DUI / DWI

In spite of the tireless efforts of thousands of highway safety advocates over the past 25 years, drunk driving continues to be a major problem in this country. Nationwide, one person every 40 minutes, approximately 35 people a day, or nearly 13,000 people each year die in traffic crashes involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher.

 

The latest state-by-state data for 2005 released by DOT shows that alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the nation's deadliest crimes. In 2005, 21 states and the District of Columbia 23 showed an increase in the fatality rate for crashes where the driver had an illegal alcohol level of at least .08. These statistics confirm what every police officer patrolling America's streets already knows: that irresponsible use of alcohol and driving are a tragic and toxic combination that robs people of their potential and families of their loved ones.

 

In 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that nearly 17,500 people were killed in automobile collisions involving alcohol. According to NHTSA, Alcohol was involved in 41 percent of the 42,815 people killed in all traffic accidents and crashes. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, or "drunk driving," is by far the most commonly encountered offense in the courts today.

 

The person arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), faces complicated procedures and potentially devastating punishment. The punishment can be more severe than in some felony cases. DUI is also referred to as DWI, driving while intoxicated. The laws concerning "drunk driving" have radically changed over recent years.

 

Defending against drunken driving charge requires special expertise and experience. A DUI defense attorney needs to understand scientific and medical concepts. The defense attorney must be able to question tough witnesses, including scientists and police officers. An experienced attorney who specializes in blood alcohol analysis and drunken driving cases can effectively handle criminal and administrative proceedings.