We all know that we’re not supposed to drink and drive. You know it, we know it, and your DUI attorney knows it. He’ll do everything he can to get you off the hook, or at least to get your driving privileges reinstated. Still, as we all know, if you drink and drive and get caught, you’re in for an uphill climb.

We all know you can’t have an open container of alcohol in the car, but did you realize that in most states you’re not allowed to have an open container in most other public places, either? Of course, you can have a beer at the ball game, and bars and restaurants are great places to have a drink. But there are lots of places where most states prohibit you from having alcohol in public places such as:

• Parks
• Inside vehicles
• Sidewalks
• Parking lots
• Public buildings

Some of these laws are simply common sense. After all, no one in their right mind is going to bring an open container into the court room unless he wants his DUI attorney to beat the hell out of him. But others can bite you in the hind end if you’re not aware of them. After all, the last thing you need is a ticket for having an open container in a public park (something we would think would be a minor thing) when you’re trying to fight a DUI charge.

Open container laws are made at the state level rather than at the federal level, so they’re different from one state to the next. If you like to have a drink now and then (and who doesn’t?), it’s a good idea for you to be aware of the laws in your city or locality and state. For starters, here are the states which actually don’t have open container laws:

• Pennsylvania
• Nevada
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Montana
• Virginia
• Missouri

In Louisiana, it is even legal to have an open container of alcohol in the car, as long as driver isn’t drinking. Of course, convincing the police officer who pulled you over for crossing the median and driving on the sidewalk that you weren’t drinking is another matter entirely.

Many people who are charged with a DUI offense have to face certain questions about their ability to drink responsibly. These questions may come from friends and family, and can often be stated in offensive or disrespectful ways. They may not know how to show their concern or be supportive, but the questions still remain.  In fact, the court may also have questions about your drinking issues, and you could help your case if you are willing to address it.

1. You don’t have to be an alcoholic to have a drinking problem. Many people who have problems with drinking are using alcohol as a way to “numb out” when facing other serious life issues. Moderation Management is a behavioral change program for people who are concerned about their drinking and want to make positive lifestyle changes. It also has a national support network and offers strategies to help get your drinking under control.
2. Take a self-test. From the privacy of your own home and with no one viewing your responses, you can take a self-test to decide whether you might have a problem that warrants professional help.
3. Find a program. Alcoholics Anonymous has a presence in all fifty states. Find a meeting and check it out, even if you only listen the first time. If you’re uncomfortable with AA, there are other programs out there that can help. Smart Recovery is a self-empowerment program with free support groups, and Rational Recovery offers an alternative to AA, which may even be permitted by the courts.
4. Talk to your lawyer. Your DUI Attorney should know whether it will help your case to attend AA or another recovery program. In some cases, your judge could give you a lighter sentence or allow you to enter a pretrial diversion program if you are taking active steps to address the problem.

If you think you may have a problem with drinking, don’t try to deal with it alone. Be prepared to take a few steps to help yourself now, and you could save yourself a lot of pain, expense, and legal consequences down the road.

There are many legal and practical consequences of a DUI conviction that can follow you for a long time and make life difficult. Whenever you’re facing a DUI charge, you should work with an attorney who specializes in this area of the law. The range of penalties for DUI varies by state, so make sure you are working with an experienced DUI attorney who may be able to reduce the impact of some of these consequences.

• Emotional. Being charged with a crime induces stress. You suddenly have a number of tasks to complete and the outcome is unknown. If convicted of DUI, the level of emotional stress will increase dramatically. Be sure you have a good stress management plan to deal with all of this.
• Financial. Not only will you have to pay your lawyer, but court costs and mandatory alcohol classes can also drain your wallet. To make matters worse, most states require that drivers convicted of DUI carry special insurance, known as SR-22, which warns insurers that you could be high risk. This will cause your car insurance premiums to go way up, and the effects can last quite a while.
• Incarceration. In many states, even first time DUI offenders can serve jail time in addition to fines and other requirements. Sentencing is largely left up to the individual judge, so the amount of time served varies widely from case to case.
• Driver’s license. Even first time offenders may risk losing their driver’s licenses for a certain amount of time. This can make daily life difficult unless you have alternate transportation to get to work, run errands, and socialize. It also means a loss of some independence, which can exacerbate stress levels.
• Community service. Many cases involve some level of community service at sentencing. The number of hours you will have to complete will vary depending on the details of your case and the judge making the decisions.
• DUI School. Most people convicted of DUI will be ordered to take mandatory drug and alcohol classes, also referred to as “DUI School.” These can be both expensive and hard to work into your schedule, especially if you’ve lost your license and are dependent on others to drive you around.
• Extenuating circumstances. In some cases, the details of the case warrant additional jail time and higher fines. If this is not your first DUI offense, if you were transporting a minor in the car while intoxicated, if you caused an accident or had excessive levels of alcohol in your blood, these factors could result in more severe consequences.

