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Tag Archive | "Arizona DUI Lawyer"

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What not to do when pulled over for driving while intoxicated

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

Those dreaded red and blue lights flash behind you what do you do? The first thing to do is try and not to panic. Do not stop immediately in the middle of the roadway, but slow down and attempt to find a safe location to pull over to the right, but don’t drive forever. Do not try taking off in hopes of outrunning the patrol car you can not outrun their radio and the other officers that will come out of the woodwork.

Once you stop remember to put the car into park. Be polite and try and pay attention. Know where your drivers license, proof of insurance and registration are so you can easily obtain them. The officer will be watching all of your actions and how well you can maneuver. Don’t have open alcoholic containers in the vehicle either.
Be polite. Answer questions directed at you but don’t offer too much information. Know that almost every drunk driver gives the standard answer of “two” to how much they have drank. Is that two six packs, two pitchers, two double whiskey on the rocks? Don’t try and be smart or cocky. Your speech is another detection of intoxication.

If asked to do a field sobriety test, know that you can decline certain tests or all of them. Officers need factors from each test to determine for court whether or not you are safe to operate a motor vehicle. Nationwide standards are being adopted by all agencies that have guidelines for each test that are accepted in court. If you do not perform these tests the states case is harder to prove, but also keep in mind many patrol cars have video footage of what is going on so some of the factors can be detected other ways. Definitely do not admit that you could not do the tests even if you were sober this says you know you are drunk.

Do not become a street lawyer and start spouting off your rights. Law enforcement officers know all to well what they can and can not do. If the officer is crooked he/she will not care you think you know what your rights are. If the officer is above board he/she will know their limitations and protect your rights to protect the case.
Know that your Miranda rights do not need to be read to you prior to an arrest. After the handcuffs go on anything that can incriminate you further can not be asked, but you still have to answer questions about you such as your address. Refusing to give information about yourself to the officer prolongs your stay behind bars.
Do not try and bribe the officer. Once the decision has been made to arrest you is not the time to plead and beg for them to just let you go home, or drive you home, or call someone. Do not make statements that you knew you were too drunk to drive. Know that your ride to the jail is also being recorded. There is never a time to call the officer every name in the book or make threats. Keep your lips closed.

Depending on your state’s requirements, a test to determine the level of alcohol in your body will need to be done, which many do not realize they agreed to when they obtained their drivers license. Know the penalties for refusing this test and the penalties for taking this test. Lawyers vary in their opinion on whether or not you should refuse or agree. This is a personal choice, but convictions happen regardless of this decision.

Do not tear up, destroy or throw away any documents you are given by the officer or the jail staff. These documents detail driving privileges and provide other valuable information about what is to come in the legal process. Wait until you are released, have slept and can think to read through these documents. This is also the time to determine whether or not you need a lawyer.

The best advice is to not drive while intoxicated so you do not need to worry about any of this.

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What insurance should you carry after being convicted of a DUI?

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

Most major car insurances will not cover those that have been charged with a DUI in Arizona (Driving Under the Influence). Even if you are currently covered by insurance at the time of your conviction, your insurance company may very well cancel or raise your rates considerably.

If you’re like most people you simply can’t afford not to be driving, even after driving under the influence. A majority of people need to maintain their transportation options in order to make a living. We all make mistakes, but the law makes certain that you will definitely pay (monetarily) for the privilege to get back out on the road. Although there are many companies that will offer coverage for DUI/DWI offenders, it is important to do your research.

A good place to start with suggestions for reputable insurance carriers who cover DUI/DWI offenders is your attorney or legal counsel. Chances are this is not the first time they have been down this road and they may have some resources to start you in your search to find the best post-DUI conviction insurance for you. Another option is to search out a DUI specialist who can help you track down the best insurance rates/company for your particular driving record and circumstances.

