DUI Blog

Nashville drivers, who operate a motor vehicle and are impaired by alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant, can be charged with DUI or driving under the influence. Nashville drivers can also be arrested for DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above 0.08%. Drivers who are arrested and convicted of DUI in Nashville may receive time in jail, fines and penalties and loss of driving privileges.

Each year Nashville drivers and passengers are seriously injured and killed by drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. States have instituted severe penalties to curb alcohol abuse and attempt to save lives. Nashville drivers who have been arrested one time or multiple times for DUI in Nashville need the help of a Nashville DUI lawyer. Drivers from Nashville and all of the surrounding cities including: Brentwood, Hermitage, Ashland City, Hendersonville and Madison can get the legal help they need from a DUI attorney. Seeking the legal counsel of a knowledgeable and competent Nashville DUI lawyer can ensure a driver understands their rights and options for their DUI case.

Penalties for DUI in Nashville

Penalties for DUI may vary for certain individuals depending on their criminal background and if they have previous DUI convictions. Before pleading guilty to DUI, find out the types of DUI penalties you can face from a qualified DUI lawyer in Nashville.

First DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers are required to spend 48 hours and up to 11 months in jail for their first DUI conviction. Nashville driver with a BAC of 0.20% or greater must spend a minimum of 7 consecutive days in jail.
• The court will revoke the driver’s license for one year.
• Nashville drivers are required to participate in an alcohol education class.
• Nashville drivers are required to pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss due to the DUI.
• Nashville drivers are required to pay fines of $350-$1,500.
• The court may require the Nashville driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device for 1 year.

Second DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers may be required to spend 45 days to 11 months in jail. Nashville drivers with a BAC of 0.20% or higher may be required to spend additional days in jail.
• The courts may revoke a Nashville driver’s license for 2 years but may allow a restricted license after one year.
• The court may require the driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device.
• The court will require the driver to attend an alcohol education class.
• Drivers are required to pay fines of $600-$3,500.
• The court may seize the driver’s vehicle.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured due to the driver’s DUI.

Third DUI Conviction in Nashville

• Nashville drivers are required to spend 120 days to 11 months in jail. Drivers who have a BAC of 0.20% or higher may have to spend additional consecutive days in jail.
• The courts will revoke the driver’s license for 3 to 10 years. For the third DUI conviction there is not an option for a restricted license.
• Nashville drivers must install an Ignition Interlock Device.
• Nashville drivers must participate in an alcohol education class
• Nashville drivers must pay fines of $1,100-$10,000.
• The courts may seize a Nashville driver’s car.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured from the driver’s DUI.

Fourth DUI Conviction in Nashville

Class E Felony

• Nashville drivers are required spend 1 year in jail with 150 days required to be served consecutively.
• The court will revoke a driver’s license for 5 years with no option to apply for a restricted license.
• Nashville drivers must install an Ignition Interlock Device on their vehicle.
• Nashville drivers must participate in an alcohol education class.
• Nashville drivers must pay fines of $3,000 to -$15,000.
• The court may seize the driver’s vehicle.
• Nashville drivers may be required to pay restitution to other individuals who have been injured.

Hiring a Nashville DUI Lawyer

Drivers charged with DUI in Nashville do not have to hire a Nashville DUI lawyer, but it may be the best chance the driver has for a solid DUI defense. Nashville DUI lawyers offer free initial consultations to evaluate a driver’s DUI case. If the driver chooses to hire a DUI lawyer the attorney can interview witnesses, evaluate the DUI arrest process, negotiate with the prosecuting attorney and take the DUI case to court, if necessary. Even if a driver is planning to plead guilty to a DUI conviction, why not consult with a DUI lawyer in Nashville before making that decision?

Penalties for a DWI arrest in New Mexico can vary for drivers depending on whether it is their first DWI arrest, the amount alcohol in their blood (BAC), the county where they are arrested and if their DWI caused another person bodily injury or death. New Mexico has some of the toughest DWI laws in the country, and even if this is the driver’s first DWI offense, it is a good idea to call a New Mexico DWI lawyer. A DWI attorney can review the DWI case and answer all of the DWI questions.

