Driving Under the Influence – DUI

DUI means Driving Under the Influence. Driving under the influence means driving when one is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. DUI is a problem in itself and is affecting every one who is on the road. If asked where it is crime or felony, the answer is not that simple. The laws that govern DUI vary from one state to the other. These cases are generally handled and heard in state superior court.

DUI when amounts to felony

First: Driving under the influence is called felony when someone is injured i.e. drunk driver.
Second: When serious injuries are done to someone the DUI is charged as a felony named vehicular assault.

There are some states for example Virginia where there is no difference between DWI (Driving while intoxicated) and DUI.

If one is convicted previously because of DUI, it will be difficult for that person to get off from the DUI. In this case the court or the judge will consider and take into account the prior record of the person before coming to the conclusion as to whether it was that of felony.
The court might be lenient if one is first time DUI offender and one has no other criminal record. The penalties for this might be a day or two in jail, suspension of driver’s license for 3 or 4 months, and mandatory fines.
One might have heard of popular phrases such as prevention is better than cure. Thus best way is to prevent or avoid drinking alcohol. But if one has already been arrested for this the best thing is to hire a good lawyer. If you are in Houston, a Criminal Defense lawyer who specializes in this particular filed should be consulted and engaged. If one wants to hire a Houston criminal lawyer from a law firm that would also be great. Every thing should be explained to these lawyers without hiding anything.

DUI may have a serious effect both on the convicted driver, as well as the innocent drivers. It also causes harm to the bystanders who are affected by these drunken drivers. It is also advisable to keep calm if one is suspected of DUI. In this case one should not run away or avoid giving answers to the question put before him as this would spoil the case and go against the person in court. Always go for the blood test if one is sure that he has not consumed alcohol. The blood test results are perfect as compared to urine tests.

Thus hire a good lawyer, as the selection of the lawyer is of utmost importance. Since the good lawyer will represent the case in proper way after going into every detail.

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What to Do: Pulled Over for a Suspected DUI

There's nothing that gets your heart pumping, like seeing the flashing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. Especially if you've had a drink or two before it happens. What's more important than anything is keeping your head, and knowing how to acct.

First of all, remain calm. Pull over and park your car immediately. Keep your hands visible, turn off your radio, turn on the interior light, and get your license and registration ready (you are required to provide this to the officer). Do not get out of your car unless instructed by the officer, as doing so gives the officer a reason to become defensive, as he has no idea, for instance, if you are in possession of a weapon.

At this time, it would be a great idea to mind your P's and Q's. Starting with a little respect and courtesy. Don't argue, don't berate the officer for pulling you over. Nine times out of ten, it's better to say little to nothing.

When the officer asks you if you have been drinking, you have some choices to make. You aren't required by law to answer this question. You could plead the fifth amendment and refuse to answer, and it cannot be held against you, or as evidence in court. The risk is that if you don't offer this information you could be questioned more pointedly.

Honesty will not get you out of a DUI. In fact, divulging that you just spent the past four hours at a bar because you broke up with your boyfriend is more than likely going to be used against you in court, so rather than risk incrimination, politely decline to answer the question.

If the officer asks you to step out of the car to perform a field sobriety test- follow a penlight with your eyes, stand on one leg, recite the alphabet backwards, etc.- you can legally refuse to do so. Such subjective tests are not standardized or reliable indicators of inebriation; in addition, most law enforcement personnel (especially the ones most likely to be pulling you over) are usually not fully or properly trained to administer these anecdotal tests.

However, in many states there are Implied Consent Laws which means you agree to taking chemical tests, blood, urine or breath tests to test for impairment. These of course are much more accurate than the field sobriety tests, you should check your state laws to see if you are required to take these tests upon request. In many states, refusal to take the test will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.

Even if you are found guilty by the officer, continue to remain calm. Throughout the ordeal it is in your best interest to cooperate with the officer. Do not actively incriminate yourself by arguing or becoming hostile. Rather than physically fight the officer, wait patiently and fight the DUI in the courtroom with an experienced attorney- the outcome will be much more favorable.

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For How Long Will my Driving Record be Affected With DUI?

If you had once been convicted of DUI, you will surely run into situations in the future wherein you will be required to show your record. This may happen when you are applying for a new job which requires you to drive a company vehicle. In such cases, an employer would always want to check the applicants’ driving record and there will be no other way around it.

Sometimes, DUI records stays on you indefinitely. While most people believe that a DUI record will be automatically removed from your records after a certain time, it may not always be true. There are many states that have laws that will keep a Dui record with you for a number of years and there are also others that do not have these laws and would keep a DUI on your record forever.

But if you are lucky enough to be in a State that allows the expunging of DUI from your record after a certain period of time, you still need to do the following; go down to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and find out how you can take off the DUI from your record.

Your local department will provide you with the needed paperwork and documents that you need to fine in case your State allows the expunging of DUI from your records. However, if you experience difficulties and road blocks during this process, hiring a Dui Attorney who has knowledge and experience in the area will be a wise decision to take.

You should never allow a DUI conviction to rule your life forever. You can inquire with your local department of motor vehicles office how you can file the necessary requirements to expunge DUI from your record. You can also check on your driving record to see what’s in it and help yourself in cleaning up your record. There are some people who really don’t have any idea of the content of their driving record or were aware that they have the right to check out their own driving records.

You can go down to your local department and ask for a copy of your driving record. You may have to fill out a request form show identification proof and then you easily get the copy of your driving record then and there. In most states, there is a nominal fee charged for a copy of driving records requested.

When you have the actual copy of your driving record, you will be able to come with better decisions when it comes to DUI expunging process. You may then be surprise at how easy it really is to for you to clear your record.
However, if you find yourself having difficulties and road blocks with the process and you don’t know how to proceed with clearing your DUI record, it is best to seek out a qualified DUI attorney who can expertly assist you expunge DUI from your records.

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Legal Advice on DUI and OUI Charges: What to Do?

It depends on the state, but nearly all states have strict laws against driving under the influence or
operating under the influence. Driving while under the influence is an illegal action, which is often
known as a misdemeanor in the court of law.

Some states, on the first offense, will pull your license, impound your vehicle, and throw you in jail.
Once you are at jail you will await to visit the judge, which is the next day, unless you are arrested
on the weekend, then you will visit the judge on Monday the following week. Your blood level must
read 0.8 in most states before you are considered operating under the influence or else driving under
the influence.

