Youngsters Vehicular Accidents Dropped Out -DUI

Finding Yourself a Good Criminal Lawyer

When charged of a crime, you will likely panic and just hire any criminal lawyer in sight. Carelessness sometimes is the cause of greater misfortunes. Faced with criminal charges, the first thing you need to do is assess your situation. For the case pressed against you, know what the details are and what the gravity of offense is. Be careful in choosing a criminal lawyer who is going to defend your case. Different lawyers have different special fields of concentration. Finding yourself a paid lawyer is ok if you can afford it. However, if you cannot afford to hire any lawyer at all, then acquire the services of public defenders.

There are ways to find yourself a good criminal lawyer. One way of hunting is going over the internet sites. Most practicing lawyers have websites, which shows their field of specialty, cases handled, and other information that could help them advertise their credibility. Find at least several lawyers and compare. You can also follow the tips below on how you can screen among the list of lawyers.

1. Give a thorough check on the lawyers’ personal and professional background. Website is helpful in getting the right information about the kind of criminal cases they handle.
2. Search for articles that will speak for the lawyers’ reputation and integrity.
3. Find one or two persons who can attest to the lawyers’ reliability.
4. Make a call to the BAR association or visit the website to find out the standing of the criminal lawyer.
5. If a lawyer can be found in the yellow page, his or her ads will tell something of his personality and credibility.
6. Go over local or any newspaper for that matter, old and new alike, and check if the lawyer has write ups written about him or a case he has won.

If you have narrowed down your list of criminal lawyer, this is the time to talk to them personally. You can start getting appointments so you can finally decide who the right lawyer for you is. Remember that criminal lawyers who have specializations charged more than the common lawyer did. Expect to be charged at an hourly rate or a case rate depending on your agreed professional fee. Other lawyers charged more because they are very popular. This maybe an expensive case but your assurance of winning is almost guaranteed.

Choose your criminal lawyer with care. Keep to the business level of things and do not get too personal. There are people who don’t look it, but they have the ability to succeed. The most important is experience in their field of service and cases handled. If you can get the rate of winning in his previous cases then you can at least measure the probability of you winning the case. Paying for a worthy criminal lawyer is better than not spending anything for a public defender. At least with paid lawyers, you know he has staff to work diligently on your case.

Article Source: http://www.wzooka.com

Knowledge is the Key to Any DWI Case Against You

Have you or someone you love been charged with dui? When people get in trouble with the law the first mistake they make, besides getting in trouble in the first place, is in thinking that any lawyer will do. And when they find out that they were wrong they only blame the lawyer. But the person they should be blaming is themselves for not being knowledgeable in their situation. So rather than go out and hire the cheapest lawyer you can find make sure you find an attorney that is not only good but that specializes in dwi cases.

And the best way to find such a person is to know about who you are hiring. This can be done quite easily in this day and age of the Internet. For instance, if you have been given the name of a law firm then why not try and Google the name to find out what others have said about them. Also, you will find that their website can give you a lot of information about who they are and what they specialize in. What’s more, you will want to look for any information about the minneapolis, mn attorney that states how much experience they have.

For example, some lawyers will take a case even if they do not have a lot of experience in that area, or take it even if they have not handled many trial cases before. This can really put a damper on your case and should be avoided if at all possible. Furthermore, you may find that some attorney’s never get to trial because they prefer to plea down the case. So make sure you know ahead of time just who your attorney is. However, it is not just the minnesota attorney you need to have knowledge on but the law itself as well.

Although you are hiring a law firm to take your case because this is what they do it is still important to not go into this situation blind. Did you know that the arresting officer must have probable cause to even stop you? This means that you had to be exhibiting some sort of behavior that was out of the ordinary in order for that officer to have right to pull you over. Not only does it help to understand this information so that you are less stressed out during it but it can also help you during your criminal defense case. For instance, if your attorney fails to mention something important you will have cause for appeal if you do not win your case.

So before you jump at the first law firm advertisement you find in the Yellow Pages make sure you know who it is that you are hiring, and know a bit about what you are in trouble fore. Always remember that knowledge really is power when it comes to dealing with the law, and it can mean the difference between winning your case and loosing your case.

Article Source: http://www.hallofarticles.com

The Nitty Gritty Of A DUI

Today it seems that you hear the abbreviation constantly. DUI task forces are constantly on the news. However, not everyone understands the basics of a DUI are or even what DUI stands for.
Basically, the abbreviation DUI stands for "driving under the influence." Typically, this means that someone has gotten behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and has driven while being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Each state has different requirements regarding DUI's, but in all of them driving under the influence of a substance is illegal.
When you are 21 or older consuming alcohol is legal, yet driving when your blood/alcohol content is above the limit is not. This also includes illegal drugs (which is a crime itself) but also includes prescription medication as well.
There are many police officers who are on the look -out for those who may be driving under the influence. They often drive erratically drawing attention to themselves. The reason for this is a person's focus and reaction time is greatly diminished.
When a law enforcement officer pulls someone over with the suspicion that it may be a DUI, they will begin by questioning the driver as to whether they are under the influence of anything. After that, it is normal for the officer to complete a field sobriety test with the driver. This is where they will test your coordination and physical reactions like walking on a straight line or standing on one foot while touching your nose with each hand. After that, if the suspicion is still fairly high that this is a case of DUI the officer may request a more specific test like a breathalyzer or even a blood test to check what your blood levels are.
Again, rules vary from state to state, but most of the time the driver under suspicion is able to decide which type of advanced test they would like to take. However, each state also has "implied consent." This means that when you get your driver's license, you have given your consent to be tested if your well-being is under suspicion. The logic here is that driving is a privilege and a responsibility. If you are driving under the influence, you are putting both yourself and the others on the road at risk.
Each state has its own punishments for DUI offenses. The most common consequences to be expected are jail time, community service, fines, probation or a suspended license. The severity of the consequences will depend on just how severe the crime was. For example, if your blood levels were way over the legal limit or if it is not a first offense then you can safely assume that your punishment will be more severe than for a lesser infraction.