DWI in the state of New Mexico includes:

1. Operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs at a level which makes the driver incapable of safely operating the car.
2. The driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If the driver is a commercial truck driver it is illegal to operate a truck with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
3. The driver is under the age of 21, and their BAC is 0.02% or higher

Aggravated DWI can occur if a New Mexico driver has a BAC of 0.16% or higher, the driver causes personal injury to another person while they are intoxicated or they refuse to take a chemical test.

Penalties for DWI in New Mexico

First offense

(Misdemeanor)

• Could be required to spend up to 90 days in jail
• Mandatory attendance of an alcohol education class and an alcohol evaluation class
• License revocation for 6 months to 1 year. If the driver is under the age of 21 their license will be suspended for 1 year.
• Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for one year
• Community Service

Second Offense

(Misdemeanor)

• Required 2 year license revocation
• 96 hours mandatory jail sentence and up to 364 days in jail
• Required to pay a fine of $500 and up to a maximum of $1,000
• Alcohol evaluation and class
• Required community service
• Required installation of Ignition Interlock Device

Third Offense

(Misdemeanor)

• Mandatory 3 year license revocation
• Up to 5 years probation
• Minimum $750 fines and penalties with a maximum of $1,000
• Required community service
• Mandatory attendance in an alcohol treatment program
• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device for 3 years

Fourth Offense

(Felony in the 4^th Degree)

• Permanent license revocation with a 5 year court review
• Mandatory alcohol treatment and evaluation class
• Lifetime Ignition Interlock Device with a 5 year court review
• Maximum $5,000 fine
• Maximum 18 months in prison with 6 months mandatory jail time

Refusing to take a breath or blood test

New Mexico drivers who refuse to submit to a blood test will automatically lose their driver’s license for 20 days after their DWI arrest. This revocation can be challenged by filing a written request for a DWI hearing with in ten days from the date of the DWI arrest. The arresting officer will generally give the driver notice of revocation at the time they are arrested. If not, the Department of Motor Vehicles will send the notice via registered mail.

Failure to make a written request for a DWI administrative hearing will lead to the revocation of the driver’s New Mexico driver’s license. A request for a hearing must be received by the motor vehicle department with in 10 days from the date of the DWI arrest. A DWI attorney can help complete this form and review all of the DWI arrest information.

Common Questions about DWI arrests in New Mexico

• Do I need to hire a New Mexico criminal defense lawyer?

New Mexico drivers do not have to hire a New Mexico DWI lawyer, but New Mexico’s DWI laws are some of the toughest in the country. Failure to file the proper DWI forms can lead to a license suspension. DWI offenses are not like other traffic violations. Serious consequences for a DWI arrest can include: jail time, fines and penalties, alcohol treatment classes and license suspensions.

• What happens if my first DWI was an aggravated DWI?

Drivers who are arrested with a blood alcohol level of 0.16% or higher, who have caused injury to another driver or who have refused to submit to a BAC test can be charged with an aggravated DWI. The type of penalties assessed against the driver will depend on many different factors, but at the minimum, the driver will be required to spend at least 48 hours in jail. A criminal defense lawyer can review your case and tell you the specific penalties you may face.

San Francisco drivers who have been arrested for a DUI in California should contact a San Francisco DUI lawyer. It is unlawful for drivers to operate a motor vehicle if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if their BAC or blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. A San Francisco DUI attorney can review the driver’s DUI case and take immediate action to either help get the DUI charges dismissed or lowered.

San Francisco drivers who are convicted of DUI may face penalties including:

• Jail time

• Large penalties and fines

• Suspended or revoked driver’s license

• Increased San Francisco car insurance premiums

• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device

• Probation

Waiting to contact a DUI attorney in San Francisco is a mistake. Many San Francisco drivers assume it is best to plead guilty or no contest especially if it is their first DUI arrest, and under certain circumstances this may be the best choice, but it is always a good idea to consult with a DUI criminal defense attorney to make sure the driver understands DUI laws and how a DUI conviction can affect their life. Most San Francisco lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss a DUI arrest. DUI convictions in the state of California can be a part of a driver’s driving record for at least 7 years. Talk to a DUI lawyer today for more information about your DUI arrest.

