Posts Tagged ‘driving while intoxicated’

Top 8 Reasons why People Drink & Drive

Posted on May 19, 2011

Regardless of the reasons people choose to drink and drive, it is still a very dangerous and reckless past-time activity. It is never a good idea to drink and drive. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is deadly. However, knowing the reasons why people drink and drive will help to keep you safe.

Drunk Driving Stats by U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released a report that showed 20 percent of all drivers have driven within two hours of consuming alcohol. The Department of Transportation also reported that 8 percent of all motorists have driven drunk at least once during the year. Research showed that more than 12,500 deaths occur each year nationwide due to drinking and driving. This is a serious problem that must be stopped.

Here are the top 8 reasons why people drink and drive.

They don’t care about the dangers of drinking and driving.
They think that nothing will ever happen to them if they drive drunk.
Lack of information about the risks involved when drinking and driving.
Don’t know about the consequence of driving while impaired.
Forgot to assign a designated driver or call a taxi to take them home.
They have a drinking problem.
They underestimate the powerful effects of alcohol.
They’ve never been caught by law enforcement before, so they choose to continue the behavior.

Penalties Associated with Impaired Driving and Alcohol Abuse

Impaired drivers can face several penalties if caught and failed the field sobriety test. Some of the penalties include driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment, driving privileges suspension, fines, rehabilitation programs, ignition interlock installation, increased auto insurance, criminal charges and jail time.

Why People Drink and Drive?

Knowing some of the reasons why so many people choose to drink and drive is important for everyone. When you drink and drive you put your life in danger and you put the lives of others in danger as well, so if you have had too much to drink, don’t drive!

DWI Felony in Arizona, AZ

Posted on May 10, 2011

DWI felonies in the state of Arizona can be pursued in a court of law by several ways. Law enforcement agencies can catch you driving impaired by observation and proving that you have been drinking, or you can fail a Breathalyzer test with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more within a couple hours of controlling a vehicle.

In Arizona Some DWI Offenses Lead To Felony Charges

In Arizona driving while intoxicated is usually charged as a misdemeanors, but they can be prosecuted as felonies when;

The offender has more than 2 DUI charges within the past 5 years (it does not matter in which state the offense occurred),
Someone is caught driving while intoxicated and their driving license is suspended or revoked
If a child under 15 is in the car when a person is caught driving while intoxicated

DWI Felony in Arizona Trial Options

In this state driving while intoxicated cases are heard by a jury of only 6 citizens. However, a defendant may request a trial before a judge by waiving a jury trial.

DWI Penalties in Arizona for Convictions

The penalties for driving while intoxicated in Arizona vary, depending on the type of DWI offense that a person is charged with and the extent of that person’s criminal record.

Arizona DWI Penalty Factors for Offenses

The kinds of penalties are divided based on various factors and they are;

First Time offenders that are found with a blood alcohol content of over 0.08% however it is under 0.15%
For the second conviction of DWI within a 60 months span with the above alcohol content
First conviction of Extreme driving under the influence
Second conviction of extreme driving under the influence in a 5 years period,
Felony DWI conviction defined has 3 DUI convictions in a 60 months period, or driving with a License suspended or restricted drivers license.
Felony DWI conviction with a child below 15 years of age in a vehicle

Important Note for Individuals Concern about Felony DWI in Arizona

Remember DWI laws are constantly in flux. Checking this site frequently can keep you updated on changes however, the expert on these changes is an experienced DUI defense lawyer in the state of Arizona. Get in touch with a DUI defense lawyer if you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI felony in Arizona.

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DWI Felony in Dallas

Posted on Apr 26, 2011

If you or someone you know is facing the additional factors that turn a DUI charge into a DWI felony in Dallas, it is vital that everything possible is done to get the best possible defense. A DWI defense attorney who understands the court system, and has handled felony DWI charges in Dallas will be your best bet.

Getting the Right DUI Defense Attorney for DWI in Dallas

Certain circumstances in Dallas will turn a normal DWI misdemeanor into a felony DWI. The average DWI felony in Dallas is due to the driver having two previous drunk driving convictions. Prior convictions can be from any place with no time limit. Felony DWI can also be triggered by;

Vehicular Homicide
Intoxication Manslaughter
Drunk driving accident with serious bodily injury(Intoxication Assault)
Driving While Intoxicated with a child under 15 in the car

Penalties for Those Charged With a DWI Felonies in Dallas

Punishments for a DWI felony in Dallas are much harsher than regular misdemeanor DWI. A second Driving While Intoxicated is not automatically charged as a felony. However, the chances of being charged with a felony DWI is greater every time a person is charged with a DWI offense. Even with a second DWI conviction punishment are doubled.

Third Degree Felony DWI in Dallas

A third-degree felony Driving While Intoxicated can be charged against you when you have two or more previous DWI convictions; also, if you are the cause of an accident that causes injuries. This is called “intoxication assault” in Texas.

Second Degree felony DWI in Dallas

Second-degree felony DWI in Dallas is called intoxication manslaughter. These charges can be triggered if you caused a DWI accident that resulted in death of a person(s).When an automobile accident causes a death, law enforcement officers are required to take a sample of the driver’s blood to find out if second degree felony DWI can be charged. If you are convicted of second degree felony DWI it may result in the permanent revocation of your driver’s license in Texas.

Get Help with Your DWI Felony in Dallas

If you or someone close to you is facing the challenge of a DWI felony in Dallas, finding competent and expert help is one of the best choices you can make. Find one to help you with your problem today.

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