The consequences of DUI conviction can be both taxing and long-lasting. Make sure you know the DUI laws in your state, and that you are working together with your attorney to reduce as many of these possible penalties as you can.

When you’ve been charged with a DUI, there may be several approaches to mounting a defense. Your DUI attorney will be the best person to help you work through the particulars of your case, but the following are traditionally accepted defenses for DUI.

• You weren’t driving the vehicle. Even in cases where intoxication can be proved, that may not be enough to convict you for a DUI offense. The prosecution must prove that you were actually operating the vehicle at the time of your arrest. There may be witnesses who can dispute the officer’s claim that you were driving under the influence.
• The officer did not have probable cause. Blurred speech and bloodshot eyes may not be enough to establish probable cause. Other causes, such as lack of sleep or allergies could have been responsible for the apparent signs of intoxication. Your attorney may argue that the officer’s assumptions were unreasonable, and did not give the authorities probable cause to test you for intoxication and/or search your vehicle.
• The officer did not properly Mirandize you. Never make any statements to the police that could be incriminating. If such statements were made at the time of arrest, and the police did not “read you your rights,” they may be inadmissible in court.
• There was no warning given regarding implied consent. Police must warn you of the consequences of declining to submit to field sobriety tests. In some states, refusal to cooperate can result in immediate arrest and detention for DUI, and may even be cause to revoke your driver’s license. If the officer failed to provide you notice of implied consent, the test results may be inadmissible in court.
• You did not objectively fail field sobriety tests. If it can be proved that the officer had a predisposed opinion (i.e., that conclusions were not based on objective observations but instead on a personal bias) the results of your field sobriety tests may be inadmissible.
• Blood alcohol concentration was not properly established. Chemical testing of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is not always straight-forward. There are multiple physiological and technical issues surrounding breathalyzers and other BAC testing devices. The time elapsed between when you were driving and when your blood or urine was tested can also play a role.

Your best bet when mounting a defense against DUI is to work with your attorney. Make sure you get a lawyer you can trust, someone with case experience within the specialty, and who is working in your best interests.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. As part of our Bill of Rights, the Fourth Amendment is designed to protect individuals from overzealous government agents who would otherwise stop at nothing in their quest to prevent crime and catch criminals.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld “properly conducted” DUI checkpoints as permissible by law in 1990. There are set guidelines and procedures to limit the intrusion into your privacy while providing for the public interest of keeping inebriated drivers off the road. In order to comply with the statute, checkpoints must meet certain criteria set up by the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.

• Checkpoints must be part of an ongoing program to deter impaired driving.
• They must have the support of the judiciary.
• Law enforcement agencies must have specific procedures for how checkpoints will be conducted, and procedures must be uniformly applied.
• Site selection is key to the proper implementation of checkpoints. They must not create more of a traffic hazard than the results of the driving behavior they are trying to modify, for instance.
• Special care must be taken to warn approaching motorists of the sobriety checkpoint.
• Police officers must be visible and readily identifiable as officers of the law.
• Suspected impaired drivers should be transported for DUI chemical testing within a reasonable amount of time.
• Any deviation from the previously outlined procedures should be thoroughly documented, and reasons given for the change (for example, traffic backups or inclement weather).
• Officers participating in the checkpoints must be properly trained in detecting impaired behavior.

While there is some meritorious debate over the constitutionality of DUI checkpoints, arguing the law when you find yourself stopped at a checkpoint probably isn’t your best bet. To survive a DUI checkpoint, take some friendly advice and mind your manners.