San Francisco DUI penalties

San Francisco drivers can be arrested for DUI if the courts find they were “unable to drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, under similar circumstances” or if their BAC was 0.08 or higher. If a San Francisco driver is arrested, the penalties for DUI are as follows:

First DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Required to serve a jail term for at least 48 hours

• Required to pay fines from $1,400 to $1,800- DUI fines must be either financed or paid with in 45 days. The court may allow the driver to perform community service instead of jail time.

• Mandatory drug or alcohol program for 3 to 6 months

• License suspension for at least 10 months, a restricted license may be allowed to attend school or go to work

• Required probation of 3 to 5 years

Second DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Required jail term for a least of 96 hours

• Mandatory attendance in a program for drug or alcohol abuse

• Required to serve probation for 3 to 5 years

• Required to pay $1800 – $2800 in fines and penalties

• Required 18 month driver’s license suspension, the court may allow drivers to apply for a restricted license but not before the license is suspended for at least 12 months

Third DUI Conviction in San Francisco

• Mandatory probation for 3 to 5 years

• Required jail term for at least 120 days

• Required to pay penalties of $1800-2800 in fines and penalties

• Mandatory driver’s license suspension for 18 months up to 3 years

• The court also may require a driver to install an Ignition Interlock Device

A DUI arrest in San Francisco is not like other moving traffic violations. Penalties can be very severe. If a driver has multiple DUI arrests or if they have severely injured or killed another person, they could be charged with a felony DUI and spend years in prison. California DUI attorneys can help. Find a DUI lawyer who is knowledgeable about San Francisco DUI laws and can help review your DUI arrest and either negotiate a reduced sentence or get the DUI charges dismissed. Obviously, no DUI lawyer can guarantee a dismissal, but a San Francisco lawyer can give you a strong voice in a busy, over-crowded DUI court system.

Find a San Francisco criminal defense attorney who has experience handling San Francisco DUI cases. If you have been charged with DUI in San Francisco you need a focused lawyer who specializes in DUI charges. A San Francisco DUI lawyer can be a strong advocate for you through out the DUI legal process.

California DUI lawyers can help all California drivers who have been arrested for DUI. California laws make it illegal for any driver to drive “under the influence” or DUI of any alcoholic beverage or drug. California DUI laws consider drivers DUI if they are “unable to drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, under similar circumstances”. California field sobriety tests provide officers with the tools to identify drivers who are DUI and are best used to determine if a driver is driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher- which is illegal in every state.

Drivers who are arrested for a California DUI should contact a DUI attorney in California. Failing to get adequate DUI help can result in stiff California DUI penalties including:

• High fines
• Jail time
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
• Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling
• High insurance cost
• Driver’s license revocation or suspension

Field Sobriety Testing Process in California

Standardized in the late 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the help of the Southern California Research Institute, field sobriety tests have become a valuable tool for law enforcement officers through out the United States. Although not 100% accurate, field sobriety tests do provide additional evidence of DUI and can help a California police officer establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. Field sobriety testing accuracy is increased if the officer:

• Uses the proper field sobriety testing procedures outlined by the NHTSA
• Evaluates the field sobriety testing results correctly with the NHTSA testing criteria

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

California police officers can use the HGN or the horizontal gaze nystagmus to test a driver’s nystagmus or the “congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the eyeball”. Nystagmus is common in all drivers but intoxicated driver’s nystagmus is more exaggerated. For the HGN test the officer is evaluating the following NHTSA criteria:

• The California driver’s ability to follow an object smoothly
• If the Nystagmus is distinct when the eye is at maximum deviation
• If the angle of onset of nystagmus is prior to 45 degrees

For the HGN test, the California officer will ask the driver to follow an object, most often a small flashlight or pen, as the officer moves it slowly in front of the driver’s face from left to right. Sober drivers should be able to trace the outline of the object with their eyes (holding their head steady) with a smooth, coordinated motion.

