Consequences of Drunk Driving

There are millions of people who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents while heavily intoxicated and still haven't learned their lessons. The consequences of drunk driving can sometimes be fatal, yet a lot of people disregard the dangers pose by driving while under the influence of alcohol. In the US alone, more than 36 people lose their lives each day due to drunken driving incidents.

The consequences of drunk driving are infinite and not only are the lives of the drivers in danger but also the lives of the victims who are innocently dragged into the situation. Being in a drunken state mess up your ability to judge and react appropriately to traffic lights, other motorists and pedestrians. Many associations have cropped up over the years to rid the streets of drunk drivers. Most members of these different associations have experienced first-hand what it was like to be a victim of incidents caused by drunk drivers.

If an adult is arrested for DUI, he is taken to a county jail where his fingerprints and photos will be taken by jail officers. If the driver gets convicted, he could face a jail time of up to 6 months, given that it is his first offense. When a person goes to jail, he would be unable to go to work and will face a possible termination. Information like a DUI arrest is available publicly and future employers will be able to know about it when they do routine background check. This could impede future employment and you'll be forced to start from scratch all over again.

One of the many consequences of drunk driving is the revocation of the offender's license. In many countries, the blood alcohol content of a driver is tested through a breathalyzer. There is a minimum amount of alcohol allowed and if it is proven that you have exceeded this amount, you will be arrested and your license will be taken from you. Driving privileges will then be put on hold. Depending on the times that you have violated driving laws, you could regain your license back after serving hours of community service or it can be revoked permanently if the law demands.

The most damaging and irreparable effect of drunk driving is death, either that of the driver or the victim. Statistics reports that out of ten Americans, three will be caught up in alcohol-related accidents at some point in their lives. If drunk driving doesn't end up in death, physical disability or severe injury awaits the driver or the victim. The worst part is they could end up maimed or disabled for the rest of their lives.

To minimize drunk driving episodes, some states in the United States operates DUI checkpoints. These checkpoints send out a loud message to the driving public. Officers at the checkpoints work to teach and make the drivers aware of the consequences of drunk driving. Some of these checkpoints are transportable, only staying at a particular spot for a few hours before moving on to another possible hot spot.

To avoid alcohol-related road accidents, always practice safety. Don't drink when you know you will be driving. In the same way, do not drive when you have drunk more than the allowable limit. Always think about the value of your life and the life of those who might get in your way.

Source : Consequences of Drunk Driving

It is Not Worth It to Drink and Drive

Here are the reason why it is not worth it to drink and drive. This article was written 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.

Source : Drunk Driving : It is not Worth It.

Ten Things You Must Know About DUI Law

Arizona and every other state has DUI laws that are meant to stop drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car after a few glasses of wine, or beer, or alcohol. The limit in our state, sometimes ironically called the "legal limit," is .08%. The best advice any attorney can give you is don't drink and drive. Period. Imagine how many cab rides you can pay for with the money you'd spend on fines and attorneys' fees in a DUI case.

So, let's say you've left the party thinking you're okay to drive only to have the flashing red and blues greet you. How to handle the DUI stop? First, stay in your car unless the officer asks you to step out and if you have your seat belt on, leave it on! Second, know these ten things:

1. Provide identification. The officer will ask for your driver's license and registration. How easily you find these items will be noted on the officer's report. If you fumble around for them, it will look like you've had too much to drink.

2. Politely refuse to take field tests. Field tests for DUI are: walking the line, touching your finger to your nose, counting on your fingers, saying your ABCs, holding your leg up while counting, and HGN, the one where the officer asks you to follow a light with your eyes. When you do field tests, you are giving evidence that will be used against you. There is no law requiring you to do the tests. Some officers will tell you they will take you to jail if you don't do the tests. Don't fall for it. They were going to take you to jail anyway.

3. If asked, politely explain that you will not agree to a search of your car. If the officer has to ask you to agree, it's a red flag. Just say no. If an officer has enough reason to get a search warrant, he or she will. If not, then why search? Usually the question will come at you like: You don't mind if I look in your car, do you? You don't have a problem with my looking in your car? I'm just going to take a quick look inside, okay? Say no--politely, but firmly--and don't explain. And hope your no makes it into the report.

4. Politely refuse to answer questions. Usually the officer will ask you a few questions about what you've had to drink and then move on to more questions later at the station. Your best response is: "I can only answer your questions on the advice of my attorney." You don't have to call an attorney right then. The statement effectively stops any questioning of you by invoking your constitutional rights. Even when the officer reads Miranda rights to you, the answer should be the same.

5. Cooperate, cooperate, cooperate. Cooperation means having a good attitude and being polite. It doesn't mean answering questions or doing field tests or talking. Your attitude, appearance and words all become part of the officer's report. Your disposition indicates your level of intoxication. This is not the time to crack jokes, cry, apologize or confess.

6. Take a breath, blood or urine test if one is offered. When your driver's license was issued, you agreed to take such a test if you were ever pulled over. It's called the Implied Consent Law and even if you don't remember agreeing, you did. If you don't take the test, your license will be suspended for a minimum of one year, even if you are not convicted of DUI. If you take the test and the reading is greater than .08%, your license will be suspended from 30 to 90 days.

After the investigation on the street, the officer will usually take you to the station or to a testing site. Some cities will offer you a blood test, others will offer a breath test. If your test shows your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be less than .08%, you may not be charged. If you are, you might be able to later have the case dismissed. If your BAC is .08% to .14%, you will be charged with DUI, and DUI with a BAC over .08%. If your BAC is .15% or more, you will be charged with DUI, DUI with BAC over .08%, and Extreme DUI.

7. After completing the test, the officer may give you a form that asks whether you want to preserve a sample of your test or waive a sample. NEVER waive! Always ask that a sample be preserved if you are given that choice.

8. As soon as you are released, go to a hospital, a lab, or call your doctor to arrange to have your own test done immediately. If that test shows a lower BAC, you can use it in your case. If the level is the same or higher, you need not provide that information to the prosecutor.

9. If you don't want to lose your license, ask for a hearing at the Motor Vehicle Division within fifteen days. The officer will give you a form when he or she takes your license. This Admin Per Se/Implied Consent Affidavit has a paragraph telling you how to request a hearing.

If you are charged with DUI, you are not required to have an attorney. In some cases, a court will appoint one for you. At any stage in the process, you might choose to hire an attorney to help you with your case. If you understand intoxilyzers and how they operate, you can handle the case yourself. If you can interview police officers and question witnesses at trial, you can handle the case yourself. Or if you just feel better walking in and pleading guilty, you can handle the case yourself.

10. If you decide to hire an attorney, find one who has experience with DUI cases. Hire a qualified attorney you trust, an attorney you meet in person at your first consultation. A good attorney will personally appear in court on your behalf, interview the officer, gather records, prepare motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor. A good attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case, but don't expect a daily call! Beware of attorneys you don't meet until your first day in court or who aggressively go head to head with the prosecutor during pretrial negotiations. You need an advocate who won't alienate the other side and paint you into a corner.

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