Driving under the influence (DUI), operating under the influence (OUI), and driving while under the
influence (DWI) are three terms for similar acts; however, the differences in some states can mean a
difference in the penalty you receive. DUI/OUI/DWI laws are tricky since in few states the law must
have probable cause to pull you over.

If you are not weaving on the highway or committing any crime that lead the officer to believe that
you are driving under the influence, then you may have a chance in the courtroom to fight and win
the case. However, in some states, the law can pull you over regardless and often does not need any
reason as to why you were pulled over.

Still, the law is obligated to read you your rights, and if the officer fails to do so, you may have a
win case. The best advice you can get for DUIs is to avoid drinking drunk altogether. If you plan to
go out on the town, ask someone who is not drinking to go with you. Otherwise, if you had a party
at work and drank some alcohol, you should try to wait at least an hour before leaving the building,
unless you had more than one drank.

Finally, if you are arrested for DUI/OUI, it is in your best interest to plea not guilty and to force the
prosecution to prove that you were in fact under the influence. If you are innocent, it is unlikely that
the prosecution will be able to prove that you weren't.

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Minneapolis DUI Attorney: Basic Facts to Know

Understanding the Ramifications of an Arrest for Driving Under the Influence

Minnesota DWI laws are actually very much confusing. So, it is essential for people living in Minnesota or drivers especially to understand what is exactly meant by DWI law and what are the ramifications that can result from DWI arrest. Most of the people are also very much confused about DUI law and DWI law.

Firstly, it is important to clear the two terms—DUI and DWI. DUI means Driving Under Influence and DWI means Driving While Impaired. Both of them refer to arrest related to drunk driving offense. Actually the statute about drunk driving has changed a number of times by Minnesota law. It is due to this reason the DUI law has not become an easy term to understand. However, DUI is not a legal term in Minnesota. DWI is the legal term but still these two terms are used interchangeably.

Drivers must understand the ramifications of arrest for DUI Minnesota. A Minnesota DWI Lawyer can make a person understand the DWI law in a much detailed and better manner. The vehicle you are driving may also be a subject to permanent forfeiture. The license of the driver can be revoked for some time. Then, if you have previous offenses of DUI, you may face felony DUI charges or even a gross misdemeanor. So, drivers must always take the help of a Minnesota DWI Attorney if he/she is charged with an offense of DUI Minnesota.

The arrest can be made for a number of offences committed by the driver. Actually a driver can be charged with several types of DWI violations. You might be wondering that why was it necessary to charge you with so many counts. Minnesota DWI law essentially allows each count to be viewed as the method of committing the violation. These charges at the time of sentencing are used for determining the severity and length of sentence and also as whether the charge is a gross misdemeanor, a misdemeanor or felony.

The driver might have been charged with only one charge or more than one charge during the time of arrest. The charges that can be put under DWI law are driving while impaired, when blood alcohol concentration is above .80%, when the blood alcohol concentration is over .80% within just two hours of driving or when the driver refuses the testing.

When a person is sentenced, he/she can only be convicted for any one of the offenses. Other offenses are to be dismissed. A person cannot be convicted for several charges brought against him/her.

You can also be charged for crimes that fall outside the statutes of DWI like you might be charged with things like driving even after cancellation, leaving an accident scene or fleeing the police officer. In all these situations, you will be facing separate and additional incarceration sentences or/and other punishments. An expert Minneapolis DUI Attorney will very well know whether law allows sentences for other such offenses to be served concurrently or consecutively. An experienced Minneapolis DWI Lawyer tries their best to help out their clients.

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Consult a Minneapolis DUI Lawyer for your acquittal

A Minneapolis DUI Lawyer can take care of the DUI & DWI charges under which you are convicted. Your life can become hell, if someone accuses you with a DUI offense in Minnesota. As such you have to understand the gravity of a DUI charge. Your life can change drastically should you be convicted for aDUI offense. So, without panicking, seeking the help of a professional Minneapolis DUI lawyer is supposed to be a rational act.

A DWI conviction not only subjects you, but also your people that are dependent on you to the mental torture and the grave consequences which you have to face later on. Although the motive behind isn’t that of committing a crime, yet DWI charges are looked upon as criminal offenses. For rescuing yourself from a DWI charge becoming an actual criminal conviction, consult a renowned and professional MinneapolisDUI Lawyer or Minneapolis DWI Attorney.

Being convicted for a DWI offense reflects badly upon your present and future careers. Plus, you could be fined and put behind the bars. For such reasons it is very important to get the help of a dignified and proficient MinnesotaDUI Lawyer or Minneapolis Criminal Attorney. A Minneapolis criminal lawyer will analyze the facts in detail pertaining to your arrest, as also the method that was used by the government for testing the level of blood alcohol concentration in your body. An accomplished MinnesotaDWI attorney may prove the results of the test to be faulty, although your blood alcohol concentration was shown above the legal limit in the tests.

A Minnesota DWI attorney has familiarity with the style of functioning and the proceedings in the judicial system. This is conducive for your case at the time when your MinneapolisDUI lawyer is putting up a fight against the allegations of which you are a victim. Only a Minnesota DWI attorney is competent enough to safeguard your rights!

While consulting a Minneapolis DWI Attorney, one has to bear in mind a few things like:

1.A practicing lawyer should only be approached.

2.The Minneapolis DWI Attorney should have a proven track record of his accomplishments of successfully acquitting his clients from DWI charges.

3.The Minneapolis Criminal Attorney should have an established reputation among the judges, prosecutors and other criminal defense attorneys.

4.Ensure that the lawyer himself is appearing before the judge to handle the litigation.

Generally, it’s a human tendency to take flight and escape from the crime scenario. But for the judiciary a crime is a crime. The only way to free you from its clutches is to approach a well-qualified and reputed lawyer as is the case with a MinneapolisDUI lawyer. The Minneapolis Criminal lawyer can efficiently help you out of the DWI charges without much affecting your own reputation. Your reaction to facing charges for a DWI crime in Minnesota would be that of you becoming numb with fear, but with the help of a right MinnesotaDUI lawyer to defend your case, you’ll be able to prove yourself innocent.

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When Can I Expect My DUI To Disappear?