Certain medications, inhalants or barbiturates can interfere with the tests. Additionally, drivers who have a congenital eye defect, neurological condition, extreme fatigue or severe head trauma may also not be able to successfully finish the HGN test. The NHTSA has determined through their research that this test is 88% accurate if sufficient clues are identified.

Walk the Line Test

The walk the line test is the second component of the California field sobriety test, and it is used to determine a driver’s cognitive and physical capabilities while performing a series of simple tasks. Drivers are first asked if they have any back, head or neck injuries which would make it difficult to complete this test. Drivers are than asked to stand straight with their head forward and their arms to their sides. California drivers must take 9 steps down a real or imaginary line, turn and walk back. All of the steps should be made heel to toe, and the driver should keep their arms to their sides. The NHTSA has outlined the following criteria to evaluate a driver’s performance:

• · Did the driver step off the line?
• · Did the driver wait to start the test until the California officer completed the instructions for the test?
• · Did the driver maintain their balance as the instructions were read or did they fall, hop or sway?
• · Did the driver walk the correct number of steps?
• · Did the driver walk heel to toe?
• · Did the driver turn properly?
• · Did the driver stop before the test was completed?
• · Did the driver use their arms for balance?

The walk the line test should be performed on a flat, dry surface. The California driver should be allowed to remove any foot wear which could hurt the testing results. The NHTSA has determined that 79% of drivers who fail two or more testing criteria will have a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

One Leg Stand Test

California drivers may also be asked to perform the one leg stand test, which like the walk the line test, is a test of the driver’s ability to complete simple mental and physical tasks. For the one leg stand test, the California driver is asked to stand straight, head forward and arms to their sides. The driver must raise one of their feet 6 inches off the ground for approximately 30 seconds. The California police officer will evaluate the driver on the following NHTSA criteria:

• · Did the driver stay balanced with out swaying back and forth?
• · Did the driver have to jump or hop to stay balanced?
• · Did the driver have to put their foot down before the test was completed?
• · Did the driver have to use their arms to maintain their balance?

In Conclusion

California field sobriety tests are a valuable tool for law enforcement officers to establish probable cause for a DUI in arrest in California. They are not perfect, and officers can make mistakes and misinterpret the DUI testing results. California drivers who have failed a California field sobriety test need DUI help from a California DUI lawyer. Failing a field sobriety test, refusing to take a field sobriety test or being arrested for DUI in California can have severe penalties. Contact a DUI California lawyer for more information about your DUI arrest.

Fort Worth police officers have several methods they can use to gather evidence a driver is driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Fort Worth, Texas. Observation of erratic or illegal driving actions, the physical characteristics of the suspect and a field sobriety test can all provide invaluable information about a driver’s sobriety. Combined together this information may give the arresting officer probable cause to arrest a driver and charge them with DWI.

Drivers may be charged with DWI in Fort Worth if their BAC or blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher or their driving is impaired from consuming alcohol or drugs. Fort Worth drivers may be impaired and unable to drive safely with out reaching the illegal BAC limit.

The field sobriety test, standardized in the late 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is comprised of three tests: the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk and turn and the one leg stand. The field sobriety test has been used for the last forty-years by officers through out the United States including Fort Worth, Texas. The field sobriety test is a valuable tool for identifying intoxicated drivers, but it is not infallible. Fort Worth drivers who are fatigued, over-weight, elderly or not physically fit may all have difficulty completing the test.