When any insurance company offer rates on their premiums it is based on several factors, such as your past driving record, claim history, your age and sex to name a few. You can be almost certain that they will also be checking your credit report and confirming employment.

When there is a conviction of a DUI you will be required to carry a SR-22 Proof of Insurance in order to reinstate your license/driving privileges. The insurance company you select will file a SR-22 form on your behalf to release the suspension order placed by the DMV on your driver’s license.

Your insurance company can advise you as to what steps will need to be taken to ensure prompt issue of an SR-22, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Find out what is on your driving record Your insurance company will be checking your driving record to confirm the information you will be supplying them with; make sure it is accurate.

2. Contact the DMV find out what other fees might be assessed in order to reinstate your drivers license, or if you have any outstanding fines. You will not be able to move forward unless accumulated fees for parking/moving violations (past or present) have been paid in full.
With these steps in place you can then move on to researching your options for obtaining auto insurance. Speak with several insurance companies; make sure you shop around for the best rate.

Clearly the best way to keep your auto insurance, in any situation, is to keep your driving record clean and pay your premiums in a timely manner. Your insurance company will provide your local DMV with proof of coverage in order to keep your driving privileges active.
Remember to always go out with a designated driver and don’t drink at all if you are without one. If in doubt, call a taxi it is much less expensive to hire a cab to take you home than risk another DUI conviction that will come with harsher penalties and fines.

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The most recent Arizona DUI laws

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

As of September 2007, drivers convicted of a first time misdemeanor, “extreme” or “super extreme” DUI offense in the state of Arizona will have to install an ignition interlock device into their vehicle for a mandatory, minimum one year period. 

Arizona reported the sixth highest number of alcohol related motor vehicle fatalities nationwide in 2006, and tough, punitive DUI laws were enacted in September 2007 to try and curtail the ever increasing number of DUI related accidents.
Ignition interlocks are breathalyser devices installed into vehicles and require the driver to blow into the device prior to, and while operating, the motor vehicle. The ignition interlock measures the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content), and the driver’s vehicle ceases to operate if the ignition interlock detects a BAC that meets or exceeds a specific, pre-determined limit.

Legislation mandating ignition interlock installation is not new. Currently, six Canadian provinces and 43 American states have some type of interlock legislation in effect to deal with repeat DUI offenders.

Arizona has followed New Mexico in mandating ignition interlock installation for first time offenders, after the state of New Mexico reported a 12% drop in alcohol related motor vehicle fatalities, since its implementation of interlock legislation in 2005.

All convicted DUI drivers in Arizona, even first time offenders, must now install ignition interlock devices for a minimum year term, if the convicted driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%. Prior to the 2007 legislation, ignition interlock installation in the state of Arizona was only obligatory in cases of repeat offenders.
Arizona’s new DUI laws function under a graduated system, with progressively harsher punishments for more serious offenders.

A first time misdemeanor DUI conviction with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.15% carries a minimum 24 hour jail term, and a $1250 fine. An “extreme” misdemeanor charge with a BAC between 0.15% to 0.19% carries a minimum 10 day jail term and $2000 fine.

Under the new legislation, a new category of “super extreme” offenders was also created. “Super extreme” offenders are impaired drivers convicted with a BAC of 0.20% or higher.

First time “super extreme” DUI offenders are handed a minimum 45 day jail term and $2750 fine, along with a 30 day vehicle impound.

And all first time offenders, regardless of category, also face a minimum 90 day licence suspension and court ordered ignition interlock installation, which must be in place for at least one year.

Penalties stiffen substantially for subsequent convictions. Depending on the category of the conviction, in addition to court ordered ignition interlock installation, repeat offenders convicted of intoxicated driving can also expect heavy fines, minimum 120 day jail sentences, lengthy vehicle impounds, and license suspension for one year or longer.

