The following is an RSS-driven aggregation of the 50 most recent blog posts by lawyers blogging issues related to DUI law (read more about the process...). If you know of a lawyer blogging on DUI law that we haven't covered in the blogroll on the right side of the page, please send a note to Steve Matthews or Lawrence Koplow and we will get them added to the mix!
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Lethal Drug Shortage: Future of Executions in Alabama Unclear
April 18th, 2014
Alabama has one of the highest execution rates in the country, but it is running out of a critical lethal injection drug, which may stall scheduled executions. According to reports, death penalty experts are not sure what the state will do to replace the lethal injection method. Historically, many d... [Link] -
Book review: The Sixth Extinction - An unnatural history
April 18th, 2014
There have been five great extinctions that we know of through the fossil record. The most famous of those extinctions was the wiping out of the dinosaurs after a meteor struck the earth some 65 million years ago. The most important one was the great extinction at the end of the Pre-cambrian period. [Link] -
Driving While Driver’s License Is Suspended (DWLS) as a Petty Offense
April 18th, 2014
There is a type of DWLS that can be a petty offense rather than a Class A misdemeanor. The relevant statute is 625 ILCS 5/6-601: If a licensee under this Code is convicted of violating Section 6-303 for operating a motor vehicle during a time when such licensee’s driver’s license was sus... [Link] -
Welcome to Our Guest Blogger, Jon Ibanez!
April 17th, 2014
I have the pleasure to announce that our recent guest blogger, Jon C. Ibanez, will become a regular contributor to DUIblog. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz, and an honors graduate of Western State University College of Law, Jon's law practice has focused on crimin... [Link] -
Most DUI Accidents Caused By First-Time Offenders
April 16th, 2014
Though 2nd and 3rd time DUI offenders create a high risk of accidents when back on the road, research indicates that the majority of fatal DUI accidents are actually caused by first-time offenders. MADD is one organization speaking out to increase penalties for first-time offenders, a movement that... [Link] -
Motorist Arrested for Cherry Hill DWI after Allegedly Hitting Police Cruiser and Fleeing Scene
April 16th, 2014
Being at odds with the police may seem like a situation that no one really should invite, but it is not uncommon for drunken driving subjects to be aggressive or simply argumentative with police, which may seem surprising considering the potential downside of being uncooperative or belligerent durin... [Link] -
DUI DMV Hearing: Where’s the Due Process?
April 16th, 2014
I often tell my students that when they hear the phrase “due process” they should think of fairness. When it comes to criminal actions in a court of law, due process (at least in theory) is the cornerstone to the proceedings. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for DMV hearings (Admin Per Se... [Link] -
No Denver Crime Wave in Wake of Legalized Marijuana
April 16th, 2014
As reported in Main St, crime in Denver has actually declined since the legalization of retail marijuana sales. The site reports: January and February crime statistics in the city and county of Denver show violent crime — including homicide, sexual assaults and robbery — have declined by... [Link] -
FAQs on Alabama’s New Record Expungement Law
April 15th, 2014
In January the Senate approved an “expungement” measure that would allow Alabama residents who have been charged, but never convicted, of a non-violent misdemeanor or felony to have their records hidden from public view. This is a potentially powerful measure that could help thousands of residen... [Link] -
Lege ponders effect of 'Driver Responsibility' surcharge on DWI convictions
April 15th, 2014
The Texas House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee yesterday met to discuss suggested reforms to the misnamed "Driver Responsibility Program" (in addition to hearing invited testimony about the fertilizer plant explosion in West last year). See coverage of the hearing from the Houston Ch... [Link] -
Tragedy Strikes Ventura County as Assistant Principal Killed by Alleged DUI Driver
April 15th, 2014
Tragedy struck on South Victoria Avenue over the weekend, as 38-year-old assistant principal, Christopher Prewitt, lost his life after being struck by a car driven, allegedly, by a DUI driver. Authorities arrested 23-year-old Shante Chappell of Oxnard for Los Angeles drug DUI and vehicular manslaugh... [Link] -
Can hiring a good DUI Attorney ever backfire?
April 15th, 2014
Recently I was in a local court in King County when I happened to catch the tail end of a heated conversation between a fellow Seattle DUI Attorney (who is well respected among defense attorneys) and a Prosecutor. Afterwards I was just shooting the bull with this particular Prosecutor when they to... [Link] -
Northern Jersey DWI News: Police in Morris County Arrest Two Drivers on Marijuana-related Offenses
April 14th, 2014
Here in the Garden State, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle (by a driver) is subject to stiff penalties if one is stopped by the police and charged with same. In terms of strict "possession," if a traffic stop reveals that a driver has pot inside his vehicle, a summons for possession will l... [Link] -
Minnesota DWI Lawyer Blogs on Minnesota DWI: This Week's Featured Minnesota DWI Case
April 14th, 2014
The Minnesota DWI Case Of The Week is State v. Williams (Unpublished, Minnesota Court of Appeals, issued April 14, 2014) which stands for the proposition that if you are going to drive drunk or without a license, it is best to be operating a vehicle in perfect condition.In Williams, t... [Link] -
Legislators Continue to Crack Down on Drunk Driving….but Exempt Themselves
April 14th, 2014
I've posted in the past about the disturbing — but not surprising — phenomenon of legislators, in their never-ending efforts to get reelected, stumbling over themselves to loudly trumpet the passage of ever-tougher drunk driving laws. See Whatever Happened to "Drunk Dr... [Link] -
What day is it?