Hiring a Fort Worth DWI lawyer

If you have failed a field sobriety test in Fort Worth, a Fort Worth DWI lawyer should be contacted. A DWI conviction in Fort Worth carries harsh penalties, and drivers, who do not have adequate legal representation, may be forced to pay high fines, spend time in jail or have their license suspended. Fort Worth DWI lawyers understand the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can help drivers fight their DUI charges.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Fort Worth police officers can use the horizontal gaze nystagmus or the HGN test to measure the “congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the eyeball”. Drivers who are unable to follow a pen or a small flashlight as it moves slowly in front of their face with a coordinated and smooth motion may have consumed alcohol or drugs. Scientific studies have indicated intoxication can lead to exaggerated, jerking motions of the eye. Unfortunately, some drivers who have to take certain medication or who have a congenital eye defect may also have trouble completing the test. The NHTSA has stated this test, if done correctly, can have an accuracy rate of 88%.

Walk-and-Turn

Fort Worth police officers may also have drivers complete a walk and turn test to test their sobriety. The walk and turn test requires drivers to walk, heel to toe, with their arms at their sides, down an imaginary or real line for nine steps, turn and walk back- all with out falling, swaying or raising their hands. Police officers will notice if a driver loses their count, takes a misstep or stops before completing the test. Drivers who make a mistake on multiple test components may be intoxicated. Fort Worth police officers should give clear instructions before the driver attempts the test and the test should be done on a flat, hard surface.

One-Leg-Stand

Fort Worth police officers may have the driver complete a one leg stand as the final part of the Fort Worth field sobriety test. Drivers are asked to stand straight, arms to their side, head straight and raise one of their legs approximately 6 inches from the ground while either the driver or the officer counts a loud. If the driver is unable to hold their leg up and maintain balance, they may fail the test. The NHTSA has estimated the accuracy of this test is approximately 83% if the driver fails several of the test components.

Hiring a DWI lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas

Refusing to submit to a chemical test or failing a field sobriety test are both two good reasons to contact a DWI lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas. Field sobriety tests can be a good tool for police officers to establish probable cause for a DWI arrest, but drivers who are taking certain medications, extremely fatigued, more than 50 pounds overweight or who have other physical limitations may have trouble completing the test. In some cases the subjective conclusions of the arresting officer may have been incorrect.

Fort Worth DWI lawyers handle hundreds of DWI cases each year and can review every aspect of the DWI arrest. If you have been arrested for DWI in Texas, do not despair. DWI lawyers understand Texas DWI laws and can get you the help you need.

Field sobriety tests have been developed and standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and police officers through out the United States have been using these tests for years to determine if drivers are driving under the influence of any type of alcohol or drug. Dallas police officers routinely use a field sobriety test to evaluate whether or not Dallas drivers are driving while intoxicated (DWI) on Texas roadways.

Field sobriety tests include three basic components: the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn and the one leg stand. These test combined with other evidence which is collected by the Dallas police officer including a driver’s physical appearance (blood shot eyes, slurred speech, in ability to walk) and their erratic driving before the traffic stop can give the officer a good idea of whether or not a driver is DWI.

Drivers may refuse to take a field sobriety test, but if a police officer has gathered enough information to convince him he has probable cause to arrest a driver, he may decide to arrest the driver for DWI with out performing a field sobriety test. Drivers, under Texas Implied Consent Laws, have already given their implied consent to submit to a chemical test (blood, breath, urine) if they are asked to do so by a Dallas police officer. Refusing to submit to a chemical test can result in an immediate suspension of a driver’s Texas license.

The field sobriety test, when performed correctly, can be an effective tool for identifying intoxicated drivers, but it does have limitations. Many drivers who are tired, over-weight, elderly or have other physical or mental impairments may have difficulty properly performing the field sobriety test.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

For the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the Dallas police officer measures the driver’s nystagmus or the involuntary movement of the driver’s eye as it tracks a light or pen. Drivers who are unable to follow the light in one fluid motion may have consumed alcohol or drugs, or they may have a neurological disease or congenital eye defect.

Walk and turn

The next part of the field sobriety test includes the walk and turn test. Dallas police officers may have drivers put their hands to their sides and walk heel to toe for 9 steps and turn and retrace their steps. Drivers who can not walk a real or imaginary line with out falling may be intoxicated. Other conditions may also affect a Dallas driver’s ability to perform this test including inappropriate footwear, communication barriers, poor weather conditions and a driver’s weight or age.