Proponents in favor of Arizona’s new DUI laws argue that the extremely strict measures will reduce DUI-related accidents and save lives, while critics cite the enormous costs associated with ignition interlock installation. Installing an interlock device costs between $100 to $200, plus an additional monthly maintenance of $70 to $100. All costs are assumed by the convicted driver.

Critics of Arizona’s new DUI laws also note that if the ignition interlock is set to a pre-determined limit of 0.03 or 0.04%, even if the driver blows below Arizona’s legal limit of 0.08%, his or her vehicle may still not start anyways. The device may thus prevent a driver who consumes a 4 oz glass of wine during dinner from operating his or her motor vehicle.

Ignition interlock devices are also known to produce false positives, and there is margin for error, as spicy food can be detected by the device’s alcohol sensors. Ignition interlock devices are also potentially embarrassing for individuals who use their vehicles for career-related purposes.

Under the new legislation, jail terms can be shortened for convicted drivers who attend alcohol screening and evaluations. For example, the jail term for a first “extreme” misdemeanor offense can be reduced from 10 days to just 1 day, upon completion of an alcohol and drug evaluation.

If you are charged with a DUI related offense under Arizona’s new laws, it is imperative that you exercise your right to speak to an attorney.

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The costs and benefits of hiring a lawyer for your DUI case

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

DUI laws (or Driving Under the Influence laws) are getting more and more fierce in recent years. Arizona recently passed a “super law” where a minor first time infraction is heavily penalized with mandatory jail time. Virginia is considering the same law. Other states are also steadily toughening up their DUI laws bit by bit.
If you ever arrested for DUI, you need a lawyer who is specialized in the DUI laws of that state. Unless you are a lawyer, you can never realize the details involved in fairly presenting your case. Trying to represent yourself in a VUI case is like trying to repair your plumbing if you don’t know what a wrench is.

What Will This Cost Me?
All DUI lawyers will charge different fees, but even then, those fees will be a lot less expensive for you in the long run than losing your license, paying crippling fines, or spending time in jail. The record of your jail time will follow you whenever you try to apply for a job or for welfare benefits to your auto insurance premiums.
The usual DUI lawyer’s fee, on average, starts at $1000. CNBC estimates that the average cost of a DUI charge is $20,000 even if you were later found to be innocent. You still have to pay for bail, any time lost from work, court costs and mandatory non-refundable fines.
Which would you rather pay?

Success Rates
Your chances of recovering from a DUI charge improve considerably with a lawyer on your side. If you are a first-time offender, then your chances of success can go up as much as 90% (according to some DUI lawyers). Finding out a potential lawyer’s success rate is a matter of public record, and some DUI lawyers certainly do have a 90% success rate. In this case, success means having your charge reduced, dismissed or acquitted.

Don’t fall for the myth that ANY lawyer can represent you in a DUI case. Law has become so specialized that you need a DUI lawyer specifically to get you through this. If you have a lawyer who is not a DUI lawyer, he or she is the first person you should ask for a recommendation. Chances are that your lawyer has already used this DUI lawyer’s services.

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Testimonies: Overcoming a drinking problem

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

Alcoholism is a devastating illness. It is an equal opportunity destroyer. It distinguishes neither age, class, gender, nor race. And its effects are far reaching. It not only wreaks havoc in the life of the one suffering from it, but the lives of everyone that cares about that person. I know from personal experience. All three of my older brothers suffer from alcoholism.

I have spent my life watching alcohol slowly usurp the willpower and self-control from each of them. My brothers started drinking heavily in high school. It started at weekend parties, but quickly became a favorite hobby. Before long, they were hiding six-packs in the local river, to keep them hidden (and cold). They would go to the river and drink before school. They would get to school, and by second period, they were “good and buzzed.”

My brothers were very popular in high school. They played football, and had many friends. Everyone knew and liked them. They began experimenting with alcohol at weekend parties. Each party got a bit wilder than the last. This “upped” their cool quotient. As the adulation increased, so did their drinking.

