Archive for October, 2009

There are a number of movements against drunken driving and alcohol abuse. One such movement is BADD. In other words Bikers against Drunk Drivers is an organization formed to fight against drunken driving and the dire consequences as a result of such irresponsible driving attitude.

BADD: Bikers Against Drunk Drivers

It was in 1986 that a non profit organization was formed to reduce the incidence of drunken driving accidents with the help of awareness programs in the form of tours, events and media advertisements. In addition to awareness programs against drunken driving accidents they also work towards creating emergency fund for individuals who are victims of such drunken driving accidents.

The BADD organization was formed consequent to the occurrence of tragic accidents in Perkins family. One in 1973 which claimed the life of Kim Perkins and the other in 1978 where Danny Perkins met with a head on collision with a taxi. Both the accidents where caused because of drunk driving. While Danny Perkins recovered after several months, Kim Perkins died due to several internal injuries. Soon after recovery Danny Perkins decided to start movements that will help in making people aware of drunken driving tragedies and help those in distress due to drunken driving accidents.

BADD – The Organization

The organization is active in its service and is conducting various awareness programs across the country. The details of the programs are available in their website http://www.baddcentral.com/news/news.asp. In addition to this they have organized a memorial for those who died due to drunken driving accidents. By this they bring to the notice of the world that many people unfortunately die due to drunken driving menace and indirectly work for stopping such incidence in future.

The organization is sponsored by a number of companies and celebrities supporting their cause that helps them spread their activities far and wide working for their goal and mission. Like BADD there are a number of organizations which work for creating awareness and for reducing the incidence of drunken driving accidents.

Yes you can be charged if drunk in public. When facing such situation, make sure that you take the help of your lawyer immediately. Do not hide anything from your lawyer. Give your lawyer every detail possible so that your lawyer can prepare your case in a much better way. During court proceeding, this is extremely important because lack of evidences can have a negative impact on your case.

Complexities for Drinking Publicly

In comparison to other kinds of alcohol-related offenses, there are lots of complexities associated with the drunk in public arrests. When arrested for public intoxication, you need to take the services of experienced lawyers who have expertise in handling drunk in public cases.

The meaning of term drunk in public is quite confusing. Remember the point that you cannot be arrested just for drinking alcohol in a public place. According to US laws, it is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to evaluate that you are intoxicated to the limit that you can cause significant damage either to yourself or to another individuals. Just walking to your house at midnight after drinking at the party is not a criterion of being arrested for drunk in public. You can be booked for public intoxication when you create a scene on the road or scream at other people in a public place.

Blood Alcohol Tests

There is a wrong notion among certain individuals that law enforcement officials can only arrest them for drunk in public when they fail a blood alcohol test or breathalyzer test. Fact of the matter is that if law enforcement officials feel that you are under the influence of narcotics then they are given a legal right by the US government to arrest you under drunk in public without implementing any kind of tests. If you are obstructing public property, there is a strong possibility that you may be booked for drunk in public.

Punishment for being drunk in public

When charged for drunk in public, you can be jailed for a period of six months. Financial penalties can also be imposed on you. To get bail, it is quite important that your lawyer present your dwi defense in an effective manner. If the evidences are against you, it is advisable that you accept your mistake in front of judge. By doing this, you increase your chances of getting some leeway during court proceeding.

Individuals booked under drunk in public needs to be extra careful because if they kept on committing same mistakes, it can have a negative impact on their overall life. To start with, you are going to face plenty of problems in getting a job as employers these days conduct background check of applicant first before offering job. Therefore, if you have criminal record, your job application is going to be rejected. Because of your public intoxication conviction, you are going to face serious issues regarding housing and education.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal offense that can land a person behind bars. The pity in the present society is that the number of teenage DWI offender is really increasing and parents must play a dominant part to curb it.

Parental Guidance curbs Alcohol Abuse

Recently, studies had been conducted on 15- 16 year old UK students to see the link between parental guidance and alcohol abuse. It has been clearly proven that parental guidance has decreased the use of alcohol directly.

The parents who show a more favorable and tolerant attitude towards alcohol seem to have the most affected and high substance user children.

The Media Effect Vs Parental Effect

The Media plays a vital role and depicts a more tolerant society towards alcohol abuse. Alcohol ads promotes interests and desire for beer toys/ brands. However, even this negative effect can be nullified and neutralized if parents provide proper guidance.

How Can Parents stop Underage Drinking?

Parents play the most vital role in stopping underage drinking. The recent trend of social drinking has started among school and college kids too. Parents are starting to view it as a rite of passage or a passing phase and thus, don’t try to stop them. This is a wrong attitude and you should definitely not tolerate drink/ drugs use in your child.

Underage drinking should not be viewed as a part of growing up. Some parents even permit their kids to drink at home as they feel this is much safer than getting drunk at some unsafe place. But, if you give your kid alcohol and permit them to drink at home, then you are sending out wrong signals. You need to put your foot down and oppose underage drinking.

Are Parents liable for Underage Drinking?

Any adult (or adults, including parents!) who supply alcohol to any person who is below the age of 21 will be liable if the under-aged person is killed /injured or kills/ injures. Apart from that, parents can be held liable if underage drinking occurs at their home when they are not at home or it takes place somewhere on their property without their knowledge. Though these laws do appear stringent, they are ensuring that the kids are enjoying intoxication-free parties.

Childhood is a precious time and there is so much to excite teenagers that they definitely do not need alcohol to get high. So, parents should not tolerate underage drinking. Remember, parental guidance goes a long way towards stopping alcohol abuse in children and teenagers.