How long your DUI remains on your record depends on the laws of the jurisdiction in which you were convicted. There are a variety of methods that can be employed to reduce the effect your DUI may have on your present and future, even if your state doesn't have laws permitting expungement.

The first thing you should understand is that DUI is a political crime that carries a stigma. Local governments make huge amounts of money from this crime & they also feel immense pressure from private entities like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Defendants in DUI cases face an uphill battle throughout the judicial process. From the time of arrest, to the time of sentencing, there will be several opportunities for the defendant to make their circumstances worse. You don't want to enter this process without a legal professional looking out for your best interests.

Learning about the DUI process is the true first step in protecting your rights. The best place to start getting information about your DUI situation, is to discuss the circumstances with a DUI lawyer in your area. Talking with a local DUI lawyer is important because they will be familiar with the DUI laws of your state. For example, if you're arrested for DUI in California, you want to discuss your situation with a California criminal lawyer who handles DUI cases.

Since a DUI charge may last for as little as a couple years, or as longs as your entire life, it is important to understand that steps and procedures that can be taken to reduce the impact a DUI can have. Even if your state doesn't have rules governing expungements, there are many things that can be done to reduce the negative effects of a DUI conviction.

After identifying how long the DUI will remain on your record, based on your state law, the next step is to figure out what you can do to minimize the severity of the DUI's effects on your life. While you may never be able to permanently erase the DUI charge from your criminal record, a criminal lawyer can point out what the best course of action for you to take is.

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DUI Accidents: A Thoughtless and Pointless Waste

Approximately 30 percent of all Americans are expected to be involved in a drunk driving accident in their lifetime. More than 10 percent of Americans aged 12 and older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in 2001 and that nationwide. A rough average of 59 people is killed every hour in a drunk driving auto accident. (Proner, 2007)

Drunk Driving is one of the leading causes of fatal automobile accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40% of total traffic fatalities are alcohol-related incidents.

Life is precious and those who are not killed by the negligence of drunk drivers, though fortunate, may be left with life-altering injuries that could prevent them from their previous way of life. These auto accident injuries may be severe enough to prevent a person from returning to work or engaging in recreational activities he was once used to. Sprains, ruptured disks, fractures, paralysis and brain damage are some of the debilitating injuries that haunt victims even for years after the accident.

Drunk driving is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, jail time, and revocation of license. Drunk drivers are charged with driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, which includes the use of alcohol and drugs that impair the ability to operate a motor vehicle properly. This includes common illegal drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, as well as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications that warn against use while driving.

Victims of car accidents where the negligent driver is charged with “Driving under the Influence” (DUI) could be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Negligent drunk drivers, on the other hand, may serve time in prison or have their licenses revoked and pay huge amount of fines, but pain and trauma suffered by the victims due to the drunk driver’s negligent actions remain, unchanged, without direct remedy available. No amount of penalty or compensation can make up for personal damage, but that is the closest a victim can resort to.

A drunk driver is held liable for paying compensatory damages, actual and general ones, which include medical expenses and loss of future wages; pain and suffering damages for the emotional distress the accident has brought upon the victim and his or her family; and punitive damages to serve as punishment for his or her negligent actions. In some cases, the establishment that provided alcohol to the drunk driver may also be held liable.

It is important for a victim to seek California legal service, talk to an experienced attorney, and file an auto accident or injury case as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident. In many states, the statute of limitations for filing these cases is two years from the time of the accident, but varies in others. By the time the statute of limitations expires, in most cases, the victim will not be able to pursue a case and obtain compensation for incurred injuries.

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Penalties Of A DUI Conviction

Now that DUI convictions have become common it is often seen that police put up temporary DUI processing stations. This is especially often seen on weekends or holidays since drinking is increased during those times. However, the frequency of DUIs has resulted in the courts taking a stricter stand against this offense since leniency has not helped the number of cases any. If you contemplate taking a chance of driving while under the influence, then it is best to first understand just what the consequences may be.
When you are pulled over for a DUI, there are certain things that you can expect. You can expect the law enforcement officer to ask you if you are under the influence. Additionally, you can expect that they will check your driving record and registration. If they suspect that you are under the influence of a substance, they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test. If after performing the various associated activities your condition is still suspect, you may be asked to have a chemical test done like a breathalyzer or a blood test.
After being officially arrested for a DUI you will have various possible consequences to deal with. This also includes criminal consequences and these will increase in severity each time you commit the same offense. The severity of the law infraction will also determine how harsh the consequences will be. First time offenders usually will receive less severe punishments then those that are facing their second or even third DUI offenses. Punishments can include anything, like fines, probations or time in jail.
In some states a DUI offender will possibly face license penalties on top of the other common punishments. This means that the driver's license will be suspended or revoked and a suspension can be anything from thirty days to more than two years. In some cases a driver will be given a restricted license and that means that the regular license can be kept, but driving is only allowed to commute to and from work. If more DUI offenses are racked up, then the authorities can even come and confiscate the vehicle.
Repeat offenders will quickly come to realize that the severity of the consequences will quickly increase. In the states that provide for a repeat offender status the penalties for a DUI will be much harsher and will increase in severity with each additional DUI charge. At some point the driver's license will be revoked, the license plates confiscated and entry into a registry that lists all those that ignore their restrictions.
DUI's have become increasingly more common. However, just because they are common does not mean that they should be taken lightly. They are a serious legal situation, and they come with significant penalties.