They never got busted for drinking at school. And they never really got into any major trouble with the law. At least not in high school.

Two of my brothers still drink pretty heavily, but have relatively normal lives. I guess you would call them functional alcoholics. Their personal lives are usually a mess, but they have a roof, clothes and food. My oldest brother, though, has had a much rougher time with his alcoholism.

My oldest brother has been in and out of rehab, AA, and crisis intervention more times than I can count. I have had to have him Baker-acted a few times for attempted suicide. (Not a pleasant experience for a doting little sister, let me tell you.) I cannot recount the heartbreak and utter sorrow and despondence my mother and I have experienced in trying to help him recover. I suppose it is what I have witnessed while growing up that has pushed me to get my degree in Psychology. They are so screwed up; I want to “unscrew” them.

The first few times my brother went to rehab, it didn’t stick. He fell off the wagon almost immediately. He did it for show, for the family. He half-heartedly did the program and figured out exactly what he needed to say to get out again. He told them what they wanted to hear, went home, and continued as if nothing happened. He continued to drink as if he had never left. Two broken marriages and three kids later, he ended up losing almost everything. He entered rehab again, this time with the intention of making it work. And it did work-for almost seven years. He got his life back on track, and he found faith. He was attending church services every week, often more than once a week. He was even helping other men get and stay sober. He had just gotten a brand new house, and a truck that actually ran. Everything was wonderful. Then he fell off the wagon again.

This time when he fell off the wagon, he fell HARD. He even began doing drugs in addition to the alcohol. He stayed off the wagon for quite awhile, neglecting family and work. He didn’t pay his bills, and he didn’t really care. He would often call me, telling me he couldn’t understand why he kept on doing this to himself. I assured him that he was the only one who DID know why he continued to do it. I told him he kept doing it because he liked it, and because he could, that he knew deep down what he had to do to stop-he needed long term rehab. I let him know that I would support his decision to go to such a rehab, but that until he committed himself to doing it, that I couldn’t take any more phone calls from him. I let him know how it broke my (and our mother’s) heart to see him throw everything he has worked so hard for, away like trash, how very much I love him and how I want only good things for him. I also warned him against “copping out;” I reminded him how he remained sober for seven years, and how very good God had been to him during those years. He agreed, and the next day checked himself in to a long term facility, where I wrote to him every single week, letting him know how we all are doing, what things were going on, reminding him that we love him, that we are proud of his effort to get his life back, and that he was in our prayers.

My brother is sober today. I can’t say he won’t slip up again. I can say that I’ll be there to help him get back on track when he does. Recovery from alcoholism is a life long process. One is never fully recovered. With a determination to quit and stay sober, a supportive family, and “whole-lotta help from God,” it can be done.

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Statistics on young people killed by drinking and driving in Arizona

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

The national statistics for deaths of young people due to easily preventable driving under the influence (DUI) deaths are sobering. They are even more sobering for the state of Arizona. Completely senseless deaths from DUI are hard to take for any age, but the group most at risk from dying from drinking and driving are under 21.
Things are so bad that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Arizona a rating of “poor” the only state to be given such a dubious honor.

Buckle Up For The Numbers
Dying by a drunk driver is the leading cause for death among Arizona’s 16-17 year olds (40%). That’s more than even illnesses! Sixteen year olds are the group most likely to crash (whether under the influence or not), because this is the usual age for when they are learning how to drive. They crash more than nine times than any other age group in Arizona.

Statistics nationally show that most kids get their first drink by age 13, so they may even be in the habit of drinking regularly before they ever reach 16. Research done by the Arizona Youth Survey in 2006 report that 50% of all Arizona eight graders had a drink within the past 30 days of taking the survey.

And about half of those are called “single vehicle crashes”, which means death was usually due to going too fast and loosing control, which can all too easily happens after only a couple of drinks.