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Need help from a criminal attorney or dui attorney? Do not say these things.

A top criminal attorney or dui attorney is always in demand. Further, such an attorney who offers free telephone consultations is a most valuable commodity. However, I have heard countless complaints from good people perplexed at the fact that such an attorney is not returning their calls for assistance. Why is this attorney not calling me back they ask? Usually you can count on these mistakes people make when calling such a criminal or dui attorney for not having their legal questions answered.

1.) “My boyfriend wanted to know.” If your boyfriend or girlfriend was in urgent need of legal assistance it would be they who would be seeking your assistance. What if the boyfriend is in jail and cannot call? An attorney offering free legal services over the phone does not do it because they are Mother Theresa, but because they do not want the impediment of cost preventing a potential paying client from making a call to you. If a person is unfortunately is in jail, they usually do not have the financial resources to bond out of jail, much less retain an attorney. For such individuals a public defender is usually the best alternative for legal assistance.

2.) “I’m shopping around for a criminal attorney or dui lawyer, please call me.” Someone leaving such a message is sending the signal that cost and not quality of legal representation is what is important to them. For a criminal defense attorney or dui attorney in demand, such a caller is not a priority as such an individual will usually fall for false promises of one willing to take whatever money you will give them only to without fail be disappointed later.

3.) “I’m calling for a free consultation.” As stated earlier a top criminal defense lawyer or dui lawyer only has so many hours in the day to assist good people needing legal assistance. Although free legal assistance is offered, it is offered so as not to prevent a prospective paying client from calling, not as a public service to be available for all in need.

Gregg J. Stark is an Indianapolis criminal and DUI attorney serving Indiana. To learn more “truths” criminal attorneys and/or dui attorneys wish people knew, please consult the legal defense website of Stark Law Offices, P.C. , Indianacriminallawyers.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesarticles.net

Your DUI Lawyer Can Help When Life Gets Ugly

Many times life takes an ugly turn and before you know it, you may be involved in a serious situation where you could be charged with a criminal offense. Hiring the services of a Criminal Attorney could be your best bet in such tricky situations.

No matter what kind of criminal charge you are facing: drug offenses, DUI cases, traffic, misdemeanors, felonies, theft or domestic battery, the best way to get out of a sticky situation would be to consult a professional attorney at your earliest opportunity.

Facing criminal charge consequences could be tougher than you had ever thought possible. Some charges could land you a felony conviction or even jail time. To get these charges dismissed at the hearing or trial level, you need the expertise of a professional Criminal Attorney. Your legal team's knowledge, skill and experience can help speed you away from even the most difficult situations.

The most common criminal charge you could get involved with is DUI - Drinking Under the Influence. This offense is more serious than you might think. Whether it is a first time misdemeanor offense, or a more serious reckless homicide felony case, hiring a Criminal Attorney could be the best way back to regular life without suffering any further humiliation or hardship. They can often help you avoid consequences you'd rather not suffer. Instead of having your world flipped upside down, your attorney can help right it again.

In many jurisdictions, new laws against DUI carry tougher charges than ever before. These could involve getting your driver's license suspended for a minimum period of three months, up to a maximum period of three years. What you need to do is challenge the period of suspension. The best case scenario is to get back on the road again with a complete dismissal. You can't do this without the help of a DUI Lawyer. If they can't get your license reinstated, they perhaps can get you a temporary driving permit for travel back and forth to work.

Under a DUI you could be charged with driving while your license is under suspension, speeding, reckless driving, an auto accident, or improper passing. It would be a smart move on your part to reform your alcoholic behavior and prevent yourself from getting stuck in such a situation again.

Thankfully, your Criminal Attorney will be committed to just one goal - winning your case. Make your choice from well established, reputable attorneys who have successful track records in criminal trials and a good reputation in DUI cases. Choose wisely because your future lies in their hands.

Article Source: http://www.goarticles.com

A Young Mans Abusive Drinking Leads to Jail Time, Mental Helath Difficulties, and a DUI

