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Iowa Restricted License after OWI Arrest

It is illegal in the state of Iowa to operate a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Drivers may also be arrested for drunk driving in Iowa if a police officer has probable cause to believe they were not able to safely operate their motorized vehicle.

Most drivers do not realize if they are arrested for OWI in Iowa there are administrative as well as Iowa DUI criminal penalties. Administrative penalties can be assessed against the driver by the Iowa Department of Transportation. To fight the administration license suspension drivers should request an administrative hearing within 10 days from the date of the drunk driving arrest.

Can I get a restricted license after a drunk driving arrest in Iowa?

 

Drivers who have not been convicted of drunk driving within the previous 12 years are considered first time offenders. If you are convicted of a first time OWI in Iowa and your license has not already been suspended by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the court can revoke your license for 180 days. Drivers who receive a deferred judgment will have their license revoked for 30 to 90 days.

Requirements for a Restricted License in Iowa:

 

Drivers arrested with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.08% to .10% can apply for a temporary restricted license immediately without having to install an ignition interlock device. Drivers who caused bodily injury will have to wait for 30 days to get a restricted license, and they will have to install an ignition interlock device on their car. Drivers who refused a blood alcohol content test will have their license revoked for at least one year and will have to serve 90 days suspension before they can request a restricted license.

To request a temporary restricted license you need to complete Application for Temporary Restricted License after it has been reviewed and approved you must take it to a DOT driver’s license station where you may be required to:

  • Pass all required examinations (vision, written and/or driving test)
  • Pay any civil penalties
  • File proof of financial responsibility
  • Pay a $20 reinstatement fee
  • If your Iowa driving privileges have been revoked for operating while intoxicated (OWI), you will have to complete all requirements of Iowa’s OWI law, including possible installation of an ignition interlock device.

Where can I drive on my Iowa restricted license?

 

According to the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles you can do any of the following with a temporary restricted permit.

  • Employment (work permit)
  • Health care – for you or a dependent
  • Child care
  • Continuing education
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Court-ordered community service
  • Probation or parole officer appointments

Reinstating an Iowa Driver’s License after suspension

 

If your driver’s license has been revoked for any OWI offense under Iowa Code § 321J (whether as a result of a court order or administrative action), the license or privilege may not be reinstated until the person:

  • Pays a $200 civil penalty.
  • Presents proof of completion of a course for drinking drivers.
  • Presents proof of completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment or rehabilitation services.
  • Complies with financial responsibility law, if applicable

(Information provided by the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles)

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Nebraska Work Permit after a Drunk Driving Arrest

Getting a Nebraska Work Permit after a Drunk Driving Arrest

 

Unfortunately, many Nebraska drivers do not realize they may be charged with an Implied Consent Violation if they refuse to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test to determine their blood alcohol content. Nebraska state drunk driving laws state that you (the driver) have given your implied consent to a chemical test (blood, breath or urine) to determine the drug or alcohol content or your blood if you are arrested for drunk driving in the state of Nebraska.

When can a chemical test be requested?

 

A chemical test can be requested if a Nebraska law enforcement officer determines that they have reasonable grounds to believe that you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A motorist does have the right to refuse to submit to a chemical test. In most cases; however, such refusal normally results in the suspension of the person’s driver’s license. The Nebraska license revocation generally begins 30 days from the date of your DUI arrest. A temporary driving permit is generally presented to you so you can drive for the next 30 days until your suspension begins.

Can I challenge the Nebraska Administrative License Suspension?

 

Generally, you can request an administrative license hearing within 10 days from the date of your drunk driving arrest. This hearing will allow you to challenge the proposed revocation of your Nebraska driver’s license. The hearing should be scheduled within 20 days from the date or your drunk driving arrest. Talk to a DUI lawyer immediately for the steps you can take to fight your administrative license suspension.

Nebraska Administrative License Suspension Process

 

If you do not win at your administrative hearing and it is proven that you failed or refused the chemical test your license will be revoked for 90 days for a chemical test failure and one year for a chemical test refusal (assuming this is your first drunk driving arrest). Offenders with elevated BAC above .15% face a license suspension of one year. First-time drunk driving offenders who failed the chemical test may apply for a restricted license after 30 days.

Keep in mind, the administrative penalties assessed after a Nebraska drunk driving arrest are separate and distinct from the additional drunk driving penalties you will be assessed if you are convicted of a Nebraska drunk driving charge.