One leg stand

The final step in the field sobriety test is the one leg stand. Dallas drivers are asked to stand straight with their arms at their side and their feet together. Next they are required to raise their leg approximately 6 inches off of the ground. Falling, swaying or raising their hands to maintain balance may indicate the driver is intoxicated.

Finger to the nose

Dallas police officers may have several other non-standard tests which they can use to test for intoxication such as counting backwards or the finger to the nose test. The finger to the nose tests requires Dallas drivers to lean their head back, close their eyes and press their finger to their nose.

Hiring a Dallas DWI lawyer

Being arrested and charged with a DWI can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension. To save your driving privileges you may need the help of a Dallas DWI lawyer. DWI lawyers in Dallas can file the proper paperwork for your Administration License Revocation hearing which must be done with in 14 days after the date of your DWI arrest.

Dallas DWI attorneys have the skills necessary to find the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s DWI case. Do not fight a DWI charge alone. DWI law can be complex, but a Dallas DWI criminal defense attorney can help you build a solid DWI defense.

Getting a DUI charge often seems like the end of the world.

You expect to lose your license, to be fined for thousands of dollars, and if you hurt someone, face serious criminal penalties beyond suspensions and fines.

After all, drinking and driving is the cause of tens of thousands of deaths just in the U.S. every year. People get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t and find themselves facing serious criminal charges for hurting another driver in an accident.

Which begs the question, if this is your first offence and you have a clean record, do you need a DUI attorney to help you? Would a DUI attorney be  able to get you out of this situation? If you hurt someone, will having professional counsel really help that much?

In some cases, you just might be able to plead your case in front of a court without a DUI attorney. However, think about it this way: would you operate on your heart by yourself, or ask a doctor to do it?  Unless you have extensive legal experience, you won’t know how to plea, how to handle judges, how to fight against license suspension and other charges, how to make your case for not being under the influence, and so on.

You can also ask for a court appointed attorney if a DUI lawyer is beyond your financial means.

If this is your first DUI offence, you might be okay without professional counsel. In most cases, unless you plead not guilty, the ruling is pretty straightforward. Your license is usually temporarily suspended and you get fines. You would have to study on DUI law yourself or ask a lot of questions to people who know the laws; every state handles the case differently except for the blood alcohol level limit of 0.08%.

If this is your second or third DUI, or you hurt someone, or if  you want to fight the charge, you cannot do without a DUI attorney.  You simply cannot handle a case involving possible jail time and permanent license suspension all by yourself. You might be without the money to pay the attorney, but many are willing to set up payment plans and offer discounts to clients on an as needed basis. You really can’t afford not to have a DUI attorney if you’re facing multiple DUI or aggravated DUI cases.

How Do You Hire a DUI Attorney?
You want a DUI attorney who specializes in all the different laws of the state. If you’re in New York, for example, you wouldn’t hire a New Jersey attorney; you’d want one who has more experience in handling judges and DUI offenses in New York.

You want an attorney who specializes in DUI law. There are many, including the owners of this blog, who can help you specifically with DUI cases where you face possible jail time, license suspension, major fines, and other penalties.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and shop around. If you can find a DUI attorney who’s willing to work with you on fees and who has the knowledge, consider them one of your best options.

Driving under the influence (DUI), the legal term most commonly used to describe the offense of drunk driving, has been attributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of causing 15,387 of the 41,059 deaths by automobile accidents occurring  in 2007. The figure represents 37 percent of the total fatal traffic accidents throughout the United States.