Pete had an unusually hard time keeping a job. In fact, because of his lassitude, lack of motivation, and poor work attitude, he was out of a job far more often than he was in a job situation. Not only this, but when he did land a job, he frequently got less than optimal performance assessments, he had an exceedingly difficult time getting to work when his shift began, and he called off sick so frequently that he regularly got fired a month or two after he began working. It therefore should not come as a big shock realize that one of the effects of Pete's terrible employment history was the fact that he was virtually broke on a day-to-day basis.
In spite of Pete's financial misbehavior and awful work record, then again, he excelled at engaging in abusive drinking during the week and especially on the weekends.
So it really was no great surprise to his friends, co-workers, and family when Pete received his fourth DUI in the past ten months. When he went to court, the judge told Pete that his alcohol-related conduct was appalling and, consequently, he was going to fine him $7,500 and sentence him to two years in the local municipal jail.
While he was in the municipal jail, Pete was expected to learn about the harmful and devastating effects of hazardous and immature drinking, about alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction statistics and facts, and he was mandated to get professional alcohol treatment. The magistrate clearly fact that unless Pete gets professional alcohol therapy and discovers how to live a life of sobriety, he would without a doubt be spending many months locked up behind bars.
Pete stated that he grasped what the judge was saying but he still believed that serving so many months in the county jail was not the best way to deal with his drinking problems. The magistrate, nonetheless, saw things from a totally different point of view and clearly told Pete it was his job to keep people off the streets who drive and drink and who receive one or more DUIs. To support his perspective, the judge reviewed some meticulously researched, time honored statistics and facts about alcohol abuse and alcoholism that undeniably showed some horrible consequences that are common with driving and drinking.
When Pete thought about his drinking situation in an honest manner, he admitted that he drank excessively on a regular basis. He never believed, however, that he was an alcoholic. So it was a jolt to his ego when Pete began having alcohol withdrawal symptoms two or three hours after he was taken to the municipal jail.
As per the policy and procedures, when a detainee experiences symptoms of withdrawal he or she is taken by ambulance to a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for alcohol detoxification and then brought back to jail. This is done so that the individuals withdrawals are dealt with in a safe and harm free manner. While incarcerated in the county jail Pete went to alcohol treatment three days per week. Due to the fact that his rehab was ordered by the court, however, Pete was not successful in taking ownership of his out-of-control drinking.
After his time in jail was finished, the magistrate in very explicit terms told Pete that he would be placed on probation for two years, he would be place under stringent observation, and he would have to periodically take breathalyzer tests at court-determined dates and times.
After discovering how Pete failed to take accountability for his drinking behavior and how reluctant he was in maintaining the rehab and treatment modus operandi while he was behind bars in the municipal jail, the magistrate knew that it was principally a matter of time before Pete would once again appear in court for his abusive and chronic drinking behavior. As the magistrate thought about Pete and his particular situation, he fairly easily arrived at the conclusion that some individuals never use their brain and discover how to live in a mature and accountable manner.

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Approach an expert for DWI or DUI Cases

People living in Minneapolis or Minnesota have to be careful while driving. The laws of these places are very strict and hence, people should take adequate precautions while driving. Drunk driving is strictly dealt with in these countries and the concerned people can be charged for DWI or DUI. Under this, the accused can be fined or even be imprisoned by the law, depending on the seriousness of the case. Hence, a Minneapolis DWI Lawyer or a Minnesota DUI attorney should be consulted to provide satisfactory results for the client.

There are many negative aspects if one is charged for DWI or DUI. In DWI cases, it is not necessary that the car should be in motion, if the accused has any access to the ignition keys under the influence of any intoxicated substance or alcohol, it can land the respective person in major problem and he can also be charged a hefty fine or even imprisoned.

The MN DWI lawyers guide as well as help to protect the accused from the punishments imposed by the law and also offer potential advice for their clients who are charged with DWI or DUI.

Hence, people turn to a Minneapolis DWI Lawyer or a Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer for DWI or DUI cases, as an arrest under this case, accounts for a criminal offense. The Minneapolis DWI Lawyers as well as the Minneapolis Criminal Lawyers are popular and well known for their experience and specialization in DWI or DUI cases. They can provide all necessary legal advice to their respective clients and also help their clients to pay minimum fine or face minimum imprisonment.

With the help of their extensive legal knowledge, they try their best to reduce the charges of their clients. An ideal Minneapolis criminal lawyer helps to present the case better with a detailed understanding of the situation under which the person was arrested and also make a detailed study of the case, which then is used to help the accused to strengthen his case.

Similarly, a Minnesota DUI Attorney or a Minnesota DWI Lawyer tries to provide potential as well as skilled legal aid to help the accused and also help to reduce the punishment levied upon the accused by the court. An ideal and skilled MN DWI lawyer defends the DWI or DUI cases with proof and evidences, which help the accused to defend his case strongly in the court of law.

It is advisable to approach these lawyers at the earliest, when the accused is arrested and charged for DWI or DUI charges, so that they can help to structure a strong defense case for the accused so that he can escape with minimum punishment. It is always best to seek help from lawyers rather than trying to represent your case on your own.

Article Source: http://www.hallofarticles.com

Your Rights at DUI Checkpoints

Many people on the road today do not understand their rights pertaining to DUI checkpoints. These rights become increasingly important if you’ve had a few drinks, and aren’t sure if it will register on a breathalyzer. To avoid incriminating yourself, there are some things you need to know about sobriety checkpoints before you find yourself being stopped at a temporary roadblock set up to catch drunk drivers.

DUI or Sobriety checkpoints are temporary checkpoints used by law enforcement officers to catch drunk drivers. In 1990, The United States Supreme Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints are not a violation of citizens’ right to privacy, however, that doesn’t mean they are effective. Chief Justice Stevens stated that “the net effect of sobriety checkpoints on traffic is infinitesimal and possibly negative.” In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded that roving patrols by law enforcement officers result in three times more arrests than checkpoints. Although controversial, DUI or sobriety checkpoints do work to show the public that driving under the influence is bad.

So what do you do when you come upon a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Sobriety checkpoint?

The first thing to do is show the officer your identification when asked. If they begin asking you questions, politely decline to answer as is your right. If you answer some questions, but not others, you will only raise suspicion and encourage the law enforcement officer to investigate or question you further. If the officer asks to search you car, respond by telling them that you do not consent to any searches. If you are ordered out of your car by the officer it is important that you lock the doors behind you.

In the event that the officer suspects you of drinking or being under the influence of alcohol, you will be asked to perform a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test. You DO have the right to decline the test and request to speak with an attorney. This will probably result in your arrest, and the officer will put you in contact with an attorney. When you get to station, request again to speak with an attorney before submitting to any other tests or questions; the attorney you speak to will become a witness to your behavior, noting the clarity of your speech and instructing you on the legal issues involved in your current situation.