Usually, the intoxicated teen is not alone in the car, but takes his or her friends along for a final ride, as well. A 2007 University of North Carolina study found that, nationally, teen drivers are 39% more likely to get into a crash when another teen (drunk or not) is in the vehicle, too. Even though it is illegal in Arizona to give anyone under 21 a drink, somehow they seem to get it without any problem.

Where Are The Parents?
The Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, claims that half of Arizona adults claim that it is “okay” for teens to drive after having one or two drinks. This is why DUI education and laws in Arizona are not only aimed at teens, but also their parents. These numbers of DUI deaths need to come down.

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Simple tips to prevent a DUI

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

There are many simple and obvious choices on how to avoid a DUI, but first and foremost one must possess the integrity to make them. Humans, in general, often feel infallible. “I had a few drinks and drove home fine last time.” The success in that venture was created by an alcohol fueled illusion. Who hasn’t felt the overwhelming sense of relief at making it home safely after a few drinks? We amuse ourselves with the admission of barely remembering “how” we got home in one piece. What these DUI drivers may not realize is that there were other drivers on the road who had to swerve to avoid them, and ended up in the middle of a tree. They were not very successful on making it home to their daughter’s birthday party in one piece.

People also speak of the time it takes for alcohol to affect the blood, and impair mental and physical functions. Time spent on calculating how one can get away with driving home after a few too many drinks could be better spent on calculating better ways of getting everybody home safe. It is not about us already having enough responsibility in our life that we can not be bothered with anyone else’s. It is an easy choice to make, but how easy will it then be to deal with the consequences of an “unsuccessful” driving home under the influence?

Often it is not until something terrible happens that teaches us not to drink and drive. We tested our limits and found the boundary line. We swear not to do it again, in court that is, surrounded by a group of strangers who are judging us by this one act. They do not care that you made it home a hundred other times.
A simple way to avoid a DUI is to accept and fully understand that it is, in every way, irresponsible and illegal to drink and drive. You may care about yourself more than others, but is injuring or killing yourself the best way to show it? There are no “do-overs”. Once you are caught and pulled over, the rush of adrenalin through your body can be more intoxicating, and your responses to police enforcement even more so. Once you wake to find the engine of your car resting in your lap, and blood on your windshield that is not your own, it is too late to call a cab.

Before you put yourself in that situation, consider arranging other transport such as hiring a personal driver and a car for the evening. If you are going downtown for a big night out, rent a nearby hotel or motel room with your friends. If you all become too intoxicated to call a cab, do not be offended if the establishment you are drinking in does it for you. Budget for your safety. If you can not afford to arrange for other transportation then you can not afford to go out, nor can you afford the fines and repercussions that occur when you are caught driving under the influence.

This type of planning does not take away from the spontaneity of having a good time; instead it offers you complete freedom that you have taken responsible steps to guarantee it, and also a clean driving record.

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Recommended procedures for being pulled over while intoxicated

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

“I can do this. I can drive home. I’m not drunk. Yeah, I can do this.” That’s what you told yourself as you climbed behind the wheel and headed home from a night out with friends. You thought everything was going fine until you saw those flashing lights in the review mirror and heard the siren signaling you to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. You realize now that you should not have gotten behind the wheel; that you weren’t sober enough to make the trip home without endangering yourself or others. So, what do you do if you find yourself in this situation? How do you respond? What should you expect?

The first thing to expect is that you will probably sit in your car for a few minutes before the officer approaches the vehicle. This is typically when the officer will be calling in the stop to dispatch and when he will be running an id on the vehicle to find who it is registered to. During this time don’t fidget in your vehicle. Don’t start looking around under the seats for your identification. If it’s not where you can reach it wait until the office approaches before climbing into the back seat to retrieve it.
When the officer approaches the vehicle he will ask for identification, proof of insurance, and registration. Hopefully these things are where you can get to them easily. If not explain to the officer that your purse is in the trunk or in the back seat and you will need to get it. Don’t start reaching for it without explaining what you are doing as this might signal to the officer that you are trying to hide something.