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Injury Lawyer - San Diego DUI Lawyer - New York Criminal Defense Lawyer 193

A Texas auto accident lawyer will, many times, offer a free consultation regarding personal injury claims. A Texas auto accident lawyer will, many times, offer a free consultation regarding personal injury claims. But what happens now to hear the cause of that accident? Or worse, been affected by the accident physically and emotionally? If this is the case then there's not a whole lot that your insurance company will do for you.
This can involve any sort of accident, such as a slip and fall, a dog bite, a motor vehicle accident, a pedestrian accident, and other types of accidents that can result in injury. This information will be crucial to provide your Texas auto accident lawyer with as it provides an independent view of the accident. One problem that many people come across is where to find the money to benefit from this legal expertise, and this can be quite a sum. And you will need an aggressive car and truck accident attorney too.
For this reason, its advisable to seek medical attention immediately following any automobile accident. The police report will be an official record of the event and the outcome. How to find the best car accident lawyer is to first to locate a car accident lawyer proficient in expertise and legal experience in car accidents who can help unwind complicated legal problems and also to help you defend yourself if you were accused of a wreck that was not your fault. And you will need an aggressive car and truck accident attorney too. He was happily driving along when out of the blue, a speeding car jumped the signal and crashed into him.
Avoid a lawyer who demands payment or promises you a definite win without understanding the case. What You Should or Shouldnt Do In Hiring the Best Car Accident Attorney. There are many advantages to settling a case out of court, including the costs involved, but a Texas auto accident lawyer will advise the best way to handle all circumstances. Things to consider and which are surely going to emerge and strengthen the point of retaining an accident lawyer are as follows:.
If youve been injured in an automobile accident, it may be the most frightening time of your life. Ultimately, your preparation and knowledge will help you find an accident lawyer who is perfect for your needs. That's how I heard about the guy and if I needed him I would use him.
It is, however, not recommended that you select an attorney at random. As a general rule, attorneys receive 25-30% of the total settlement, but the price increases if a trial is held. This is evident when the other motorist is the at fault party ought has poor or no insurance. The doctor will complete a medical report, which will be important evidence given to your Texas auto accident lawyer. A Texas auto accident lawyer will likely exchange several letters or telephone calls during the settlement negotiation.
Your lawyer should also be able to provide references from other professional lawyers as well as previous clients. Although you cant prevent yourself from getting into an unpredictable fatal strike of car accidents, you certainly can do other things like defend yourself against predictable problems by getting professional support from these attorneys and lawyers. Having the help of an experienced lawyer in this field can make a real difference when it comes to getting compensated. Please contact her for further information on claims related issues.

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Denver Criminal Lawyer - Boston DUI Lawyer - Houston Lawyer Lawyer 046

This is one of the best ways to receive compensation. Also, being featured in a legal directory or the Yellow Pages is no guarantee of success. The process of finding a good accident lawyer begins with knowing what to avoid. The advantage of doing so is that the lawyer will take on your case only if you stand a good chance of winning. A Pennsylvania accident lawyer is an expert when it comes to the legal recourse relating to accidents.
He was happily driving along when out of the blue, a speeding car jumped the signal and crashed into him. Ask your lawyer to state the type of injuries he or she has dealt with. Like criminal lawyers specialize in crime, civil lawyers specialize in civic issues and litigation lawyers specialize in litigation, the car accident lawyer is a new breed of lawyer who can help you set the accident right.
At the same time, don't just rely only on somebody's recommendation or success. After each offer, your attorney will consult with you about your preferences on how to proceed. The experience and expertise that these lawyers have means that they will know exactly what sort of information is required, and will use their knowledge and skill to prove that the accident occurred through no fault of your own. Find a auto crash attorneys with rapport and communication with your opponents car accidents lawyer who is able to clarify and ease the interactions better between client and a lawyer or his paying insurance company. If you dont know insurance bad faith law, you will probably end up with much less than you are legally entitled to as an injured insured victim.
This is one of the best ways to receive compensation. She has written numerous articles on injury claims issues, particularly those involving car accident and other topics of claims. The doctor will complete a medical report, which will be important evidence given to your Texas auto accident lawyer.
This is evident when the other motorist is the at fault party ought has poor or no insurance. Avoid a lawyer who demands payment or promises you a definite win without understanding the case. A Pennsylvania accident lawyer is an expert when it comes to the legal recourse relating to accidents.
When selecting a Texas auto accident lawyer, there are many ways to find the right attorney for you. Even your own insurance company could try and short change you. This is evident when the other motorist is the at fault party ought has poor or no insurance. There are many advantages to settling a case out of court, including the costs involved, but a Texas auto accident lawyer will advise the best way to handle all circumstances. A Pennsylvania accident lawyer is trained and equipped to deal with all areas of accidental injury, and could help you to make a claim for injuries sustained as the result of an accident.

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DUI – A Major Cause of Car Accident

Drunk driving, driving under influence or driving while intoxicated is the major cause of automobile accident in USA. Perhaps the next major reason of car accident is handheld mobile phones. Talking over cell phone while driving is reported as more dangerous than driving under influence. However, in both the cases some innocent people are victimized.

Car accidents are devastative. Severe car accidents may make people disabled; even sometimes may result in fatality. It is true that no money can compensate a life, but those who survive a car accident, and the dependents of the victims need money to get back on to the regular lifestyle.

Anyone experiencing car accident needs legal guidance to get their compensated claim lawsuit submitted at local court of law. Otherwise, the insurance company or the offender might neglect the claim or try to settle the case at low compensation amount.

An accident attorney can help victims get justice. Once you hire an attorney to look after your case, they take up all the responsibility of the case. They file the case, they represent you in the court, they teach you how to answer the questions during trial and they stay by your side till the end. However, you need to cooperate with your lawyer during the entire process. Provide necessary documents, answer to all their queries without hiding or suppressing the truth and let them help you in all possible ways.

Now, whether the case should be filed under DUI laws, or State personal injury laws is a tricky point. A lawyer with adequate experience in handling car accident, DUI, DWI or personal injury cases can only show you the right way.

There are DUI attorneys who are experts in DUI defense. The offender is likely to appoint an expert attorney to help them avoid penalties. Therefore winning a DUI case might not be an easy job always.

Personal injury lawyers can help victims win the case and receive justified compensation amount so that returning to normal lifestyle becomes easy. DUI laws are complex; these laws may vary from state to state. Hence your best bet will be hiring a lawyer from the state where you are filing the case. If you experienced automobile accident in Florida, contact Florida lawyers for help.

Accident attorneys take up required steps and initiate investigation to prove the real reason of the car accident. BAC test is generally done to find out the state of the driver. 0.08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is considered punishable.

There are many other factors to determine the health and fitness of the driver. If the driver is found to be under influence, police can arrest the person instantly in some states.

However, to win car accident compensation claim case, you need to take it to court and go through all the legal processes. For this, you will need a competent accident attorney. A senior attorney of your state with adequate experience can be of immense help. Look for accident lawyers or law firms that deal with personal injury and car accident to sue the culprit.

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Defeating a DUI Citation with an Attorney

Ever gotten stopped on a DWI charge? Yes this happens but you could defeat the system with the aid of a Attorney.