Your next move while at the station should be to submit to a BAC or Blood Alcohol Test. You are required by law to submit to a chemical test at the police station. If you refuse the test, your license could be revoked or suspended. It is usually better to submit to a test and then have the results suppressed than to refuse, as the penalty can be just as harsh as a DUI. Breathalyzer tests are more unreliable than blood tests, so if given the option, choose the breathalyzer. Knowing your rights is the most important thing you can do to protect your civil liberties during a DUI arrest.

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Relief from Minneapolis DUI Cases

If you have been one of those unfortunate people who has been charged with DUI in St.Paul’s, Minnesota you should always look for options that you can have to be able to handle your situation. There are three options that are available for those seeking representation in court. The first option is to have a public defender, the second option is to represent you and the third option is to hire a private DUI or DWI lawyer who is an expert in these cases. Most people think that they can handle the case themselves. However, experience from Minneapolis DUI cases gone bad should teach you that you should always be able to hire a private lawyer with enough of experience to handle the situation with ease.

The public defenders in St.Paul’s, Minnesota are actually pretty good lawyers too. A lot of people think of them as exceptional lawyers who can move you out of any situation. These public defenders are highly respectable and apart from holding a government tag on them, there a few disadvantages of getting a public defender to handle your case, and especially if you have been charged with DUI. The first and most important thing to know about public defenders is that they have little or no time to handle your case. Whereas a private defender will dedicate his time and energy to handle your case and you will be out of the situation with ease. The second drawback of hiring a public defender is that your case is probably one of the two dozen cases that your lawyer would handle on a given day. You will probably find that you will have to wait for a long time to be able to get an appointment to speak to your lawyer and then finally get a few minutes to speak to him about your case, which is a big drawback. The third disadvantage of a public defender is that you will not get to pick who will defend you. When you decide to go with a public defender, you will have to take what the court has assigned to you. This is not the case when you take up a private defender. Private defenders actually take time to listen to your case and spend as much of time as possible and give you and your case all the attention it requires.

Some people might think that it is easier and wise to go and represent themselves in court. If you ask around you will realise that because of the consequences that comes from a DUI case, that it is not advisable for people to represent themselves. A private lawyer with enough of experience in the field of Minneapolis DUI courts is the kind of representation you should be looking to get. A good and reputed Minnesota lawyer will be able to hand the case efficiently by bringing up all the merits of the case and then take the case head on to be able to give you heads up in handling the case.

Article Source: http://www.happy-living-articles.com

DWI, DUI, And BAC: Three Deadly Acronyms

DWI - Driving While Intoxicated.
DUI - Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol or drugs).
BAC - Blood Alcohol Concentration (or Content).

These three acronyms form a deadly combination. The main links between the three are alcohol and driving. It is well documented that drinking alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and decreases coordination. When a person is DWI or DUI, he or she is piloting a one-ton time bomb with little control over it. Is it speeding towards you?

These three acronyms have legal ramifications too. DUI and DWI are criminal offenses. To determine if a DWI or DUI offense has been committed, it is necessary to measure how much alcohol was consumed by the suspect driver (the BAC).

In the field, police officers utilize tests to determine the amount of a driver's impairment due to alcohol. Such tests include, but are not limited to, breath alcohol tests and field sobriety tests. The breath test is further discussed in this article.

A person's reaction to alcohol varies widely. Some factors that affect alcohol impairment include gender, body weight, time of last meal, time of day, alcohol tolerance, medications, genetics, rate of alcohol consumption, and many more.

A police officer stopping a suspected drunk driver has visual, olfactory (smell), and breath tests to judge a person's impairment from alcohol. The officer must make some kind of quantitative determination of the amount of alcohol impairment at the time of the stop. All the factors mentioned above do not matter to the officer. All he or she wants to do is to create a "snapshot" of the degree of impairment.

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in the blood, expressed as a percentage by volume. This can be measured precisely by taking a sample of the driver's blood for analysis. In the U.S., a BAC level of 0.08% (commonly written as .08) or more is considered illegal. However, the officer on patrol certainly doesn't have a medical lab in the car, and must rely on a breath testing device.

The brand name Breathalyzer is often used generically to describe devices that measure blood alcohol concentration. This type of breath analyzer does not actually measure the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Instead, the reading on the breath analyzer is only an estimate of the alcohol in the blood.

Correlations between the amount of alcohol in the blood and the resulting amount of alcohol in the breath have been made. The tests show the ratio to be approximately 2100 (in the blood) to about 1 (in the breath), or 2100:1. Based on factors listed above, a person's blood:breath alcohol ratio can vary from 1700:1 to 2400:1.

In simpler terms, if an average person has 2100 drops of alcohol in the blood, the breath tester will show a reading of 1 drop. Doctors have measured the blood and breath alcohol contents of test subjects simultaneously, allowing them to calculate the relationship between alcohol in the blood and alcohol in the breath.

When a drunk driving suspect blows into the breath alcohol tester, the machine measures the alcohol in the breath. The machine then calculates the amount of alcohol in the blood by using a blood:breath alcohol ratio. This calculation of BAC is only an estimate. However, that estimate is what goes on the police report and is what the judge will see.

The next time you have consumed alcohol and feel like you are not impaired to drive, remember these points. First, your confidence may be simply alcohol-induced euphoria. Second, your life and the lives of those you drive near may all depend on what the little breath machine thinks is normal. Are you willing to bet your freedom on the opinion of some fancy calculator? Me neither. Be safe!

Need DWI help fast? Investigate the free tips at the resource below.