April 14th, 2014
These are the signs that greeted visitors to the Austin County Courthouse in Bellville, Texas last week. I'm sure those signs had no effect on the jury pool.This is a sign that greeted visitors at the Harris County Criminal (In)justice Center last week.So when do we get to celebrate National Victims... [Link] -
Pedestrian Entered Path of Pickup: DUI Charges Follow
April 12th, 2014
Getting behind the wheel is dangerous, not only because you can be held accountable for what you do, but you can also be charged unfairly for what others do. A recent accident and criminal case sheds light on the potential dangers of drunk driving charges, as one drunk man entered into the path of... [Link] -
New Colorado DUI Book Assists Motorists With Law Changes
April 12th, 2014
Denver DUI attorney Jay Tiftickjian’s new book was released on April 1 by Thomson Reuters. Understanding Changes to Colorado DUI Laws focuses on explaining to non-lawyers the intricacies of Colorado DUI law, especially in light of the new driver’s license laws regarding refusal revocatio... [Link] -
To Minimize Chances of Los Angeles DUI Arrest, Avoid Wearing a Shirt That Reads “Drunk As Sh**,” Like Ross McMakin Did
April 12th, 2014
This Los Angeles DUI blog, like many other media outlets, is fascinated by ironic DUI arrests. Most people don’t actually know what the word “ironic” means (looking at you, Alanis!), but it defines a situation with a paradoxical discrepancy. For instance, if you are listening to somber, dreary... [Link] -
Thousands of Drug Cases in Florida Under Review for Evidence Tampering
April 11th, 2014
As reported earlier this year by Reuters, the State of Florida is undergoing a massive evidence review in thousands of drug cases handled by a crime laboratory chemist, who was allegedly taking illegal drugs from evidence storage in order to use or sell them for personal profit. This is but the most... [Link] -
California Assemblyman Proposes Marijuana Zero-Tolerance DUI Standard
April 11th, 2014
We recently referred you to an American Bar Association Journal article in which Lawrence Taylor was interviewed about the difficulties of correlating traces of marijuana in the blood and intoxication. We also mentioned the use of zero-tolerance laws for marijuana by some states as a way to address... [Link] -
New Bill Restricts Sex Offender Access to Schools
April 11th, 2014
Convicted sex offenders continue to face some of the most severe and lasting criminal penalties. A new bill before the Alabama Legislature would place additional restrictions on sex offenders who were convicted of crimes against minors. If passed, the bill would require registered sex offenders to w... [Link] -
Local cop gets arrested for DUI with BAC less than legal limit
April 11th, 2014
In case you had any questions about whether there is such a thing as a “legal limit” anymore on DUI cases in Washington State. This should answer that question. A local law enforcement officer was recently arrested for a DUI in Snohomish County, WA. Now this is nothing new, we have... [Link] -
New York Drivers Beware—Operation Hang-Up Starts This Week
April 10th, 2014
For drivers in New York State beginning today, April 10, 2014, be careful if you are a hand held cell phone user on the highways and local streets. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the start of “Operation Hang Up”, by which officers will on the lookout for the next week for drivers who violate t... [Link] -
Woman Arrested for DUI Following Accident and Resulting Power Outage in Washington
April 10th, 2014
On Monday April 7, 53-year-old Cheryl Bynum of Clarkston was arrested following a series of events that led to an accident and resulted in nearly 2,300 residents being left without power. Bynum was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving, and felony hit-and-run, accord... [Link] -
Epic Fail: Critiquing the 'Driver Responsibility' surcharge
April 10th, 2014
At the Texas Tribune, Cathaleen Qiao Chen has a substantive overview of problems with the Orwellian-named "Driver Responsibility" surcharge in which your correspondent is quoted. Long-time readers know of Grits' profound disdain for this program, in which 60% of assessed penalties go uncollected. Ar... [Link] -
Checkpoints in Malibu Lead to 20 Arrests, as LAPD Sets Up Saturation Patrols Elsewhere
April 10th, 2014
It’s been a busy week for the LAPD, at least as far as Los Angeles DUI arrests are concerned. According to the LA Weekly News, police set up multiple saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout the Southland last weekend. On Saturday night (from 7 PM to 1 AM), the LAPD patrolled South LA, near t... [Link] -
Will the Officer Really have Me Recite the Alphabet Backwards? -
April 9th, 2014
(Please welcome guest blogger, Jon Ibanez!) During conversations about field sobriety tests, I can’t even tell you how many times someone has said, “I can’t even recite the alphabet backwards while sober!” My response is that they’re right, which is why officers donR... [Link] -
Will a DUI in Your Background Affect Job Opportunities?
