Driving under the influence or DUI is the number one cause of vehicular accidents in the US. Every year about 25,000 deaths and 708,000 injuries (74,000 of those are serious injuries) occur as a result of alcohol related vehicular accidents.
It is also the leading cause of death for young Americans who’s 16 – 24 in age. Although these people consist only about 20% of the licensed population, they cause about 42% of all fatal alcohol related accidents.
These numbers are staggering considering that the United States is considered to have one of the safest roads in the world due in part to its design and characteristics.
In Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood, DUI has become a common occurrence where even celebrities are seen on TV being arrested for driving under the influence.
From what the data above shows, it is young teenagers who are most commonly charged with these offenses. Inexperienced drivers trying to show off by disregarding rules are already reckless hazards on the streets. Add alcohol into the mix and you have a disaster brewing.
Factors of DUI Convictions
According to the American Automobile Association, California has one of the most complicated DUI laws. When a person is charged for DUI offenses, he/she is in essence facing two misdemeanor or felony counts as he/she is charged under motor vehicle and criminal codes.
There are certain factors that determines conviction in regards to DUI. They are the following:
• Breathalyzer Test – This test determines the alcohol level in a person’s blood. The problem with this test is that the results may show a higher rate than the real alcohol to blood ratio. Some people refuse breathalyzer tests because of that reason to avoid false convictions.
• Field Sobriety Test – Most common field sobriety tests are walking heel-to-heel in a straight line, horizontal gaze tests and standing on one foot for 30 seconds. Failing a field sobriety test would increase chances of DUI conviction so if you have any illness or disability that would make you fail the test please inform the officer.
• Judges – Some judges are stricter than others concerning DUI. Some would crack down hard on every person charged while some tend to be more cautious to avoid innocent convictions.
• Lawyer – Aside from the level of leniency of the judge, lawyer representation is also a factor in determining convictions for DUI. You always hear of lawyers or law firms that have a reputation of acquitting their client from DUI charges no matter the strength of the case.
Most DUI cases can be attributed to a lapse in judgment. People whose records are squeaky clean are suddenly marred by a permanent mark due to a single poor decision, driving while under the influence of alcohol.
To avoid getting a conviction from DUI charges, consult with a DUI attorney that can give you competent representation and can show you the ins-and-out of DUI proceedings.
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