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Help With Getting Out Of Your DUI Fast

It does not take much in these times of extreme laws to get a DUI. You might have a single drink that has no effect upon you physically, and still end up on the receiving end of the Driving Under the Influence charge. Regardless of how you actually received the charge, it is, without a doubt, something that you have to deal with in a particularly delicate manner. Everyone knows that a DUI is much more than simply a fine and a couple of days in the local jail. DUI's result in long-term costs also. The main long term issue is that of a rather extreme rise in the cost of your automobile insurance. That does not even include the social ramifications. In the end, your one hope is that you can get out of the charge altogether. Is this possible? Yes, if you go about it in the correct manner.

Initially, your first concern is that of the proper attorney. Do not slip in this category, as it is the most important. Research all the local lawyers and law offices. Carefully take note of which ones have dealt mostly with DUI cases. Once you have narrowed your search down to a select few, move on to the next step. Look at your choices and get a clear view of their rate of success. Find the one lawyer or law office that has the most success at getting DUI charges thrown out of court. Do not focus on how they acheived their success, but only on the fact that they did. The how's have no effect upon your particular case.

Once you have aquired the perfect lawyer for this case, move to the next step. Unfortunately, this step doesn't occur until the actual day of the trial. When you prepare for your moment in court, the first thing you need to do is make certain that you remain calm. You don't want to appear upset before the judge. Apparent nervousness will not only hinder your particular presence, but may also do irreperable harm to the effectiveness of your lawyers case. You are working as a team and will be twice as effective and convincing if you are working together.

Inevitably, your most effective tool is your lawyer. Ask him or her what you should do, say, and even wear to your DUI case. These are experienced legal professionals. They have been down this very same road on numerous occasions and know just what to do to reach your goal. Depend upon them, not yourself.

As you prepare for your day in court, make sure to dress the part. Your lawyer will undoubtedly be attempting to present you to the court as a fine upstanding citizen of your community. If you were to show up wearing tattered blue jeans and an old worn out t-shirt, you would be doing nothing to help your case. When it comes to court cases, the judge is whom you wish to impress. Though many legal officials might argue the point, first impressions are those which have the most impact upon your judge. If he sees a fine upstanding citizen dressed as a party animal, he will not see a fine upstanding citizen at all.

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How Important Are Breathalyzers In DUI Court Cases?

If you or a friend has ever been pulled over for a traffic violation or suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have been asked to submit to a breathalyzer test. The breathalyzer test consists of breathing into a small plastic tube that is attached to a device that can measure the levels of alcohol in the lungs and bloodstream. This is called the "blood alcohol limit" (BAC) and it is how the authorities can tell if you have had too much to drink and may be breaking the law by driving yourself home from that party. The breathalyzer has been an invaluable tool for law enforcement for many years, however if it is determined that your BAC is above legal limits, how important is this evidence when dealing with the actual DUI court case?

Breathalyzer tests are generally the fastest and most effective way to determine if a driver has had too much to drink, so that the law enforcement officers can act quickly to arrest and get that person off the street. This prevents countless numbers of DUI related accidents and deaths every year. If a suspect refuses to submit to the breathalyzer test, they can be arrested and detained for a blood test based on suspicion of DUI, so in most cases they will agree to be tested on the spot. Then this evidence is used when it comes time for them to report to the judge in court to answer for their actions. It’s very hard to argue against scientific evidence that the breathalyzer tests provide, similar to DNA evidence, there’s no denying it once it is submitted to the court.

The breathalyzer saves countless lives. Sometimes even knowing they could be tested with a breathalyzer will deter drinkers from getting behind the wheel, so there’s no way to tell how many lives are saved by programs like this in addition to designated driver campaigns. Breathalyzers are cost effective ways to prevent a very expensive hazard on the roads as well, costing on average only $97 per unit. That’s fairly insignificant as it concerns life saving equipment and other tools that the law enforcement division has to work with. And it’s much less costly than a human life by any measure.

The breathalyzer test has come up against some scrutiny when it comes to how well they accurately test for the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream. Research shows that in a very small number of cases, the breathalyzer results can show a higher BAC percent, leaving doubts as to the validity of the tests or the testing devices themselves. A false positive on a breathalyzer can result in an innocent person being convicted of a DUI when they were actually within legal limits for alcohol consumption. That opens up a can of worms when considering the personal, legal and financial costs this can cause. A false positive can occur if the breathalyzer unit is defective or tampered with, something that law enforcement agencies do their best to avoid. The benefits of the breathalyzer test far outweigh any possible negatives. The evidence provided by the breathalyzer test is considered very important evidence that is very hard to dispute therefore it is likely that the offender will place a guilty plea and they will pay the price for their lack of responsibility.

In conclusion, the breathalyzer test is a valuable and important test, with evidence that’s nearly impossible to dispute in a court of law. Most of all, it saves lives.

Article Source: http://www.happy-living-articles.com

DUI or Domestic Violence: How to Get the Counseling or Evaluation Required by the Court-From Cary

In a year, millions of individuals are required by courts to get counseling or psychological assessments. Usually, these are required because of one being arrested for a DUI or family violence.

Are you looking for an expert to provide the required counseling or evaluation? It is crucial that when you need to obtain an assessment or counseling for either yourself or a family member, be sure to select the professional who is the most highly qualified.

Choosing a professional on impulse should be avoided at all costs, especially since you will want the doctors findings to be highly respected and influential with the court. That is why it is crucial that you carefully choose a doctor who is a clinical psychologist.

After all, your health and the legal consequences resulting from your arrest should not be placed in the hands of an ordinary psychiatrist or counselor. Remember, psychiatrists have almost no expertise in providing psychological evaluations or counseling services.

