an offense – but it does not necessarily mean that they were found guilty. If a person is the found guilty, it will be entered into their criminal record and become a public record.

The record of a charge is kept by the police, as it will be useful in future investigations. So it is useful, but in itself it proves nothing.

So, what leads to DUI charges? To be charged, a person needs to be driving under the influence of alcohol. This means that the individual has consumed a quantity of alcohol considered to be sufficient to impair his or her judgment, and is driving a vehicle. It is important to note that the person’s driving can be perfect, and they can still face this charge.

This happens when the police press “par se” charges. They can only do this if there is a record of a person’s blood alcohol levels, so other tests do not count.

Following a successful conviction for DUI charges, many first time offenders will be required to attend AA meetings or special classes. In some cases, a breathalyzer may be attached to their car’s ignition to prevent the car from starting when they have consumed alcohol.

As a criminal conviction enters into the public records, it is possible for people to search for and find DUI charges. Usually, this would require them to contact the local courthouse where the offense was tried. However, there are websites that allow us to search for this information nationwide. m your record.

To find out more about this, click on the link below. Also, there is a simple guide that is available online that shows you how to clear DUI charges fro

Matthew Burns has researched the best people search methods. Click here to see the site he recommends for DUI charges.

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Drunk Driving May Be Outlawed Completely In The Future

By Stewart Wrighter -

In a perfect world, everyone would follow the law system and behave in a manner that would cut accidents in cars to an absolute minimum. However, humans being humans, some people will try to get around the law or hide from police when they know that they are committing a crime. This is never more obvious when people drink alcohol or take illicit drugs and then get in their cars to drive off. If anyone has been arrested for these offenses, it is paramount that they get the services of an OVI attorney to lead them through the court procedures that are bound to follow. Indeed, without an OVI lawyer, the accused will probably get a heavier sentence.

Most of us have probably taken a risk occasionally when we have taken one more drink that we know will take us over the limit. We try to work out body weight, how much food we took and how long alcohol takes to pass through the body and we think that we are on the right track. Unfortunately, life is never that simple.

What a lot of people do not consider is that there are many other influences which affect us and this is proven by how many people are found guilty on the morning after a drinking session. Although we all like to think that the morning brings with it complete sobriety, those who have been stopped on the way to work for a breathalyzer have come completely unstuck. This is even more apparent after a New Year celebration when people want to visit family and friends but have forgotten how much alcohol they took the night before.

Indeed, many police forces around the world now undertake more serious road testing just after a public holiday and catch even the most respectable people out. Of course, this could be innocently done since most people do not even consider that they have done anything wrong but in the eyes of the law, ignorance is not a defense.

Some states are actually considering dropping the alcohol limit to zero for anyone who is expected to drive and this is where there will be no excuse at all in future. Even taking one glass of wine with a meal will not be allowed anymore. If people do not start adhering to the current rules about drinking and driving, this will be the next step for sure.

However, for those who have been caught, they do have rights and do not have to undergo those roadside tests that we are all familiar with. They can insist upon going to the station for all tests to be done in a controlled environment and this will surely allow them to get themselves together for the next step.

They certainly must get the help of an expert to see them through this procedure since an unguarded moment could cost them dearly when the case goes to court. Only doing what the expert says is acceptable is the first line of defense for those who are arrested on any charge at all.

Stewart Wrighter recently worked with a Cincinnati OVI attorney while conducting research for a new article. His son had an opportunity to work with a Cincinnati OVI lawyer as a legal intern.

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Drunk Driving – Myths, Facts, and Breaking the Law

By Spencer Brown -

Although most people don’t realize it, alcohol is a drug. In fact, alcohol is the most commonly found drug in fatally injured motorists. While it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages, many teenagers still do. This becomes even more of a problem when a drinking teen gets behind the wheel. Alcohol education programs have increased in homes, schools, and communities; but alcohol-related collisions are still a major issue. Not only is a drunk driver endangering their own life, but they are putting all the other drivers on the Highway Transit System in jeopardy. It is important to never mix drinking with driving.

Alcohol is derived from the fermentation of fruit, alcohol, and other plants. It is classified as a depressant, a drug that slows down the central nervous system. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person, but everyone is affected to some degree. As a motorist you cannot afford to have your driving skills dulled by alcohol. Some common impairments include: slowed reflexes, lost inhibitions, slurred speech, clumsiness or loss of balance, blurred vision, a decrease in muscle coordination, and distorted depth perception. Drinking alcohol is not something to take lightly.

Alcohol is surrounded by many myths. Some of them deal with how long it takes a drunk person to “sober up.” You may have heard that drinking some black coffee, going for a quick jog, or taking a cold shower will reduce your blood-alcohol concentration. The truth is: These activities may stimulate you for a moment; but do absolutely nothing to reduce the amount of alcohol in your body. Only time will allow your liver to get rid of alcohol. (Up to 1.5 hours for a 12 ounce beer.) While many factors such as the number of drinks consumed, the amount of time they are consumed in, a person’s body weight, and their natural resistance to alcohol will affect how rapidly a person gets drunk, it takes the same amount of time for alcohol to work its way through your system.

Driving drunk is a crime that’s punishable by law. A DUI (Driving Under the Influence), or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in some states, carries severe penalties. These punishments can include: suspension or revocation of the offending motorist’s license, payment of a fine, or even serving a prison term. (Although, penalties are harsher if the intoxicated driver is involved in a collision.) Driving after drinking is always a bad idea. If your friend is considering drinking, you have some responsibilities as a good friend.

You can help by: encouraging them to drink something non-alcoholic, telling them to set limits, convincing them to avoid drinks with high alcoholic concentration, or just doing something else. If they’ve already had a drink, help them by making them aware of their behaviors, providing them with transportation home, or staying with them until the alcohol has worked its way through their system. Remember: “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”

Spencer Brown is an aspiring author who lives in Glendale California. He loves reading and writing. He’s always trying to better himself and expand his creative horizons. For More information about Expert Author Spencer Brown, Visit: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Spencer_Brown

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