Always be polite to the officer. Do not give the office grief for pulling you over. It’s his job to ensure the safety of motorists and he is not to blame for your poor decision. If you are violent or abusive with the officer you have a better chance of spending the night in a jail cell. If you are nice to the officer you may be able to get out of the situation with only a warning. Of course the officer won’t allow you to drive home but they may be willing to give you a ride to your destination or allow you to call someone to come pick you up.

During your interaction with the officer he will be looking for tell-tell signs of intoxication. These signs might include erratic behavior, abusive behavior, bloodshot eyes, smell of alcohol, slurring of words, and clumsiness. If the officer notices any of these they will then ask you to exit the car. Don’t exit the vehicle unless the officer requests as this may be seen as a threat toward the officer. When exiting the vehicle the officer will then ask you to perform some test.

These tests are known as field sobriety tests. These tests look for reaction time and balance which are not normal when a driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests usually include having the driver close their eyes and put their finger to their nose. Another test used is having the driver walk a straight line down the road edge marking line. If a driver cannot perform these tasks or has a lot of difficulty the officer can assume the person is above the legal limit of consumption.

At this point the officer may ask you to take a Breathalyzer test. Most states do not require this test to be taken immediately and drivers can refuse. Not taking the test at this time or refusing the test completely will most likely end in a trip to jail where you will be formally charged with driving while intoxicated.

The best thing to do is to avoid getting into this situation. Line up a designated driver before going out if you plan on drinking. Know your limit and when to stop. If you have any doubt at all that you aren’t sober call a cab. Driving while intoxicated can not only mess up your life but the lives of other innocent drivers on the road. Think about the consequences before taking the risk. Always try and contact a good DUI Lawyer in Arizona for further expertise and information.

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How to find and choose a good DUI lawyer

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

Most people would prefer never to have to choose a lawyer for a criminal case. But in the real world, people are confronted by situations where having a lawyer with skills in a particular area of the law becomes necessary. Being prosecuted for DUI is not something a person should undergo without the “right” lawyer. In fact, to go through the process without a lawyer is foolhardy considering a conviction could result in points on your driver’s license; soaring insurance rates; revocation or suspension of your license; high fines; a permanent criminal record; and, yes, jail time. DUI is a traffic offense, but is considered a crime.

So how does one find a “good” DUI lawyer? Start with word of mouth: ask your friends. You can also look in the phone book under “Attorneys.” Most phone books sort attorneys by practice area. Look for “criminal law;” “traffic;” or “DUI/DWI.”

It is important to understand what “experienced” means. A lawyer can be “experienced” in a wide variety of practice areas. Because DUI cases are specialized, try to locate attorneys who used to be prosecutors or public defenders. They will know the courts, the judges, the officers, and what the prosecution will use to prosecute you. Never be afraid to ask the question, “How many DUI cases have you defended?” The more questions you ask before retaining an attorney, the better your chance of retaining someone best qualified to represent you. 
Someone who has a “general” practice, or whose practice focuses on personal injury, is not likely to best represent a DUI case.

DUI “law” changes constantly, so you want to ask the attorneys how up-to-date they are on DUI practice. A true DUI practitioner will be able to answer immediately. They will be able to tell you about the current state of the law and how it might affect the outcome of your case.
Of course the initial consultation should be free. And the retainer should be “reasonable” depending on the facts of the case. Expect a retainer of anywhere from $300 all the way up to several thousand dollars depending on whether there was an accident; an accident with injuries; or a pure “drunk driving where nothing happens on a deserted road in the middle of nowhere.”