Their main expertise is in the prescribing of drugs for psychiatric patients. Also, professional counselors or social workers have little to no expertise in providing psychological assessments; however, they do have some expertise in counseling.

Social workers and counselors typically have a masters degree reflecting one to 2 years of training after college. On the other hand a clinical psychologist has a doctoral degree, reflecting his full 3 to 5 years of training after college.

In fact, the psychologist is the only mental health professional who is fully trained in providing both psychological assessments and counseling services. This is why he is highly influential and very respected by the court.

There are several ways to find a clinical psychologist. One of the easiest and most familiar ways is to peruse the local Yellow Pages.

Look under the heading of psychologists; however they are not sub categorized by specialty. In addition to checking the Yellow Pages, then, see what help the internet can provide.

There are numerous online professional directories that work just like the Yellow Pages. By searching for a clinical psychologist, you will get numerous listings of contact information for those in your locale.

However, online phone books and professional directories do not always categorize their listings. Therefore, if you are looking for a psychologist who concentrates his practice in the areas of domestic abuse, alcohol problems or psychological evaluations and assessments, it would behoove you to conduct a routine internet search.

This type of search will not only provide you with the name of a local clinical psychologist, but it may also provide a link to any online website he may have. Another way that you can find a psychologist is by consulting a representative of your health insurance company or searching the companys directory of preferred providers.

In fact, many health insurance policies require that before obtaining services, you first notify the insurance company to receive a referral to any service provider, including a psychologist. One problem, however, is that some of them will not approve reimbursement for any court-ordered services.

Most of those that do, however, maintain a network of affiliated psychologists who will enthusiastically accept your insurance. If your health insurance company will pay for court-ordered psychological assessments and counseling, it does make sense for you to select a psychologist who is a member of its provider network.

As you can see, there are numerous ways that you can find a clinical psychologist who will do court-ordered counseling and evaluations. Whether you choose to use the internet, the Yellow Pages, or referrals from your insurance company, it is crucial that you use a clinical psychologist.

After all, he is the one mental health expert who is likely to be the most highly regarded by the court. And, do not forget: The outcome of your case may depend on him!

Article Source: http://www.articlesarticles.net

DUI Records – How to Clear Your DUI Records

DUI records are comprised of information regarding the arrest of an individual due to driving under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol. If you have been arrested and filed with a DUI case, you are provided the chance to clear your records. This goes especially true if you want to keep a clean history and background for employment purposes. Through this article, you will be able to clear or minimize the effects of your DUI records. You will also have the chance to have your driver’s license back.

Clear Off Your DUI Records

A lot of individuals who have DUI records have no idea that they can actually clear their records. What is more, they do not know that they are given the chance to keep their bad records from appearing on background checks each time someone looks them up in databases. If you are one of these individuals, you now have an idea that you can clear your records. If your DUI record has been filed for many years already, you can have it cleared so your employment opportunities will not slip away. Conviction records due to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol gives you a bad position in the society and in the eyes of the employers. This will ruin your chances of being able to land a job no matter your exemplary skills. If you have previous DUI records, make sure that you have it cleared.

Clearing Your DUI Records with the Help of an Attorney

If you have DUI records to clear, ask for the assistance of an attorney. A good lawyer will be able to help you clean your records permanently. If you want to hire an attorney, choose someone who specializes or knows how to handle DUI cases and records. There are a lot of lawyers within your state who act as defense attorneys for DWI or DUI cases. Aside from specializing in these types of cases, the attorney should also have a certification as an operator of breath tests. What is more, they should have certification as a trainer for SFST or standardized sobriety tests. With the help of the best state DUI attorney, you will have your DUI records cleared in no time.

Clearing Your DUI Records Yourself

Aside from seeking the help of a DUI attorney, you can also have your DUI records cleared on your own. This is possible by filling out forms. These are submitted to the public office handling your case. After having cleared your records from negative aspects, you can apply for a job without worrying that you will not get hired. Your employer will not have an idea that you have incurred DUI records. What is more, you will be able to have your license back if this has been taken away from you.

After you have your DUI records cleared, you might want to keep in mind that you should not commit the same mistake again. There are some individuals who forget that they have a reputation to uphold. They keep on driving even if they are drunk or have taken in substances.

Article Source: http://www.exchange-articles.info

Knowing DUI Penalties

Driving under the influence is one of the many causes of road accidents. In different states, penalties for DUI may vary. Also, other factors may contribute to the penalties and punishment of the violator. Aggravating factors that can lead to higher penalties include:

• Excessively high blood alcohol level

• A minor is on board while DUI

• Has committed other traffic violations

California DUI penalties

The state of California promises firmer punishments for violators. However, in each county, penalties for these offenses may differ. Below are the penalties and punishment for motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• First Offense

- The violator will get three to five years of court probation, without a probationary officer, which will prohibit him from committing the same offense while on probation.

- Fine and court fees that could range from $1400 to $1800. It can be paid in full within 45 days or it can be paid overtime with additional charges. In some courts, they allow community service to lessen the fine.

- The DMV will be in charge of deciding whether or not to suspend the driver’s license for 6 months or to just limit or restrict the worker to drive only to and from his work or school.

- Depending on the blood alcohol level, the driver may spend 12-45 hours in a driving school.

- Mandatory jail time is 48 hours but it can be turned into community service.

• Second Offense

- Same probationary period as the first offense but the fine is between $1800 and $2800 with the same method of payment. A part of it can still be turned into community service.

- The period of suspension is two years. But, it is still up to the DMV whether to issue you a restriction or a suspension. If you get a suspension, you can appeal for a restriction after a year. Breath tester will also be installed in your vehicle.