• Be polite, stay calm, and speak in an even tone.
• If the officer suspects you of drunk driving, he or she is likely to start asking you questions about where you were and how much you’ve had to drink. Remember that you don’t have to answer any questions. Even when the officer hasn’t read you your rights, you still have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can – and will – be used against you in court, if things go that far.
• Don’t agree to a voluntary search of your vehicle, and don’t take sobriety tests unless required to by law. If the police ask for permission to search your car, that should tip you off that they don’t have probable cause. By submitting to a search, you are waiving your rights, and you can’t take it back later if they find something worth arresting you for. Your DUI Attorney will have a much easier time if you didn’t waive your Fourth Amendment rights.

Seeing flashing lights and being pulled over by a police officer is an unsettling experience. No one expects it will happen. When it does happen they lack information about their rights and the proper procedures for a checkpoint. The time to become informed is prior to a personal checkpoint experience. Find out what you do and do not have to allow. Should you answer questions? Should you allow a search of your vehicle?

Checkpoints can be unnerving but there is no need to be intimidated by them. These articles are a resource that can ensure you know your rights and what to expect if stopped.

1. Constitutional Rights at DUI Checkpoints: Constitutional rights still apply at roadblocks. Police cannot search a vehicle without probable cause.
2. How to Handle a Roadblock: Extensive information on how to deal with a roadblock including how to speak to the police officer.
3. All About DUI Checkpoints: Officers are mainly looking for indications that the driver is impaired. A list is included of what these signs are.
4. DUI Roadblocks:  What to expect at a checkpoint and your rights are explained. A little history and some guidelines are included.
5. DUI Checkpoint History: Delves into the motivation behind checkpoints and their constitutionality. This is mainly about Virginia law, although Michigan law is discussed.
6. Know Your Rights at the Checkpoint: You do not have to answer any questions. You can politely decline.
7. Pennsylvania Checkpoint Law: Answers the question if it is legal for a driver to make a legal U-turn to avoid the roadblock.
8. Important Checkpoint Factors: Eight factors that apply to California checkpoints.
9. How a Checkpoint Must Be Set Up: In order for the checkpoint to be constitutional, it must be set up and operated according to certain guidelines. These policies must be in place before the stop.
10. California Checkpoints: There are limitations placed on how officers may operate California checkpoints. These restrictions come from the US and the State Supreme Courts.
11. Know the Law: Police may stop every car or randomly stop cars. They cannot use checkpoints for profiling by race, gender etc.
12. Tennessee Checkpoints: Explains the purpose of roadblocks and that they are legal. Tells what signs of impairment officers take note of and how drivers should respond at a checkpoint.
13. Ohio Roadblocks: Detention at Ohio checkpoints has to be based on probable cause.
14. New Hampshire Checkpoint Law: Roadblocks must be posted far enough in advance that motorists can turn back to avoid them.
15. Massachusetts Roadblocks: A series of blog posts addressing checkpoints in this state. Fourth Amendment limitations and appeals court decisions are discussed.
16. Maryland Checkpoint Rights: You have the right to make a legal turn to avoid the roadblock. You do not need to speak to the officers.
17. Checkpoint Standards: There are very specific procedures that must be followed at roadblocks. If these standards are not met, an arrest may be challenged in court.
18. Missouri Checkpoints: Motorist do not have to speak to officers. They do not have to submit to field sobriety tests.
19. Florida Checkpoint Guidelines: The Florida Supreme Court has determined that roadblocks must be set up in specific ways and follow certain guidelines.
20. Checkpoints in Rhode Island Are Illegal: The police set up a roadblock and arrested a person for DUI. The plaintiff was exonerated because the roadblock was illegal.
21. Massachusetts Checkpoint Facts: The motorist retains all his civil rights at a roadblock.
22. How to Handle Yourself in a California Roadblock: An explanation is given about how to speak to the officer at the checkpoint. How to stand up for your rights is covered.
23. New Hampshire DUI Roadblocks: DUI roadblocks must follow certain guidelines. An explanation of how a motorist proceeds through a checkpoint is given.
24. Roadblock Guidelines Must Be Followed: If you have been arrested at a checkpoint it is a good idea to consult an attorney. If the roadblock guidelines haven’t been followed explicitly the case may be dismissed.
25. Constitutional Analysis: The guidelines set forth by the US Supreme Court are strict regarding checkpoints.
26. California Checkpoints Explained: Vehicles must be chosen according to a random formula. Motorists can only be detained long enough to briefly answer questions and for the officer to check for signs of impairment.
27. Assert Your Rights at DC Checkpoints: It is legal to refuse to speak with the officer. A printed assertion of rights can be handed to the officer.
28. No U-Turn in New Mexico: The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that making a u-turn to avoid a checkpoint is suspicious enough to allow the police to pursue the motorist.
29. Your Rights at a California Checkpoint: You have certain rights when asked to perform a sobriety test.
30. Have Your Rights Been Violated?: The Fourth Amendment gives protection for unreasonable searches. The courts apply standards to determine if a motorist’s rights have been violated at a sobriety roadblock.
31. Your Rights Continue During Questioning: If you have been detained at a checkpoint you have certain rights during the questioning.
32. Illegal Florida Roadblock: A Florida roadblock that resulted in an arrest was found to be illegal. It violated motorists’ rights to safety.
33. Is it Legal: How to determine if a checkpoint is legal or not.
34. Legality of Checkpoints Upheld: The courts declared roadblocks legal as long as they followed certain procedures.
35. Your Rights at Roadblocks: What do you have to submit to? What can you refuse?
36. Ohio Roadblock Criteria: Ohio Supreme Court roadblock procedures are listed. The Ohio Highway Patrol guidelines are also listed. All Ohio roadblocks must follow these or they violate the motorists’ rights.
37. Alabama Roadblock Law: The complete version is contained in this blog. Knowing the law protects your rights.
38. Which States Are Safe: Many people believe that checkpoints violate their Fourth Amendment rights. Here is a list of the states that agree with them.
39. New Jersey DWI: What to know if you are stopped for a possible DWI.
40. DUI Defense Team: Understand an unlawful police stop.
41. Clarktowne: What happens at a DUI traffic stop?
42. Legal Wins: Your Miranda rights and a DUI stop.
43. Best Legal Defense: What to expect at a DUI checkpoint.
44. Drunk Driving Defense Attorney:Sobriety Checkpoints in Wisconsin
45. Drunk Driver Info: How to avoid trouble.