DWI necessitates fast action that your license won't be suspended. The first step you need to accomplish of course is employ a lawyer so you can immediately be released from lockup.

At times, this does not happen because you are freed on your own recognizance. However, some compel you to post bail which your attorney can perform.

Finally freed, it is now time to address this problem. Various, a DUI charge generates two separate actions. The original is filed with the state's DMV while the other is a criminal court case. Once presented with this problem, you have to face these issues within 10 days from the arrest date.

Precisely like any criminal litigation, the court action begins with the arraignment. You can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Odds are, your lawyer will direct you to assert not guilty to these legal charges. This will give him or her time to review the facts of the case so your defense will be established.

There could be many strategies available that your lawyer can exploit to you get free of a DWI citation and often have demonstrated to be winning.

The lawyer might for example argue absence of probably cause for the initial traffic stop. That means there never was a reason at all to stop you and in that case, present a petition to repress any data that the officer obtained after you were pulled over.

The possibility exists to argue flawed an erratic BAC outcome. The BAC means blood alcohol assessment that is used to investigate if the person’s alcohol reading has elevated above the greatest limit which makes him or her perilous to operate a motor vehicle.

The results could be faulty if your attorney can verify that the assessment was not appropriately administered, the equipment used was not correctly maintained or you have a medical condition that can have an impact on the trustworthiness of the examination.

An additional tactic is to attack the credibility of the arresting police. If your attorney is able to interrogate the arresting police officer and verify that there are discrepancies in their declaration as opposed to the police account they filed, you just might have a chance of getting a not guilty verdict.

Although if the case is not working in your favor and everything was done properly, then your advocate may inform you to take a advantageous plea agreement. Accepting a plea could get you reduced legal charges or sentencing concessions with the Court.

When you don’t desire to bargain and make a decision to gamble in court and are defeated, afterward you can attempt to appeal the court’s judgment. If you don’t, there will probable be an escalation in your car insurance charge, restrictions on employment options and you will now have a lasting record.

Hiring an attorney is the only manner to beat a Driving under the influence citation. It worth fighting, cause there are situations that can be argued that your name can not be incorporated in the offender database legal system.

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Benefits of Hiring a DUI or DWI Lawyer in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services estimates that more than 30,000 people are arrested for DUI or DWI in the State of Minnesota annually. Anyone who becomes one of these statistics will find that this is a serious matter. Minnesota, like most other states, has mandated legal penalties and sanctions related to DUI or DWI convictions. Some of them are severe. It's vital that a competent Minnesota DUI and DWI lawyer is secured as soon as possible when charged with any criminal operation of a motor vehicle.

Minnesota's BAC limit is .08 while controlling a moving vehicle but even a lower BAC level can result in a criminal charge if a police officer is able to prove that the consumption of alcohol contributed to errors while driving. Commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21 are affected by additional legal factors. DWI or DUI offenses can lead to a wide variety of penalties in the State of Minnesota. The arrest situation, criminal history, and prior criminal convictions may affect the severity of penalties for those charged with this crime. Misdemeanor fines, jail time, felony convictions, license revocations, and vehicle forfeitures are all possible scenarios depending on the specifics of each case. These possibilities should be the prime motivators to encourage anyone facing an alcohol-related driving offense in Minnesota to seek professional legal advice.

Choosing a criminal defense lawyer for DWI or DUI charges may be a challenging prospect for those already overwhelmed with their pending criminal charges. There are specifics to consider when making a decision about hiring a competent criminal defense attorney that can somewhat simplify the process.

Narrow your search for qualified DUI and DWI legal defense by choosing counsel within your geographical area. It will probably be necessary to have face-to-face meetings with the attorney you hire so it wouldn't be very convenient to travel across state for these meetings. Attorneys typically charge higher fees when long travel is involved for court appearances or research. This is yet another reason to consider geography and proximity when choosing council.

Check with friends and family for referrals. This is one of the most helpful types of recommendations because they originate from people that you trust. Some attorneys may make false claims they are unable to back up with results. You may need to Google with keywords DUI or DWI criminal defense and the city and state to further locate DUI or DWI attorneys in your area. Take the time to check the credentials of the firms that are seriously being considered. Review the websites of potential attorneys to investigate their experience with DUI and DWI cases. Contact information should clearly be indicated. A firm that offers 24 hour assistance shows a commitment to client relations. A free consultation is also an indicator of client-centered representation.

Attorneys that have been recognized by trade or peer-reviewed publications are typically well-respected in the legal field. It's vital to investigate the success record of a prospective attorney. Firms that are successful at DUI or DWI defense won't hesitate to share details about their track record.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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

DUI Defense: Advice from a Tennessee DUI Lawyer

DUI arrests are among the most common interactions the average individual will have with law enforcement. Everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, is a potential target for a DUI. In that vein, when confronted with a situation that may end in your arrest for a DUI, the proper actions to take are the same for everyone.

When pulled over for a DUI, there are a couple of things one should keep in mind. The first is that one should be respectful. The officer is only doing his or her job. Answer questions directly and as they are asked. The second point to remember is that your cooperation with law enforcement should end when you start incriminating yourself. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives you an inviolable right against self-incrimination. The fifty states have their own constitutional counterparts to the federal amendment. One should never feel obligated to incriminate oneself.

For example, if you are asked by the police if you have been drinking, you should actually feel obligated not to answer. You should feel no obligation to answer questions about the specific amount you may have been drinking. If the officer asks you to step out of the car, you may then ask if you are under arrest. At no time must you exit the vehicle and perform any tests or answer any further questions. Common field sobriety tests (FSTs) can be failed by someone who is completely sober. One can perform substandardly on the one-legged stand or the line walk for a variety of reasons, none of which is intoxication. In short, they don't tell much about your sobriety, but failure or a deficient performance on any one of them creates the perception, as wrong as it may be, of guilt.

The overall thing to remember is that you are under no obligation to incriminate yourself. No matter what assurances the officer gives you, the prosecutor is always the one who makes the final decision on how to handle your case. At the very most, be cordial, respectful and polite, but do not cave to the pressure to "cooperate". Not only will things not be made batter, they in fact practically always end up worse. I have never in all my years of practice thought "Gee, I wish my client would have talked to the cops more." However, I have said the exact opposite to myself many times - I wish they had talked less. Often, a lot less!