- DUI school will be for 18 months.

- Mandatory jail time is 96 hours but it can also be converted to community service.

• Third offense

- Three to five years of formal probation wherein he will have a probation officer to report to.

- Same fine as the second offense and he will also have the liberty to choose whether to pay the whole amount or work some of it in community service.

- Violators will have suspended or restricted driver’s license for three years. He will also have to go to DUI School for 18 months.

- For the third offense, the violator will have to be imprisoned for 120 days or convert it to rehab, home arrest, or both.

• Fourth offense

- For drivers who have committed DUI for the fourth time, they will be sent to state prison as their offense is now considered as felony DUI and they are likely to lose permanently their license to drive.

The above penalties may not apply in all counties in the state but it should give drivers an idea of the trouble they can get into once they drink and drive.

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Acclaimed and respected DUI Defense firm located in Bellevue, WA

Road accidents are considered a serious health issue around the world. These traffic mishaps not only cause physical injuries among drivers and their passengers but cause the deaths of many people as well. Majority of these reported accidents are due to drunk driving or driving under the influence of liquor (DUI).

A World Health Organization (WHO) study has found that 1.2 million people are killed and 50 million are injured in traffic accidents every year. This makes road accidents the second leading cause of death. Approximately 40 percent or 480,000 of these reported deaths are attributed to drunk driving. The WHO expects that by 2020, deaths resulting from these road accidents will go up by 80 percent due to a rise in the number of vehicles on the road.

In the U.S., drunk driving accidents claim the lives of more than 17,000 people each year. For the year 2003 alone, DUI-related deaths were pegged at around 40 percent. This makes alcohol as the leading cause of traffic deaths and injuries in the United States. Washington State reports consistent 43 percent alcohol-related fatalities in 2001, 2003 and 2006.

To date, there are two statutory offenses to driving under the influence of alcohol being followed in all 50 U.S. states. Driving under the influence (DUI) is the first offense. It also includes driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI) or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired (OWI). The first offense is applied based on a police officer’s observations of a person’s behavior and speech. The second offense is known as illegal per se which means driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.

In Washington, all DUI offenses are considered gross misdemeanors. The state’s criminal and administrative penalties are some of the country’s harshest. These include jail, fines, loss of license, a double probation period, mandatory alcohol assessment and higher insurance rates among others.

The Department of Licensing will suspend a driver’s license 30 days after the arrest if the offender is found to have blown over the legal limit or refused a test. What’s important to note here is that the license suspension stays in effect for up to two months or even longer despite the absence of charges. The process of reinstating a license takes even more time as there are numerous requirements that have to be accomplished. An alcohol assessment, alcohol treatment if necessary, payment of reinstatement fee, driving exam and proof of special insurance are just among the many requirements.

Another harsh penalty for DUI offenders in the state of Washington is getting a permanent record of their offense that can affect their entry to other countries. If convicted, a person in a DUI case is immediately barred from entering Canada for at least five years. Tough penalty for such a misdemeanor, you bet but that’s the law and it has to be followed.

Article Source: http://articles.sites4.info

DUI attorney Orange County policy

Certain decisions took in unsuitable moments can cost you your freedom and even your being. You get perhaps good reasons to consider its ok to get a few drinks once in a time, but that doesn’t make you able of driving under the effect of alcohol. The minute you imagine the repercussions of what might turn out, you should be taking into consideration hiring a DUI attorney Orange County. The district attorney’s headquarters all the way through California is notorious for filling DUI charges where breath and blood check outcome are lower that legal, so you don’t have any choice nevertheless hiring a specialized DUI lawyer Orange County just in case.

If you get been arrested and charged for DUI in Orange County Southern California, there are some lawful considerations you ought keeping in mind when analyzing your officially permitted options. If you were convicted for DUI, than expect the loss of your driver’s permit, probation, jail time and additional. What is worse is that a DUI can stay on your record for years, and it can stop you from achieving several goals you once thought of. This might establish the foremost reason why you ought to employ a professional DUI attorney Orange County; for the reason that he can supply you with official information concerning your officially authorized rights and the course following your situation.

With the aid of a resident newspaper, telephone book or with the aid of an internet search engine, you can track down recommended attorneys specialized in DUI cases; or you can subscribe to a law dedicated website where you can submit your case details online without paying any charge. A DUI attorney Orange County will evaluate your situation and even stand in for you in court if you find him proficient enough. But if you like to avoid this condition, all you boast to do is to drink responsibly and reject to drink and drive.

Article Source: http://www.articles4y.com

7 Tips for a DUI Stop

If you're ever pulled over by a cop, you need to be aware of your rights. You have to know your best course of action to make the best of the situation. Here are 7 tips for you to use if you're ever accused of driving under the influence of alcohol.

1. Shut up. I hate to be blunt, but sometimes people only pay attention to blunt communication. Shut up. You have the right to remain silent, even though the officer doesn't have to tell you that. You don't have to respond to his questions. And any answers you do give (or spontaneous statements you make) will be used against you. Yes, the officer will write down what you say. It will be used in your trial. So just don't talk. You have to provide your name, driver's license, registration, and insurance card, but that's it. No more talking.

2. Be polite. This might seem contradictory to the first tip, but it's not. You can respectfully remain silent. You can politely say "I choose not to answer any questions until I speak with an attorney."

3. Ask if you can leave. The police can stop you if they suspect that you have broken the law. But this type of stop is very loosely regulated. They do not have to advise you of your rights to keep quiet and to have an attorney. This is where many people talk too much and get themselves into trouble. If you ask if you are free to leave the scene, the officer must tell you. If you are allowed to leave, do so. If you are not allowed to leave, say "I want an attorney." The officer must stop asking you questions until you have an attorney present.