Can I get a restricted work permit after Nebraska drunk driving arrest?

 

You may be able to apply for a work permit after you have had an administrative license revocation or suspension for drunk driving. If you are given a work permit it will allow you limited driving to and from work. An ignition interlock device to determine blood-alcohol content may be required for a work permit

New Law in 2012: Getting your Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP)

 

According to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, “As of January 1, 2012, Nebraska has new DUI laws that allows offenders to waive their right to an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing and apply for an Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP) instead.”

To get the IIP permit you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska and you must have been issued a license. The next step is to submit the following to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Lincoln (the following steps are outlined on the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles website:

  Call the Department of Motor Vehicles at 402-471-3985 to verify eligibility for the Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP).

  Ignition Interlock Permit Application 2012 for arrest dates on 01/01/2012 or after

  Current certificate of installation showing an approved device has been installed for each vehicle driver will be operating (device cannot be installed on a Commercial Motor Vehicle)

  Surrender current driver license

  Meet all other applicable reinstatement requirements for any other withdrawal actions on the driving record

  Once the IIP has been authorized – you can go to any licensing station in Nebraska to get the IIP issued. Be prepared to furnish the Examiner with proof of birth date and identity and two (2) forms of proof of residence. Take the issuance certificate you get from the Examiner to the County Treasurer, pay the $47.50 fee and have the permit issued.

 

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Florida Alcohol Education Courses

In addition to other drunk driving penalties you might face if you are convicted of drunk driving in Florida, Florida courts will also require you to complete a court-ordered drunk driving course. Completion of the course may allow you to have your driver’s license reinstated, reduce the amount of points added to your driver’s license or lower the drunk driving penalties you might otherwise face.

How long is the Florida Alcohol Education course?

 

The duration of the alcohol education course will depend on the requirements of your state and the whether the drunk driving offense was minor or severe. For instance, drivers who have been convicted of one drunk driving charge may only have to attend 12 hours of instruction; other offenders with multiple drunk driving charges may be required to attend weeks of class.

For Example, in the state of Florida they offer multiple levels of class instruction. Level I is 12 hours of instruction which educates the drunk driving offender on the effects and consequences of alcohol use, the affects of drinking and driving, the definition of drunk driving, the role of Florida law enforcement, the judiciary and the role of the Florida Department of Public Safety.

Level II classes include 21 hours of instruction. This level of instruction is geared more toward the multiple drunk driving offender who has already completed the alcohol and level I alcohol education course. The level II class focuses on specific issues of the drunk driving repeat offender.

Evaluation of the drunk driving offender


A drug and alcohol evaluation is also done as part of the Florida alcohol and education program. An evaluation will determine if you have a drug or alcohol abuse problem. For the evaluation the evaluator will use proven techniques to collect, analyze and interpret data provided by you, the client. After interpreting the data the evaluator may determine that you have additional needs for alcohol addiction treatment or counseling.

Costs of Florida Alcohol Education Classes

 

As mentioned above, state laws vary, classes vary and costs also will vary. In Florida the cost is $245 for the level I class (this includes the $15.00 state assessment fee, $5.00 testing fee, $9.00 online transaction fee and $14.00 Florida driving record).

Level II classes are $385.00 (this includes the $15.00 state assessment fee, $5.00 testing fee, $9.00 online transaction fee and $14.00 Florida driving record).

In Florida the classes are offered during the day, weekends and evenings. They are offered in Spanish and in English.

After you have completed the alcohol education course they will issue you a certificate of completion. Keep in mind, you should enroll in a class close to where you live, work or attend school.

 Can I pay for my Alcohol Education Courses in installment payments?

 

As mentioned above, the fees vary based on the level of the course. Some companies offering these education programs may be willing to either accept installment payments or offer reduced prices for very low income participants.

Hiring a Florida Drunk Driving Lawyer

 

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Florida this is a very serious charge. Penalties are severe and can include a suspended license, mandatory alcohol education, fines, jail time and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Contact a DUI lawyer for more information

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Filed under: DUI Penalties and Fines by State — Tags: , , — Beth Losure @ 9:56 am




Illinois Summary Suspension of Driver’s License

When a driver who is licensed to drive in the state of Illinois is arrested for drunk driving, the police officer confiscates his driver’s license. Along with having to deal with the criminal charge of drunk driving, the defendant also has to decide if he wants to challenge the imminent suspension of his license.