That retainer is used for the initial process of defending you: performing legal research; drafting and filing motions; and interviewing witnesses. You might also be charged additional fees for the paralegal, associate attorney, expert witnesses (particularly if there is a fatality involved), copies, and legal research services on top of what the attorney charges for his or her time. Expect an attorney to charge between $85 to $300 an hour for their services and be up front regarding what you can afford. Some attorneys offer a “sliding scale” fee to accommodate people on a tight budget. A complex DUI case can easily cost $10-20,000 to defend because you could ultimately end up convicted of a felony such as aggravated assault or vehicular homicide. Regardless of the cost of defense, however, one thing must always happen: the attorney must fully disclose all fees, in writing, and give you time to review and approve them. Any attorney, who pressures you, even for $300.00, should not be retained.

And never believe that because an attorney is nice, you cannot reject their offer of services. You are not entering the morass of choosing an attorney based on personality, you want someone who can effectively defend you. You should also check with the state supreme court to see whether the particular attorney has ever been subject to discipline and ask about it.

One last critical issue: if you do not understand something the attorney has told you, ask him to clarify or explain what he or she said. There could be no worse situation than retaining an attorney who cannot explain his actions or strategy in layman’s terms.

The main point is: choose carefully and ask questions. Attorneys are trained to do what you are asking them to, and all attorneys took a class in criminal law. But some attorneys are more qualified through experience and training in certain areas of the law than others. By asking questions and not being intimidated by the law, you stand a good chance of choosing an excellent, well-qualified attorney.

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How a DUI conviction can impact your permanent record, jobs and life

Posted on 03 April 2008 by admin

A DUI conviction does not end with the end of your probation and drunk driving classes, it will affect many areas of your life or for at least the next 7 years or so. In this article, we will examine each area far beyond your driving privileges that will be affected by one night of drinking.

Driving Privileges
The most obvious is your driving privileges, in most cases you will lose your license for a set amount of time, this time frame will very from state to state. If you continue to get DUI convictions it will eventually lead to a permanent loss of your driving privileges.

Financial Burden
The cost of a DUI can be phenomenal, the fines, the court costs, the price of a good attorney if you chose to hire one can be devastating to the most financially stable person. Average cost for the attorney alone will run you about $1000, this is for a simple case. Add in court costs and fines, you have a healthy sum to pay out. This may lead into you putting off other household bills and expenses, putting you in financial turmoil at home.

Car Insurance
A DUI will add points to your driver’s license, as points are added your insurance rates will automatically go up.

Employment
In many cases, a DUI conviction will affect your employment opportunities, employers will be faced with a decision that they often times don’t like to make, many employers don’t want their employees names in the paper associated with this kind of behavior, they may suspend or give you warning that you may lose your employment if this behavior continues. Some will offer rehabilitation to the employee, where others will not tolerate the public embarrassment and will terminate employment immediately.

If you are seeking employment and have DUI conviction on your record, it will limit your opportunity. You will now be considered an insurance risk and if the job involves any type of driving activity you probably will not be considered.
If you have a commercial driver’s license, these license are immediately revoked, no matter how long you have had them, see your state law on the effects that you will be facing.

Family
Many marriages have been dissolved because of one’s drinking problems. A DUI is often the straw that breaks the camels back so to speak. A spouse will often feel that the problem is too much to deal with and you will be on the losing end of the divorce. After all, all they need to do is pull you record and see what you are all about.

Public Labeling
Your criminal record is now public record in many states these days it is a simple matter of pulling up a website and there it is, usually about 7 pages from beginning to end, the whole ordeal for the world to see. Your friends, neighbors, co workers, bosses or anyone else who cares to poke their nose in your business can check you out. It is simply a click away.

Bottom Line
You work hard everyday, you have worked very hard to establish a reputation as a person with a good work ethic, you show up and get the job done, you excel in your field, you are a good family person, wonderful provider, overall good person, but a DUI can cast a dark shadow over all of this. Take a peak at public records, look at your local paper and see the convictions out there for all to see. Then go online and check out the public records. See how detailed a criminal record can get.
A DUI affects your entire life, think before you drink!

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