If you do not offer a breath sample or a blood sample, and do not participate in any field sobriety tests, you stand a good chance of getting the initial DUI charge reduced or dismissed. You are not gaming the system, or getting off on some sort of "technicality" - it's simply exercising your constitutional rights. You can only exercise them if you know them, and that's the point of this article, to make sure you are properly educated and equipped in the event you are ever stopped and arrested for something you may in fact not have done.
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Did You Locate A Good Attorney For Your DUI Case?

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI in Florida, you need to consult an attorney as soon as possible. DUI/DWI offenses are classified as either misdemeanor or felony charges. DUI punishment varies from state to state.

Handling the case of DUI is very complicated because the laws are changing. DUI does not pertain to just alcohol—it also applies to the use of controlled substances.

Many drunk driving cases can carry significant penalties, including jail or prison time. If you feel you have been falsely accused of DUI, we urge you to contact a qualified attorney immediately so that he can build your best possible defense.

It's a must that you will get a criminal defense lawyer who knows the pros and cons of DUI laws and drunk driving penalties in your state.

The offenders for DUI should be provided with a good criminal defense lawyer who habitually performs the drunk driving defense and should be a qualified DUI lawyer.

It also means that he has been counseling those arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) or drunk driving for many years and he understands the particular problems associated with drunk driving arrests and charges.

Since the Department of Motor Vehicles has asked police to take licenses of a driver upon a drunk driving arrest (administrative license revocation), some persons are immediately interested in getting their drivers licenses back.

Meanwhile, the issue of a drinking problem or substance abuse is a subject that the DUI, DWI or drunk driving offender may be faced with. There is a good possibility that the drivers license could be gone for as much as years? It depends on the situation.

A good defense attorney will closely examine the facts in your particular case and will determine your best and most effective defense. These breathalizer tests are far from infallible, and an experienced defense attorney can often throw the credibility of the results into question.

You have to ask more information not only with one driving defense lawyer on the line or to the person who knows the case. Your lawyer will need to review field sobriety tests, the initial police stop, the arrest and any breath or blood testing to determine where to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case against you.

Your attorney will also determine if the chemical test was properly administered in compliance with the law. He will also subpoena the maintenance and calibration records of breath test machines used in your case.

He will summon the officer's training records to make sure that his client has been properly treated in the use of breath test machine. Then he will obtain an independent Lab test of any blood sample to be sure the test result provided by the police is accurate, and that the sample is properly preserved, and has not been contaminated.

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Drunk Driving - What's the Big Deal?

States are cracking down on drunk driving. DUI and DWI laws across the nation are becoming stricter and being enforced with greater diligence. Why is drunk driving such as big deal? What happens to your body when you drink that makes driving so dangerous?

Alcohol slows the brain by acting as a depressant. When you drink, some of the messages your senses are sending to your brain are suppressed. That means you the fact that the car in front of you is stopping may not register with your brain, or it may register far to late for you to act. Alcohol in your system also makes you have a distorted picture of how you are moving. You may think, for instance, that you are moving in a straight line, when, in fact, you are staggering across the room. When you are driving, this makes it almost impossible to drive straight down the road.

When you drink and drive, you are putting yourself at risk. Many drink drivers are killed because of their poor driving skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car wrecks are the leading cause of death for people in America who are under the age of 24, and about 40 percent of those deaths are somehow related to alcohol. Many of those in this statistic were the drivers or passengers of drunk drivers.

So just how dangerous is it to drive drunk? Having a blood alcohol content of just .10, a tiny bit over the legal limit, puts you at seven times higher of a risk for being involved in a crash that kills someone. If that level is raised to just .15, the risk increases to 25 times.

What about driving with a little bit of alcohol in your system? What if you are driving under the legal limit? Are you still putting yourself and people around you at risk?

Believe it or not, you could be. A blood alcohol content of .04, for instance, can increase the likelihood of someone being involved in a car crash by 1.4 times. Every drink that is added to that person's system increases the risk dramatically. Doubling the blood alcohol level to .08 increases the risk of a car crash to 11 times more likely. So having "just one more" could bring devastating consequences.

So before you jump in the car after a party, stop and think about the risk. Are you ready to live with the knowledge that your actions killed someone? Are you willing to put your own life and the lives of your passengers at risk? If not, pass the keys to someone who did not drink or call a taxi. The rest of the community will thank you.

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What to Do: Pulled Over for a Suspected DUI

There's nothing that gets your heart pumping, like seeing the flashing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror. Especially if you've had a drink or two before it happens. What's more important than anything is keeping your head, and knowing how to acct.

First of all, remain calm. Pull over and park your car immediately. Keep your hands visible, turn off your radio, turn on the interior light, and get your license and registration ready (you are required to provide this to the officer). Do not get out of your car unless instructed by the officer, as doing so gives the officer a reason to become defensive, as he has no idea, for instance, if you are in possession of a weapon.

At this time, it would be a great idea to mind your P's and Q's. Starting with a little respect and courtesy. Don't argue, don't berate the officer for pulling you over. Nine times out of ten, it's better to say little to nothing.

The officer now asks the dreaded question: Have you been drinking tonight? You do not have to answer this. It is fully within your rights to plead the Fifth Amendment so as not to incriminate yourself. This refusal to speak cannot be held against you as evidence in court.

On the flip side, being honest isn't always the best policy. Not that we would recommend that you think in your head, No Officer I haven't been drinking fruitpunch in the last 12 hours, while you answer no. It's just best that for the most part you answer as little as possible.

If the officer asks you to step out of the car to perform a field sobriety test- follow a penlight with your eyes, stand on one leg, recite the alphabet backwards, etc.- you can legally refuse to do so. Such subjective tests are not standardized or reliable indicators of inebriation; in addition, most law enforcement personnel (especially the ones most likely to be pulling you over) are usually not fully or properly trained to administer these anecdotal tests.

These sobriety tests are not to be confused with chemical tests- blood, urine, or breath tests, which chemically measure the amount of alcohol in a person's system. Florida, along with every other state except Nevada, has an Implied Consent Law. This law states that upon receiving a valid Driver's License you have given consent to taking one of these tests if suspected of DUI; and upon refusal, your license will be suspended. Therefore, it is in your best interest to agree to a chemical test. If the test finds your BAC (blood or breath alcohol content) above the legal limit of 0.08% you will be convicted of DUI.