Image Credits: versageek

When you are arrested for a DUI it is important to know what to do. You should be prepared to know when to talk to the officers and when not to. Hiring an attorney can be a difficult decision if you have never had to before. Knowing the following tips and information will help to make that decision easier. Read the following blogs and articles on how to find the best attorney to handle your case. There can be stiff consequences and penalties if you do not get the right attorney to fight for you. There are things you can do to help yourself and pick the right one for your defense.

1. DUI Attorney: Here are tips on finding a DUI attorney anywhere in the United States.
2. After Being Arrested: Find out what you should do after you have been arrested. There are some steps you should take to find the right attorney for you.
3. Finding an Attorney: Here area few tips on finding the DUI attorney you need to help with your case.
4. Help: Get help finding the right attorney to fight for your DUI case here.
5. Experience: Getting an attorney with experience can mean the difference in your winning or losing the case.
6. Impact Your Case: A great attorney can have a significant impact on the way your case goes. Make sure you know who you are hiring and that they know what they are doing.
7. The DUI Penalties: You can face severe penalties and consequences when you are charged with a DUI. That is where having a knowledgeable attorney comes in.
8. What You Should Know: Read here before hiring your DUI attorney. There are a few things you should know before hiring one.
9. What is a DUI?: Learn what a DUI really means and how to find the best attorney to represent you.
10. Why is it Important: Learn why finding a good DUI lawyer is very important to help you in your case. Read about the benefits of having a great DUI attorney.
11. Tips to Finding the Right Lawyer: When you are in a DUI case you need to have great representation. Here are a few tips to finding the right lawyer for your case.
12. Michigan Drunk Driving Attorney: Look no further if you are in Michigan with a DUI. Get help here on finding a lawyer and dealing with your case.
13. Do You Need a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Lawyer?: You will see the reasons you may want to hire a lawyer and what he/she can help you with.
14. Arrested for DUI / DWI Do I Really Need a DUI Attorney?: If you have been arrested for DUI then you should stop here to find out what you need to do. In some cases, you may need to hire an attorney.
15. DWI Attorney: Find out the process after being arrested and also whether or not your case requires a lawyer.
16. San Diego DUI Information & Help: Get the help you need when you have been arrested in San Diego for DUI.
17. NYC Criminal Law Lawyer: Meet this NYC lawyer and hear the success they have had on defending DUI cases.
18. Get The Legal Help You Need: Once you have been arrested, you will need legal help to keep yourself out of jail.
19. DUI / Driving Under the Influence: Take a look at the matters most attorneys handle in DUI cases and why you may need to contact one.
20. Felony DUI: A felony DUI generally leads to jail time. Find out how you can shorten or prevent the time you have to spend behind bars.
21. Drunk Driving: This is taken very seriously and is against the law in all 50 states. Find out what kind of defense you need to handle your case.
22. DUI Defense Lawyers Serving Southern California: If you are in Southern California, then you should stop by this lawyers site. He helps those that have been charged with a DUI get the defense they need.
23. Aggressive Representation for Those Charged: One law firm will help to defend your case of DWI when you have been charged. Contact them to defend you against the courts in your case.
24. Acquitted 3rd Offense DWI Charges: One clients story of being acquitted on charges with help from their attorney.