What is a Notice of Summary Suspension?

 

The police officer prepares the drunk driving arrest report and gives the driver a document called a Notice of Summary Suspension. The Notice of Summary Suspension report informs the driver that in 46 days, their license will be suspended by the Illinois Secretary of State.

The length of the license suspension ranges from 3 months to 3 years. The reverse side of the notice also explains that it is also a ‘Receipt to Drive.’ In other words, the driver can use the paper as a temporary permit for the 45 days between their drunk driving arrest and their license suspension.

Can I challenge the suspension of my license?

 

A statutory summary suspension is an administrative action taken by the Illinois Secretary of State. Therefore, it is separate from the criminal charges which may result from a drunk driving charge. If the driver wishes to fight the suspension, they must do so with the Court Clerk. A ‘Petition to Rescind Statutory Summary Suspension’ must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court that has jurisdiction in the Illinois drunk driving case.

It is a good idea to file the Petition as soon as you can. The State must provide a trial within 30 days of the date that the Petition was filed or lose the petition. This violation of the time frame is seen to be a breach of the defendant’s Due Process.

While a defendant who is unable to afford a drunk driving attorney will be appointed a Public Defender to represent them in criminal court, Illinois law does not allow a Public Defender to take part in the administrative license suspension hearing.

Can I get a temporary permit to drive if my license is suspended?

 

Before 2009, an Illinois driver who has had his license suspended for drunk driving could ask the court for a Judicial Driving Permit. This permit, since January 2009, has been replaced by a ’monitoring device driving permit’ or MDDP.

The driver must wait the first 30 days of his suspension before he is eligible for a MDDP. This permit requires the driver to install an ignition interlock device. Drivers who wish to drive must periodically blow into the device (which measures breath alcohol) before the car will start. Instead of being able to drive only to work or school (which is generally allowed with a limited or hardship license), the MDDP allows the driver to carry on a normal routine as long as they follow the law.

How do I get an MDDP?

 

When you attend your hearing and the judge finds that your summary suspension is upheld, the judge will then ask you if you want an MDDP (if this is your first DUI in 5 years). If you say ’yes’, the Illinois Secretary of State will send you the required information including how much one costs. Once you pay the necessary fee, they will send you the MDDP and you have 14 days to install it.

If you are charged with a DUI in the state of Illinois, your best course of action is to talk with an experienced DUI attorney who can help you not only with your criminal drunk driving charge, but also with your administrative license suspension hearing. It is in your best interest to have someone at your side who knows all of the laws and can fight for you.

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Reinstate Illinois Drivers License after DUI

How do I get my Illinois Drivers License back after DUI?

 

According to the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles, the first step to apply for reinstatement of your Illinois drivers license, assuming you are at your eligibility date, is to apply for a consultation with an informal hearing officer. The officer will review the driver’s record and explain all of the documents for reinstatement of your Illinois drivers license. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Illinois contact a drunk driving lawyer who can review Illinois drunk driving laws.

Steps to Reinstate your Illinois Drivers License

 

After the consultation, the driver, if they are arrested for a drug or alcohol related offense, must complete the following requirements to reinstate their Illinois drivers license:

  1. Complete an alcohol/drug evaluation by a Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA)-licensed provider within six months prior to the hearing date. The intensity and requirements of this treatment plan are categorized and vary depending on whether the driver is classified as minimal risk, moderate or significant risk or high risk.
  2. Complete an informal or formal hearing. Information hearings are held for drivers who have committed one single drunk driving offense or whose offense did not involve a fatality. Drivers who have multiple drunk driving offenses or who an offense involving a fatality will have a formal hearing.

Restricted Driving Permit after Drunk Driving Conviction

 

After an informal hearing it may be possible to have a drivers license restored for partial driving privileges. This is called a restricted driving permit or RDP. An RDP allows a driver to drive at certain times for employment, medical care, daycare, or educational purposes.

To qualify for a RDP the driver must submit evidence of employment, class scheduled and educational verification, daycare verification or evidence they are attending support or recovery groups. Not all drunk drivers convicted of DUI qualify for a restricted driving permit.

Prior to approving a restricted driving permit the driver must:

  • Show proof or financial responsibility
  • Pay an $8.00 fee
  • Take driver’s examination if required.