If the test turns out positive, it is still worth it to remain calm and courteous. As long as you cooperate you are in a much better position to be given some leniency. Becoming hostile or arguing are pretty much a guarantee that you'll be charged to the full extent. If you consult with an experienced attorney to represent you, you have the greatest chances to come out of this experience with as little harm as possible.

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What It The Penalty For A DUI?

It is important to protect yourself from arrests due to driving under the influence. The best possible way to avoid this is to not get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. Choose a designated driver or take a taxi cab to and from your destination if you feel like you will be unable to safely operate a vehicle. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to hire a good attorney to defend your case because the penalties for the offense are quite severe.

The first thing you will face is an actual arrest. This is a very traumatic experience and will take several hours before you can be released on bond or your personal recognizance. You will have to face getting booked and processed which is a highly embarrassing situation and will also have to sit in jail, often overnight, until you are released on bond.

Once you are released you will have a court date set. You will need to prove your case in a court of law and will likely need the assistance of an attorney for this. Attorney’s fees for this type of trial can be very expensive and can sorely damage a person’s budget. There is also the time element involved and you may need to take time off work. Unfortunately, this can also put your job in jeopardy. However, hiring an attorney is the best possible way to avoid some of the more severe penalties associated with a drunken driving conviction.

If convicted, you may face suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. This is highly inconvenient and prevents you from dealing with your normal daily activities. Suspension of your driver’s license can last for several weeks, months or even years depending on the severity of the situation. This penalty can be highly debilitating to your lifestyle.

When you are able to legally operate a vehicle again, you will find your auto insurance rates have increased significantly. You will have to get a special type of insurance that costs much more than insurance for people with clean driving records. Because of the conviction you are deemed a higher risk. The insurance rates can stay inflated for many years.

After a conviction you may have several legal consequences such as fines, community service or even jail time. This may occur if this is your first offense and you are put on probation. The legal fees are generally high and if not paid you can face prison time. Community service is often something that is not pleasurable, such as picking up trash on the side of the road. If the offense is not your first or there was an injury or damage to property you may face a jail sentence.

Penalties for driving under the influence are fairly severe. They can also follow you through the rest of your life and be on your permanent record. This can prevent you from getting certain jobs. The best way to avoid driving under the influence penalties is to not drink and drive.

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The DUI Scarlet Letter and Its Bearing on Your Car Insurance Rate

Anyone that has been unfortunate enough to receive a DUI knows that they are nothing short of serious, uncomfortable, and costly. Suspended licenses, court costs, and attorney fees are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expenses that are affiliated with DUI’s. While those expenses are extreme and took a good chunk of your finances, the worst is still yet to come.
The insurance company will either charge you off the hook for your rates or they may just terminate your policy, neither option is pretty. You will be a "high risk" driver for quite some time and possibly even be uninsurable. Very rarely, your DUI can get caught up in the red tape and fail to surface for a while but it usually does surface at some point.
The most trusted insurance companies won’t touch you for coverage so you will likely be stuck with some small no name insurance agency that will charge you an arm and a leg for your coverage. States determine how long the DUI will remain in your record but it could stay there for the rest of your life in some states.
Every state has authorization over DUI laws and car insurance coverage. Most states make those with a DUI get a form SR-22 from their insurance company, which ensures that everyone knows about your DUI. It is the only way though to get your license reinstated by proving to the DMV that you carry at least liability coverage.
The catch is that in many cases the insurance company is obligated to inform the DMV is you no longer have insurance coverage. If your insurance company will allow you to remain covered, expect a significant increase in your premiums.
No laws are enforced to dictate any caps on what is acceptable for an insurance company to charge you after a DUI so they can have a field day with your wallet. It is essential that you think before you drink and never engage in drinking and driving. A single foolish choice can be a curse for many years.

Article Source: http://www.new.citynewslive.com

Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer - Boston DUI Lawyer - Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer 797

The drain emotionally and financially on both you and your family is an unwanted process but Texas mesothelioma lawyers can work with you and your family to try and make something good come out of a horrible situation. Your options are plenty and you have to make your choice prudently. Houston is one place where you can find lawyers in every field, whether it is criminal, defense, litigation, immigration, divorce, visa or any other field where you need assistance. The government of Alabama employs specialists at different levels of the administration or proceedings, for various criminal and civil purposes.
And, this is where it becomes very crucial for you to hire the most competent and best New Jersey bankruptcy lawyers who is specialized in handling your type of bankruptcy cases. The lawyers employ different procedures to help their clients to fight their cases, depending on the case and the level of complexities involved. At times it could render him useless for the rest of his life making his dependants suffer along with him. At times it could render him useless for the rest of his life making his dependants suffer along with him.
Most Alabama lawyers are associated with private organizations or practice independently as legal advisors. Since you are filing for bankruptcy, it is a clear indication that you are not in a position to pay a huge amount only as attorney fee. These lawsuits have been known to win millions of dollars for victims and their families.
In Houston, each and very lawyer has to fulfill certain criteria in order to secure his license for practicing. If you happen to be diagnosed with mesothelioma you have every right to file a lawsuit in court. The credit industry would love for you to believe that only waster's become bankrupt. Accident Lawyers provides detailed information on Accident Lawyers, Auto Accident Lawyers, Aviation Accident Lawyers, Car Accident Lawyers and more. Houston, a city founded in 1836, was named after Sam Houston.
The unfortunate aspect to this is your credit rating will be affected and on your record for a decade. Bankruptcy is generally seen as a last resort, but as legislation continues to add changes, it will become harder for individuals to apply for bankruptcy. The lawyer must be a member in good standing of the "bar" of Michigan State and should not be under any court order, restricting practice of law. They are like any other lawyers who have received their law degrees and are members of the bar association certified to appear in court. This was when black lawyers were forbidden to join the Houston Bar Association.
New Jersey has a number of such proficient lawyers who help fight personal injury cases. It could be a limb injury whilst loading reels of paper in a box factory or inhaling toxic fumes in a chemical plant. This kind of help is also provided by the lawyers of charitable and non-profit organizations.
Insolvency laws in the United States have a certain bankruptcy protection built in, whereby the individual filing for bankruptcy will not, under most circumstances, lose his or her home. Also find out his track record so that you get a good idea of his capabilities. It is often observed that people who are involved in personal injury cases do not seek any help or guidance from a personal injury lawyer. After all, you are in a deep financial crisis and you want new bankruptcy laws to help you get relief from the huge debts that you owe to various creditors. It is important that you do not worry about all that stress that you do not have to cause yourself.
View Pictures of Asbestos and what to look out for. They also help prevent the deportation of some immigrants, who are ignorant of their rights, especially those who are illiterate. Overall, you need to work on a proper strategy and planning while you are hiring bankruptcy attorney in New Jersey. And, this is where it becomes very crucial for you to hire the most competent and best New Jersey bankruptcy lawyers who is specialized in handling your type of bankruptcy cases.