25. The Do’s and Dont’s When You are Stopped for DUI: One lawyer shares tips on what you should not do when you have been pulled over for a DUI.
26. New California Law Affects Those on Probation for DUI: One blogger shares the new California law and how that can adversely affect those on probation for DUI charges.
27. DUI Charges in Virginia: Find out what the legal limit is and when you can be charged with a DUI in the state of Virginia.
28. Central Florida Defense Lawyers: A criminal defense lawyer can help you in your DUI case. Do not try to face your charges alone.
29. Learn What Your Defense Is: Tips to knowing what kind of defense you may have in your DUI case.
30. Florida Drunk Driving Defense: Learn the terms and conditions of a DUI in Florida. Be prepared for your case by understanding what is going on in the legal terms.
31. DUI/ First Offenses: When you have a first offense, learn what the consequences could be. Also read why you need an aggressive attorney to help you.
32. When You Want the DWI Gone: Turn to an aggressive attorney. They can defend you in court to help lessen the consequences or even stop you from having any at all.
33. DUI Case Examples: Here are a few examples of DUI cases that have been tried. Look to see if your case is similar and how an attorney can help you.
34. DUI FAQ: Get the answers to some FAQ in Arizona about your DUI charge.
35. DUI Information: Find out helpful information on what DUI charges mean for you and why you should find a good, experienced DUI attorney.
36. Criminal Charges Lawyer: Read about Denver attorneys and how they help their clients with DUI charges. You may be able to find help here on how to deal with your charges.
37. Defending Your Rhode Island DUI: Learn how a lawyer can help you to defend your case in court. There are things you need to know before going to trial.
38. DUI Subsequent Offender Receives Probation: One case that a lawyer tried and was able to get the client only probation.
39. Tampa DUI Attorney: Discover how to find a great DUI attorney in the Tampa area. There are a few things you need to look for and this blog shows you what.
40. The Hidden Secrets of Tennessee DUI Defense: Find out what you should know if you are charged with a DUI case in Tennessee. Learn also how to find a great attorney to help in your case.
41. Increase in DUI Arrest in Women: While the number of men being charged with DUI is falling, there is an increase in women DUI charges. Find out what happens to those who are arrested in Nevada.
42. Facts on Drinking and Driving: It is not against the law to drink and drive. It is against the law to drive with a higher blood alcohol level.
43. DUI Defense Information: If you live in Tennessee you should read this information. If you do not have a good attorney these are the consequences you face if you are arrested with a DUI.
44. 10 Tips for Hiring the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer: One attorney shares the tips you need to hiring the right attorney to handle your DUI case.
45. Know Your Options: Being informed is one way to find the best lawyer for your case.
46. Getting Your License Back: Find out if it is possible to get your drivers license back once you have lost it due to DUI.
47. DUI Dictionary: Learn the terms used most often in DUI cases. You can be prepared for meeting your lawyer and understand what is being said and done in your case.
48. Hiring an Attorney in Raleigh: Uncover tips on how to hire the right criminal defense attorney in Raleigh to represent your case
49. How to Find a Good DUI Attorney in Vegas: Sometimes finding an experienced lawyer can be difficult. Read this list of tips to look for when hiring your attorney.
50. DUI- Broward County: There are a few things to know if you are in Broward County and get arrested for a DUI. Learn those tips here and how to get the best attorney in the area.