Reinstatement of Illinois license after Drunk Driving Conviction

 

A full restoration of driving privileges after a drunk driving charge allows the driver to driver anywhere at any time without driving restrictions. Reinstatement is not done if a driver does not have a valid Illinois license or if their license has been suspended or revoked in another state.

Prior to reinstatement the driver must do the following:

  • Pay the reinstatement fee.
  • Provide proof of financial responsibility
  • Evidence of installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) if required.

What is an Administrative License Suspension?

 

Drivers may lose their driving privileges following a DUI arrest if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher or they refuse to take the blood alcohol test. Administrative license suspensions become effective on the 46th day from the date of the DUI arrest and are separate from charges and conviction penalties which may later result from a drunk driving conviction.

If your Illinois license has been suspended you may apply for a restricted driving permit after 30 days of suspension but this relief is only available to first-time drunk driving offenders and drivers may be required to install an ignition interlock device.

 

 

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Consequences Can Be Harsh For A Florida DWI Arrest

Hundreds of defendants are charged with DWI each year in Florida and severe penalties are imposed especially if a defendant does not take the time and effort to find the proper legal representation and hire a DUI lawyer. Hiring a Florida DUI attorney after a DUI charge can eliminate the sometimes negative repetitive outcomes for DUI cases.

Florida criminal defense attorneys have represented DUI defendants throughout the state of Florida. DUI lawyers understand DUI laws and have experience defending DUI cases. They can help you get the best outcome possible following your DUI arrest.

What is a DUI?

A Florida driver can be found guilty of a DUI if he is operating a motorized vehicle and the following criteria are met:

  1. The driver’s mental or physical faculties are impaired by consuming of any type of chemical substance or alcoholic beverage.
  2. The driver’s blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more grams of alcohol per 100 ml. of blood.
  3. The driver’s breath alcohol level is 0.08% or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

Penalties for DWI in Florida

First offense

Drivers who are convicted of a DUI for the first time are charged with a misdemeanor. Other penalties include:

  • Jail time for up to 180 days or probation for up to 1 year but the two combined can not be more than 1 year.
  • Required to pay a fine of $250 – $500
  • A choice between 50 hours of required community service or paying $10 per hour for each hour of required community service
  • License is suspended for six months to one year
  • Required to attend a alcohol abuse education course
  • Required impounding of one of the driver’s cars for ten days.

If the driver was found to have a BAC which was over 0.15% or if there was a child in the car, they will have additional penalties assessed against them including:

  • Required jail time for 270 days
  • 6 months required installation of an Interlock Ignition Device.
  • Required to pay a fine of $1,000 – $2,000
  • Potential license revocation for 180 days to one year

Second offense

The second offense is still considered a misdemeanor charge. If the driver’s first conviction is more than five years before their second they will have the following penalties assessed against them.

  • Required probation for up to one year
  • Required to pay a fine of $1,000 – $2,000
  • Suspended license for 6 months to one year
  • Required attendance of an alcohol education program
  • 270 day jail term
  • Impounding of all of the driver’s cars for 10 days
  • An Interlock Ignition Device must be put in the driver’s car for at least one year

If the driver was found to have a BAC which was over 0.15% they will have additional penalties assessed against them. In addition, if the second DUI charge occurs less than five years from the date of the first charge enhanced penalties are assessed against the driver.

Third offense

For Florida drivers whose second DUI conviction was more than 10 years before their third offense, they will be charged with a misdemeanor and be assessed the following penalties:

  • Required to serve a sentence in jail for 364 days
  • Required to pay a fine of $2,000 – 5,000
  • Required probation for up to one year
  • Suspended license for 6 months to 1 year
  • Required installation of an Interlock Ignition Device for two years
  • Mandatory attendance of an alcohol education program
  • All of the driver’s cars are impounded for 10 days

If the driver was found to have a BAC which was over 0.15% they will have additional penalties assessed against them. If the third DUI charge occurs less than ten years from the date of the second charge additional penalties are assessed and the charge is considered a 3rd degree felony charge.

Fourth offense

Drivers who are convicted of a DUI for the fourth time are charged with a felony. Additional penalties include:

  • Possible fine of $1,000 – $5,000
  • Lose of drivers license permanently and no hardship license will be issued
  • Required jail sentence of up to five years
  • Impounding of all of the driver’s cars for 10 days

Penalties may vary based on the length of time from the 3rd DUI conviction. A Florida DUI attorney can review your BAC information and the number of DUI charges which are on your record and provide more detailed information about the potential charges you may face if you are convicted of a fourth DUI.