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Affordable DUI Lawyer - Getting a DUI Lawyer you can Afford!

Are you in trouble with the law because you were caught drinking and driving? Do you need an affordable dui lawyer that can get you out of your DUI or at least get you the lesser penalties? There are lawyers that are very skilled in getting DUIs thrown out of court or reduced to less than a felony. Here are some of the things to consider when looking for a lawyer to defend you.

First, when it comes to drinking and driving you must understand what the penalties could be. Now these do vary a little from state to state, but for the most part they are similar. If you are caught and it is your first offense you might get as much as 30 days in jail, your license suspended for 180 days, a year of probation, some community service, and some fees to pay. This is if you are lucky.

If you get caught drinking and driving and it is your second offense you could face up to 5 years in jail, 2 years of probation, a 1 year to life suspension of your license, and the fines will be much higher. However, if you take a DUI lawyer to court with you, then your chances of staying out of jail are much better. Plus if they cannot get the offense thrown out, then they can at least negotiate the lesser fees and penalties for you.

Second, when we get to talking about an affordable dui lawyer you have to understand that it will not be exactly cheap to get the best. The best is what you need because if you spend 30 days in jail you could lose your job and that would cost you much more than your lawyer will. You have to know what is an affordable dui lawyer and what is one that you just cannot afford to be without.

Each community has one or two really good DUI lawyers that just know how to work the system in their client's favor. These are the ones your friends have used and bragged about when they were arrested for drinking and driving. This is the type of affordable dui lawyer you need to seek out and pay to represent you.

Last, when you get a DUI your main goal is probably to get out of it. This means you cannot afford to be without a lawyer so you need to find one and fast. The faster you find your affordable dui lawyer the better off you will be. There are many ways to do so and one of the best ones is to find one that is online because you can usually get reviews from past clients as well.

When you are able to see how other clients felt about the lawyer you will easily see whether or not they are good. Plus if you know their name and ask around there will be plenty of people that can give you an idea if this are worth it as an affordable DUI lawyer or not.

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Testing for DUI Not Easy

Every once in a while you read the stories in the local paper, or see a piece on the evening news about a driver pulled over by police, who suspect a possible DUI situation. The field tests that are administered on the site are designed to screen for alcohol and drugs. According to DrunkDrivingDefence.com those tests are voluntary and defense attorneys strongly advise that people not take them. It further states that just because somebody is determined to be over the legal blood alcohol level that does not mean they are impaired.
It’s an interesting game. People use drugs and alcohol, go out and drive, they get stopped, but is there really any proof positive that they were impaired? For example, a man gets pulled over and agrees to take the voluntary test. Be blows a .00 for alcohol. The police officer is sure something is wrong. On site, there is not a lot the officer can do to prove that the driver is impaired. To get an accurate reading, the arrested driver must go through a “zero tolerance” test, which is expensive and requires time. Urine tests are the easiest, but blood testing is more accurate in determining whether or not a person is “under the influence.” You can easily see that the costs are going to add up quickly.
For approximately $250.00, a toxicologist from Drug Detection Laboratories Inc. (DDL) of Sacramento, Calif., will do the test and give you a written report. Fees will vary from state-to-state, but DDL states in its web site, “Unfortunately, today, the majority of drug testing is poorly done and plagued with unreliable information.” With so many alleged DUI stops on our roads and highways, how is law enforcement supposed to keep up, conduct proper testing to ensure an accurate reading, and not get steamrolled by a knowledgeable and experienced defense attorney?
In previous blogs, we reported that former surgeon Mark Benson, who was involved in a car crash that killed three people and injured two others on April 25, did not appear to be impaired at the scene, but was tested and traces of several drugs were found in his system. Was he impaired? What level signifies impairment? How do the drugs interact with each other? The problem with Benson was that he was using prescription medication. If a driver is tested and found to be using crack cocaine, methamphetamine or some other illegal drug, the legal course of action seemingly is much clearer.
The presumption of innocence is vitally important to our system of justice in America, and yes, police and law enforcement must follow procedure. But with the glut of DUI arrests every year, especially those which might involve drug use, law enforcement has a tough assignment. In Wisconsin, a person can refuse the drug testing if it’s a first offense, but in subsequent offenses, the testing is done with or without consent. If a person refuses the test for a first offense, they are charged with refusing. The trouble is, law enforcement can do so much. They patrol our streets and highways, enforce the law, but the legal technicalities involved in actually getting a conviction are numerous. What does it mean to be impaired, especially by a legally prescribed medication?
With overcrowding in our prisons and jails, non-violent offenders are not a priority, and so probation and fines are handed out. That is frustrating for those who are responsible for enforcement. We want offenders off the roads, but we don’t necessarily know exactly what to do about it. I would submit to you that DUI is a violent offense, because the potential for bringing on serious harm or even death is dramatically increased. If I walk down the street carrying a loaded shotgun in my town, the police are going to want to know what I’m doing. The potential for violence is apparent. When people use or abuse drugs, then drive, the potential for a violent episode is apparent.
It’s difficult also because the DUI offender needs treatment, not necessarily incarceration, to prevent repeat offenses. People with two or more arrests and convictions need to break the cycle of addiction. It’s all too easy for people to plea to a lesser charge, such as driving too fast for conditions, or something other than DUI. That doesn’t help. It only leads to another incident, more strain on our police officers and the clogging of the courts. In the long run, treatment is the best answer.
The criminal justice system does the best it can, given the circumstances. Testing procedures are costly and time consuming. What really needs to change is the culture. People get a pass on DUI, compared to other offenses. That needs to change.

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