Image Credits: pdeonarain

A DUI conviction can result in more than simply losing your privilege to drive. While all states have different laws, and the consequences can differ, it’s possible to be charged with things like vehicular manslaughter, a federal offense in some states if convicted of DUI with a minor in the car, or endangering the lives of others. A DUI changes the lives of anyone involved, and it never changes them for the better. In fact for some, the consequences are fatal.

1. 89 Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Your Record: A DUI on your record will follow you for the rest of your life and will affect every area of your life.
2. Consequences of Drunk Driving: Whether the victim, victim’s family or the offender there are consequences that must be addressed.
3. Drunk Driving Offenses and Penalties: If you’re sued by the injured person or surviving relative’s bankruptcy won’t save you.
4. Consequences of Driving Under the Influence: Consequences and defense
5. DUI 101: Understanding the DUI Manslaughter Charge: Describes offense types
6. Legal Issues – DUI: A mock DUI exercise explains what happens during a pull over of someone suspected of drunk driving.
7. How Drinking and Driving Can Impact on Your Life: A DUI criminal record will stay on your record forever
8. Legal Issues: Internet resources on legal issues in alcohol and drinking
9. Rhode Island Breath Test Refusal Penalties: What happens when you refuse to take a breath test?
10. The Connection between a California DUI and Child Endangerment Charges: Don’t drink and drive, but especially with your kids in the car
11. 1800DUI Laws: Information on DUIs sorted by state so it’s easy to find out how severe your consequences will be.
12. The Effects of a DUI on Car Insurance Quotes: DUI violation remains on your driving record for anywhere from five years to the rest of your life, depending on the state you’re in.
13. How Long Does a DUI Stay On a Driving Record?: Could be indefinitely
14. Court Punishment – Jail: “Drivers convicted of DUI / DWI face consequences from the court, including fines, driver’s license suspensions and jail time”
15. DUI Consequences: Information on the consequences of DUIs organized by state.
16. Drunk Driving and DUI – The Legal and Emotional Consequences: You stand to lose everything by simply being incarcerated for any length of time, first your job and then everything that job pays for.
17. Underage DUI Penalties: people cited for underage DUI usually face the consequences associated with two crimes.
18. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Consequences: Consequences and procedures
19. DUI Laws and SR-22 Insurance Consequences: The difficulty of regaining driving privileges and getting car insurance
20. The Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Student Visas or Work Permits: DUI and how it can ruin your US status and international travel
21. DUI Consequences For CDL Drivers: In certain circumstances your CDL can be suspended for life
22. DUI Consequences – Coast Guard Credentials: You can lose more than driving privileges
23. Possible Consequences of a Dui Conviction: What you could face even with your first offense
24. Arizona Drunk Driving Defense FAQs: A variety of questions and answers concerning Arizona law
25. Repeat DWI/DUI Offenders Face Certain Jail Time: How Much is Up to Them: Penalties continue to get more serious, with good reason. Ahh, but people who like to drink and drive just get angrier.
26. DUI and Driver’s License Suspensions: Losing your license
27. The Least Amount of Consequences Possible in Your Case: Every case is different
28. DUI Can Prevent a Registered Rep from Associating with a Broker/Dealer: A DUI conviction could jeopardize your career even if you don’t work in the stock market
29. One DUI Arrest results in TWO charges filed: This article explains why.
30. DUI second offense and beyond: Consequences much more serious
31. DUI in Hawaii: What consequences to expect from a DUI in Hawaii
32. The Cost Of DUI In Washington State: Consequences of a DUI in Washington state
33. COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF DUI: Your DUI Has Consequences Beyond the Courtroom
34. Third DUI Offense: Consequences of a third DUI
35. Limited Job Opportunities With a DUI / DWI Conviction: One of many consequences of being convicted of a DUI
36. DUI Punishment: Excellent article about what to expect if convicted of a DUI
37. Frequently Asked Questions: Question and answer about the impact of DUI conviction
38. Central Florida Doctor Convicted of DUI Faces Additional Charges: DUI conviction can impact your career
39. Ohio’s DUI Law: Find out what happens if you obtain a DUI in Ohio.
40. Colorado DUI Penalties: Find out what will happen if you get a DUI in Colorado.
41. Oregon DUI Penalties: Find out what happens if you get a DUI in Oregon.
42. Mesa Assault  Attorney – Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog: Types of charges in Mesa, Arizona.
43. Extreme DUI results in extreme consequences: Extreme is a high BAC.
44. DUI Frequently Asked Questions: is the most highly committed crime in the United States so there are common questions.