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Life After a DUI – Questions to Ask

You were pulled over, failed a sobriety test, were arrested, faced charges, and then got the penalties. What happens after? It’s a question you may not consider. Life does go on after a DUI charge. While the charges are serious, they need not ruin your life. This blog guide can help.

Why were you arrested?

Drinking and driving is a leading cause of death in the United States. Simply put, thousands die as a result of drinking and driving ever year – and not just those who are intoxicated. DUI has been a point of emphasis in the last decades because of how so many more people are driving after drinking. While the penalties are severe, they are usually fair. If you hurt someone, it can ruin your life. You have options beyond drinking and driving. You can get a designated driver. You can ask a loved one for a ride. If this is after the fact, it’s time to consult with a local DUI lawyer and to fight for your rights. Simply because you were charged does not mean you are guilty.

How soon can you drive?
This depends on the nature of the charges. If this is your first offense, you may lose your license for six months to a year. If you are a multiple offender, you may be unable to drive for years. If you hire the right DUI lawyer, he or she can limit penalties against you. The arresting officer might have made some mistakes. The breathalyzer may have been wrong. You may have broken no laws. A DUI lawyer can find the answers.

How will this affect your employment?
You might think getting charged with drinking and driving will not affect your employment. In fact, it can greatly change your work life. If you are currently employed, you may have trouble getting to work (since you cannot drive). But if you go job hunting, this DUI will stay on your record and will show up on a background check. You might lose some jobs if you lose at trial and have a DUI on your record. Not all employers will consider a DUI a major crime, but some who are looking for reasons not to hire you may find one with your criminal record.

Will this be on your record forever?

On the other hand, you can have this charge expunged from your record. This is very possible, and important, because the charge will remain on your record. If you hire an experienced lawyer, he or she can help you get this off your record. After that, you can move on.

Moving On

There are some other downsides to getting a DUI. It will likely increase your car insurance, so when you’re able to drive again you’ll be spending more money. Even this can be overcome. If you avoid getting further DUI charges, you can move on. You can get your license back, have the charge expunged from your record, and get a second chance as a driver.



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4 Myths about Michigan DUI Law

In Michigan, we have hundreds of deaths every year related to drinking and driving. It’s a major cause of death. Drinking and driving is no doubt very dangerous, but there are many myths about the DUI laws we have. This guide looks to shine a light on them. We’ll go over several myths about DUI defense that you should know.

Breath Tests Are 100% Accurate

No test is 100% accurate, especially when it comes to testing for alcohol. Some may explain how the breathalyzer test is the best device we have. The best device we have is the blood test, not the breathalyzer, and even that can be wrong. Breathalyzer tests have a history of being wrong. They are a cumbersome device with no difference for size – you could weigh 100 lbs or 300 lbs and it would make no difference – nor for sex – you could be man or woman and it wouldn’t matter. In the end, these tests are often correct, but the problem is that many believe they are perfect. They are not. There are over a dozen ways to refute a positive breathalyzer test.

You Have No Chance of Winning
You do have a great chance of winning. Michigan DUI cases are not open and shut. You might refute the validity of the breathalyzer test. You might question how the officer arrested you. You may say you were in fact not over the limit. Or you may even say that you made no driving mistakes and had no reason to be pulled over. A good  Michigan DUI lawyer can help you beat these charges. If you lose, you may spend some time in jail, pay fines, and have your license suspended.

Any Lawyer Can Defend You
You need a Michigan DUI lawyer. Not any lawyer can handle a DUI case. You need one who specializes in Michigan DUI law. The myth here is that DUI cases are simple. They can be quite complex. A proper defense can mean the difference between jail time, fines, and losing your license. Your lawyer has to have knowledge of specific Michigan DUI laws. If you hire a lawyer the day before you face the court, and he or she is not even a lawyer, you are not really giving yourself a chance. Get a real DUI lawyer, and hire one early.

You Should Plead Guilty
You should rarely if ever plead guilty to Michigan DUI charges. If you plead guilty, you are accepting guilt and accepting all the penalties. You might spend weeks if not months in jail. You may spend thousands in fines. You may lose your license for years. You are not always guilty simply because you fail some tests. There is much more to it than that.