4. You can refuse field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are things like touching your finger to your nose, reciting the alphabet, and walking along a straight line. You do not have to perform these exercises. If you think they will incriminate you, you should politely refuse to do them. In fact, these exercises are highly subjective, and sober people can end up "failing" in the eyes of the officer.

5. You can refuse the field breath test. Police officers carry hand-held breath test devices that they bring out during traffic stops. You can refuse to blow into it. This device is used to see if the officer has probable cause to initiate an arrest. If your breath alcohol level is high enough and it registers on the hand-held device, probable cause is no longer an issue. The reading from this portable machine cannot be used against you at your trial because they are not reliable enough. Do you want any part of your future hanging on an unreliable machine?

6. You cannot refuse the police station breath test. If the officer decides to arrest you, he will take you to the station for a breath test. This breath test machine has a printer hooked up to it, and you'll be asked to blow into a long tube. You cannot refuse this test. By having a Virginia driver's license, you have already consented to this test. If you get to this point, do what the officer asks. But still remain silent.

7. Don't drink and drive. You knew this was coming. Didn't you? The best way to avoid a DUI conviction is to not drink and drive.

Article Source: http://www.articles4y.com

Auto Insurance and DUI: A Dangerous Combination

Today laws have become very stringent about drinking and driving. And the insurance companies are following suit by introducing a strict stance on the offenders. As per the law, the insurance companies are not allowed to give auto insurance to people who have committed traffic violations many times, have got their driving license suspended, and are caught for drinking and driving. The basic response of insurance companies towards consumers (who are caught under DUI) is to cancel their policy or increase the rates of premium. If the customer does not show any improvement, then the company has the right to prevent his car insurance policy from getting renewed.

A person who has committed violations for many times, needs to keep a proper record of his auto insurance for a span of three to five years and then present it to the motor vehicle department of the state. To remove the suspension from your driving license, you need to seek an SRS-22 form from the car insurance company so that it can be submitted to the motor vehicle department. This SRS-22 form is a type of proof given by the insurance company which states that you are the owner of an auto insurance scheme. The presentation of SRS-22 form also means that the insurance company is responsible for informing the motor vehicle department if the car insurance scheme gets cancelled in the future for some reason.

Most of the offenders in DUI are required to present a SRS-22 form and therefore there is no way to hide these kinds of details from the insurance company. When you seek for a SRS-22 form, then immediately the insurance company puts you in the category of a perilous driver. This can eventually result in the company to cancel your policy or they will simply refuse to renew your policy once the current term for the policy expires. At the event of cancellation of your policy, the insurance company will send you a notice where the exact reason for terminating your policy will be stated. Then you can start looking for another insurance company who will be willing to provide you with auto insurance despite your past record with the previous company. All the insurance companies are not equipped to provide its customers with a SRS-22 form. So in such cases you have to get car insurance from a different company. Certain auto insurance does not provide auto insurance to people who are charged under DUI. Such customers can only expect to get their auto insurance after the completion of five years (from the date of DUI).

Looking for auto insurance in San Diego? Get San Diego Auto Insurance quotes.

Article Source: http://www.goarticles.com

Alcoholism and dui information in Spanish

In any language information about alcoholism is the same as in the dui information in Spanish. Alcohol gives a feeling of euphoria to the user; hence it is an abusive substance. But there is a problem in it, because with time the drinker requires more substance to achieve this euphoria, and this results in increased consumption of alcohol.

Alcoholism and dui information in Spanish tells us about how alcohol creates havoc in society and is a poison. It is at the teenager level that most people start drinking alcohol, because of peer pressure. Only those who have a strong will can keep alcohol away and occasionally have it on social occasions. But the weak people get sucked into its abuse to enjoy the euphoria that comes with it.

The meaning of 'dui' is driving under influence of alcohol as in alcoholism and dui information in Spanish. Accidents caused by teenagers who have had alcohol is a common feature that has been recorded. Actually if anybody drives after drinking alcohol, he can be arrested and put into prison.

Most of the dui accidents are caused by the additional self-confidence that a drunken driver suddenly has. Any normal person also loses control of his senses after consuming alcohol. Though he feels that he can control every situation perfectly, it is this feeling of control that leads him to his doom.

On reading alcoholism and dui information in Spanish the reader is curious to know how much fine an individual has to pay for dui in Spain. According to Spanish law, a person found driving after consumption of alcohol will be arrested for the weekend and his driving license will be suspended for 12 months. The consequences will be worse if the person gets involved in a crime or an accident.

If you go online, you will know a lot about alcoholism and dui information in Spanish. Most teenagers do not pay much attention to the law and that is why they should be educated about the consequences of dui. Some adults also do not abide by the law and have to pay the price for it by being fined for dui.

We, as responsible citizens should act in preventing people from driving if they are under the influence of alcohol. The law exists, but it cannot check and control everybody, but the society can do it by influencing loved ones, children, friends and strangers not to risk their own lives and other people's lives too.

In an accident involving drunken driving, not only can the driver get hurt, but others too may get seriously injured or even lose their lives. This is unfair, because these innocent people suffer for a crime that they have not committed. If the culprit is caught driving under the influence of alcohol, he is charged heavy fines and may even be imprisoned. But after all it is also the friends and family who have to suffer along with the culprit.

It has been observed that most of the accidents where drunk drivers were involved have not been done by chronic alcoholics. It is the occasional social and first-time drinker, who has confidently taken the wheel, and caused the accident. It should be known that just being an occasional drinker does not give you the freedom to drink and drive, it can be fatal for any type of drinker.

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