Image credits: stevendamron

Each year thousands of people die because one person chose to drink and drive. There are countless stories out there about fatal DUIs. When someone chooses to drink and drive, they aren’t simply putting themselves in danger. Fatal DUIs happen every day; not only does it cause one family to tragically lose a loved one, but in some cases, drunk drivers are charged with murder, ruining the lives of their own family. You can tell other people not to drink and drive, but there are people who won’t listen. Those people need powerful stories like these to see that driving while intoxicated ruins lives every day.

1. Drunk Driving Kills or Causes Personal Injury in More Way Than You Can Imagine: Lawyer talks about the technology available to law enforcement and how they are working to stop drunk driving.
2. Statistics Teenage Drunk Driving: Statistics on teenage drunk driving and how to prevent it.: Statistics on teen drunk driving and how to prevent it.
3. Accepting Responsibility on Drunk Driving: Keep your friends from driving drunk. Here are some ideas about how to do that.
4. Drunk Driving Statistics: Looking Back as 2009 Comes To an End: Drunk driving statistics and video compiled to show the impact of drunk driving.
5. Stop the Subsidy of Drunk Driving: A mother, whose son was killed by a drunk driver, talks about the failing legal system to keep drunk drivers from repeating their offense, and how modern technology can be used for prevention.
6. Sudden, tragic, senseless: when drunk driving kills: Dedicated to helping those who have to face the loss of a loved one due to drunk driving.
7. What America is Doing to be Sober on the Road: Stories about repeat drunk driving offenders, who are still out on the road.
8. Impaired Driving Deaths: Is It Murder?: A drunk driver kills a little girl and is charged with murder instead of vehicular manslaughter.
9. Is there anything we can do?: Discusses why tougher laws need to be passed in order to stop drunk driving once and for all.
10. Sergio Kindle charged with DWI: Football players are not above the law and should be an example to young people in a positive way rather than negative.
11. Brittany Deanne Schuetz: A girl who, against friends pleading, decided to drive drunk and killed an innocent person who had her whole life ahead of her.
12. Sarah-Dian Heineman: 7 year old girl killed when a drunk driver hit the car she was in with her sister and father.
13. What is a proper sentence?: Canada Court cases in which the judge went easy on drunk drivers who were involved in fatal accidents.
14. Man causes fatal accident while intoxicated.: Attorney tries to get blood alcohol tests thrown out of court saying there was no consent given.
15. Nicole Richie says being a mom made her realize that DUI is wrong: Story about Nicole Richie’s repeated DUIs and celebrity irresponsibility
16. We Were Walking Like M.A.D.D–In West Hartford Center: A weekend “MOTHER’S AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING” event and a link to this mother’s story.
17. Questions to ask MADD before every car has a Breathalyzer: The use of ignition interlocks on cars of people charged with DUI is a good idea but what about using them on all cars?
18. Diana Taurasi cited for DUI: Women’s basketball star cited for DUI and released
19. The drinking age should be lowered to age 18: A debate for and against. Not surprisingly, the debater arguing to lower the national drinking age is losing.
20. Drunk Driving Accidents Facts: Drunk driving accident statistics
21. Sue Scheff: Don’t Let Your Luck Run Out on St. Patrick’s Day: Every holiday Sue tries to remind people about the dangers of drinking and driving.
22. MADD Upset Over GTA4 Drunk Driving: Controversy over drunk driving video “game”
23. Drinking & Driving:  The problem, the facts, and the solutions.
24. Know The DUI Laws In Every State: Resource of state law and warnings about the consequences of driving under the influence
25. Ignition Interlock Devices: Everything you wanted to know about ignition interlock devices
26. Rachel Amaris Elliott: Memorial for an 18 year old girl killed by a drunk driver plus other drunk driving related information
27. Mothers Against Drunk Driving: A Crash Course in MADD: A look at whether or not MADD goes too far and condemns drinking altogether. It’s hard not to when your loved one has been taken from you by alcohol consumption followed by motor vehicle operation.
28. New York DUI loophole closed: Legislation passed to close a loophole in NY law that allowed a drunk driver to “walk” after causing the death of Olympic skater.
29. Prevent teenage drunk driving accidents: Suggestions for how to prevent teenage drunk driving
30. Another drunk driving sentencing story we can follow on the sports pages: Discussion about sports personalities involved in drunk driving.
31. DUI Repeat Offender Charged With DUI Manslaughter; Bail Set at $2M: Blog covers stories about DUI cases.
32. Drunk driving death= 30 days in jail?: A unique case where survivor and deceased were both intoxicated.
33. Individuals have responsibility to stop drunk driving: There things we as concerned citizens can do to stop drunk driving.
34. Nashville Auto Accident Lawyer Reports On Drunk Driver Who Tried To Do The Right Thing But Died Anyway: Ironically this intoxicated man died as the passenger after giving his keys to a friend to drive….who was equally intoxicated.
35. Smart cars to prevent drunk driving accidents?: Since people won’t heed the warnings of the danger and consequences of drunk driving, smart cars may be the future.
36. Despite 12 deaths on Missouri roads over the holiday, fatalities still down on the year: Drunk driving fatalities down in Missouri
37. Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving: Much needed reminder that driving “buzzed” is “driving under the influence” (DUI)
38. Fort Worth Tragic Car Accident Involving Two Drunk Drivers Kills Two Children: Both drivers were intoxicated and caused the death of two children
39. Five Time DUI Offender Convicted for Death of 2 Year Old in Fatal Collision: Fifth offense and a fatality of a two year old and the guy only gets 11 years…….we need stricter laws.
40. Life Sentence for DWI- Fairness Doctrine Edition: Equal time/space given for discussion on this discussion.
41. Special Grant for DUI Task Force: Grant funding over the next two years to be used to stop drunk drivers
42. Teen killed by drunk driver sparks DUI checkpoint: 330,000 drivers on roads in California alone have three or more DUI charges on their records — over 80,000 have more than 5.  In San Diego County alone, two wrongful deaths are caused by a drunk driver each week.
43. The World’s Deadliest Drug is Legal: Claims 50 times more lives than all illegal drugs combined