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Do’s And Don’ts of Pleading to DUI Charges

If you’re being accused of driving under the influence, then how you plead to charges, what you do and don’t do, is important. And it merits a closer look.

Do Not Plead Guilty
You should prepare a defense. You should hire an experienced lawyer. Why not simply plead guilty to the charges? You are accepting the maximum penalties; the cliché  “throwing yourself to the wolves” comes to mind. You can almost always find some flaws in the prosecution’s case. A successful defense can, at a minimum, lessen the penalties you face.

Do Hire a Lawyer
A DUI lawyer is essential. By “DUI” we are focusing on a specialist, someone who only helps defend those charged with drinking or abusing drugs and driving. You may have the opportunity to hire a less experienced lawyer for cheaper or one who does not specialize, but you should always consult with someone who is an expert and charges a professional fee. While you do not need the highest priced lawyer, you do need an effective one.

Don’t Admit to Drinking
While it may be too late if you’re already charged, if you are curious what happens when you’re asked if you’ve been drinking, here’s a tip: do not admit anything. Most lawyers agree – you should only give over necessary info to the arresting officer, such as you license and registration. You should also take the breathalyzer, though the other field tests – where you count backwards or stand on one leg – are optional. If you get the classic, “have you been drinking,” tell them you will take your right to remain silent. If it’s obvious at the trial that you were drinking and driving, even then you can question the charges and the blood alcohol content (BAC) tests.

Do Protect Your Rights

You have rights when you’re pleading to charges of DUI. Therefore protect them by hiring a lawyer, by challenging what happened, by pleading not guilty and fighting for lesser charges.

Don’t Accept Charges
Never accept the charges made against you. Instead, you and your lawyer should argue the case. You simply do not know what will happen on a given day in the court room. Some new evidence may pop up. The arresting officer may have abused your rights. The breathalyzer may have been used incorrectly. Or perhaps you simply took some medicine and did not know it affected your driving.

Do Negotiate
Sometimes the prosecution will offer to make a deal with you. It’s rare in DUI cases, as usually the defendant pleads guilty or simply has too much evidence to make this possible. But you may have a chance to plead guilty to lesser charges; it does happen.



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How Dangerous is Drinking and Driving?

When is too much really “too much”? When is your drinking going to endanger other drivers on the road? When is mixing drugs and alcohol going to lead to an accident? How dangerous is drinking one beer, a few more, a few more, and then driving?

According to a recent study, drinking two beers can lead to close to a .04 BAC (blood alcohol content). This is of course subjective, depending on how much you weigh and if you eat. However, it gives us a good barometer for how drinking affects you. If you drink twice that amount, about 4 beers, you can be at the legal limit in all 50 states, .08. If you get to a .04, you are 1.4 times as likely to get into an accident. If you get to .08, you are 10 times more likely to get into an accident (and you’re breaking the law). Keep drinking, and the numbers can be quite startling, making you 30 to 40 times more likely to get into an accident.

Car accidents are a leading cause of death throughout the country. And accidents are the leading cause of death for those under the age of 24; about 40% of drivers under 24 who get into an accident do so because of alcohol. The dangers for young drivers may seem obvious, but it’s a point which needs to be made more.

The more you drink, the more likely you are to get into an accident. And remember, the numbers above are just basic benchmarks. If you weigh very little, you may hit .08, the legal limit, much faster. If you weigh more, you may think you can handle more, drinking more and then getting into an accident.

Why is drinking and driving so dangerous? It’s important to understand how alcohol affects your body. The most important affect alcohol has is in reaction time. Your reflexes slow, and you might rear end someone who stops quickly. Your vision is also effected, making driving at night dangerous. You may suffer from common drowsiness after doing some drinking, and that influences your ability to drive. Though there are many more – such as coordination in the actual driving process – remember that alcohol has major affects on your driving abilities, even in small amounts.

What if you get charged with a DUI or DWI? You have more options than you might think. These are serious charges, and you need legal representation. A DUI lawyer is invaluable in protecting your rights. You likely made some mistakes. You have to understand you endangered others on the road if you indeed drank too much. However, simply knowing your guilty does not mean you give up. Instead, you hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in DUI, who can protect your rights, and who can make an effective defense.



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