The NHTSA says, “A motor vehicle crash is considered to be alcohol-related if at least one driver  involved in the crash is determined to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 gram per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Thus, any fatality that occurs in an alcohol-related crash is considered an alcohol-related fatality.” In 2007, in the state of Pennsylvania, there were 556 deaths attributed to alcohol which represented 36% of the total that were considered traffic-related fatalities. Non-fatal DUI caused accident statistics are even more startling than the fatality statistics, and they include numerous disabling injuries that have occurred all across our land including places like Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

It is true what some say, it does not pay to drink and drive. With these startling statistics, is there any wonder states are cracking down on the people who drive while drinking? Across the nation, depending on the severity of the traffic violation and including the consideration of a fatality, convictions for drinking and driving can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, and they can bring a multitude of harsh punishments. With a conviction, a person’s record could permanently brand him or her as a life time criminal. The record is often made public to employers and insurance companies.

Traffic laws have been made to protect the innocent because there usually is an innocent party in most traffic accidents. So, if you are facing a DUI related accident in Pennsylvania and have been hurt, disabled, or had a fatality of one of your family members as a result, and you feel like you are the innocent party involved, these types of accidents are too serious and complicated for the average layman to handle by themselves. You may need a legal professional to help advise you on what to do and how to protect yourself. Contact us and we will help you find an attorney in the area where you live that can help you face your DUI charge..

Sobriety tests are now as common as DUI arrests. What this means to drivers is clear proof of driving under the influence. While many states have different terms and laws for handling DUI and DWI arrests, one thing is the same across the board. The blood alcohol level limit is 0.08% for all states and districts in the U.S. If you are at 0.08% or over, you can be fined, given jail time, and have your license suspended.

But you might be wondering, are these breathalyzer, blood, and other tests as accurate as you’d been led to believe? After all, the entire case against you is based on a simple test. While some would discount that these tests are in any way inaccurate, it’s still useful to look into the details.

When you are pulled over and the officer suspects your under the influence, he/she can administer more scientific tests such as the breathalyzer. Almost every state has the “implied consent” law where if you refuse to be tested for alcohol levels your license can be suspended. There are other tests too.

“Field of Sobriety Tests”
These tests are the ones we all know, where you’re asked to count from 100 down to 1, or spell the alphabet backwards. Officers also check the eyes, for coordination (walking in a straight line), and cognitive abilities. You might often have to do more than walk in a straight line and say the alphabet, as officers are trained in various ways to test alcohol levels.

Blood Tests for DUI
Blood tests are considered to be the most accurate test of alcohol levels in your body. However, in some cases DUI lawyers can argue the testing via blood, namely if the blood wasn’t handled or preserved properly before and during the testing. In fact,some say if the blood is allowed to coagulate, it can lead to false high readings.

Breath Tests for DUI
Perhaps the most common and well known test, the breathalyzer can be used to test alcohol levels right when the officer pulls you over. The actual science behind the breath test is complex, as it tests the level of alcohol in the air you exhale instead of your actual blood level. This results in a lot of guesswork on the officers part, and gives you the chance to fight the case, as false high readings can and do occur

Urine Tests for DUI
Since urine tests are the least accurate of blood alcohol level tests, they’re rarely used. Since alcohol is in the blood and not urine, it’s less accurate. Usually some assumptions have to be made.

Fighting the DUI with a Lawyer
If any of this sounds complex, that’s because alcohol blood level testing isn’t an exact science. While many will fail the tests and be over the limit, some will not, or there are mistakes made, and that’s enough room for a DUI lawyer to help you plead your case. No matter your situation, if you get charged with a DUI you can fight about more than the alcohol tests. You can also fight, for example, if the officer had the right to pull you over in the first place. In the end, hiring a DUI lawyer can help you out of this situation and perhaps help you keep your license and avoid jail time.

David Rainey, Puck from MTV’s “The Real World: San Francisco”, has been charged with DUI, child endangerment and driving without a license in connection with an accident on Route 79.

Officials with the California Highway Patrol say that his vehicle left the roadway after failing to negotiate a curve and ended up on its roof in a stream bed after rolling down an embankment.

Puck suffered broken bones in both feet, his right hand and neck, according to celebrity gossip site TMZ. His 8-year-old son, Bogart, reportedly has liver damage and bruising to several of his internal organs.