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If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you need to take it seriously from the start. Although the charge varies by state, you are dealing with a serious criminal offense that has the potential of landing you in jail or prison and remaining a blot on your permanent criminal record forever.

What follows are 5 things you shouldn’t do when charged with a DUI offense:

1. Don’t forego a DUI attorney.

You absolutely need an experienced DUI attorney to help you get through this as unscathed as possible. Don’t listen to the advice of your buddy who has had 10 DUIs and thinks he knows everything about DUI law; a lawyer will be much more likely to expose any deficiencies in the case against you and may even get the charges dropped.

2. Don’t skimp on a DUI attorney.

This isn’t the place to save money as you are facing serious criminal charges, so get the best lawyer you can reasonably afford.

3. Don’t talk more than you have to.

Remember that you always have a right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from police officers and other law enforcement officials; if you choose to talk throughout the investigation, don’t give more information than they’re asking for.

4. Don’t disrespect the court.

Things like skipping hearings or failing to cooperate with court-mandated alcohol or drug testing will not make you a sympathetic defendant to the judge. Follow the rules, show up on time, and generally play nice; your case will go much more smoothly if you should respect for the court and the judicial system.

5. Don’t think an out-of-state DUI will slip through the cracks.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI out of your home state because you were on vacation or business at the time, don’t think the charge is just going to disappear when you go back home. It won’t, and you could even be extradited back to the state in which you were arrested to answer for the charge.

As always, consult an experienced DUI attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.