April 9th, 2014
Nick Corcodilos, a professional headhunter for Silicon Valley and columnist for PBS’s Making Sen$e, confirms that a DUI conviction is almost certain to show up on background checks conducted by professional employers and that any prospective employee must be ready to deal with it. Corcodilos urges... [Link] -
Are Alcohol Detection Bracelets Reliable?
April 8th, 2014
Alcohol monitoring bracelets are often given to individuals on probation or who have been previously charged with drunk driving. They have also been used in cases of domestic violence where alcohol has played a role or cases where alcohol abuse was related to the underlying offense. If a bracelet ac... [Link] -
Should Certain Los Angeles DUI Offenders Be Punished Much More Harshly Than Others?
April 8th, 2014
Are all Los Angeles DUI offenders equal? Obviously, the simple answer is no. For instance, let’s say you just got pulled over at a checkpoint. A police officer gave you both breathalyzer and field sobriety tests. You failed both. Now, you face a misdemeanor charge of violating California Vehic... [Link] -
Distracted Driving Statistics
April 7th, 2014
There are various types of distractions which can lead to a distracted driving accident, and traffic charges which could result in the loss of driving privileges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of occupants of vehicles killed in distraction relat... [Link] -
Collin County DWI - SR-22 Insurance
April 7th, 2014
Collin County DWI cases often involve license suspension issues along with the criminal cases. Should your license be suspended as a result of a criminal conviction, or as part of an administrative suspension (ALR suspension), odds are you are going to want to be driving legally again. In order to b... [Link] -
When Are the Peak Periods for DUI Arrests?
April 7th, 2014
Interesting how incidents of drunk driving — and related law enforcement — increase at different times around the country. Holidays are important, of course, but so is the weather… Police Step Up DUI Saturation Patrols Kansas City, Mo. April 5 – Law enforceme... [Link] -
Rise in Female Teacher Sex Crimes Charges
April 7th, 2014
Nationwide there has been a rise in the number of arrests and charges made against female teachers. Criminal charges involving sex crimes can have very complicated scenarios and any defendant will likely face severe penalties, including lifetime registry as a sex offender. Even in cases of consentin... [Link] -
Future Cars May Refuse to be Driven While Drunk
April 7th, 2014
One of the most effective ways to prevent drunk driving is the current alcohol-detecting ignition interlock system. This device requires the driver to periodically blow into a tube and prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. Colorado DUI law requires interlock devices for most DUI... [Link] -
Monmouth County Police Blotter: Drunken Driving Arrests for Several Drivers in Middletown Area
April 6th, 2014
Police officers in Middletown Twp. Had a busy week not long ago when they arrested and charged five individual drivers with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Without knowing the specific circumstances of each arrest, it is difficult to know how or why each of these driv... [Link] -
Superman Busted for DUI – Really!
April 5th, 2014
If you were busted for driving under the influence in Los Angeles, you may be feeling pretty ashamed and depressed. Don’t beat yourself up too much, though: even Superman occasionally gets a DUI. Seriously. Last week, 33-year-old Christopher Reeves of Utah (no relation to the actor Christopher Ree... [Link] -
Be Wary of New DUI “Oh Crap App”
April 4th, 2014
Phone apps are a modern day solution to any number of problems—what should you do if you get into a car accident, tracking finances or maintaining diet goals. While apps can be beneficial, they should not be the end all source to answer your questions, especially when criminal charges are at stake... [Link] -
Baltimore Gun Range Handgun Cases Increasing in Frequency
April 4th, 2014
In Baltimore County, the Police are increasingly resorting to investigating and ultimately arresting citizens who simply go to gun ranges such as Continental Arms in Timonium or Freestate in Middle River. As an criminal defense attorney with 20 years of experience, I have represented dozens of peo... [Link] -
Are There Any Advantages to Fighting a DWI Charge These Days? Yes, There Often Are
April 4th, 2014
While few people who take the initiative and walk into our law offices ever ask the question, there are many more who may choose not to contact us based on some different answer to that same query. So, really, why should anyone bother trying to fight a drunk driving charge? Don't the police have the... [Link] -
Closter Police Arrest Defendant on DUI & Heroin Possession Charges
April 3rd, 2014
Demarest NJ Resident Charged with DWI & Drug Possession The Closter New Jersey police department has reported that they have arrested and charged a Demarest man with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence after they found him asleep in his car. To... [Link] -
New Jersey Law Enforcement's Pursuit of Drunken Drivers Unlikely to Abate
April 2nd, 2014
We see it quite frequently; the various anti-drunk driving campaigns accompanied by enhanced enforcement, such as saturation patrols during major holidays and late-night sobriety roadblocks on the weekends. In short, the apparent war on intoxicated motorists continues at a fairly regular and deliber... [Link] -
Supreme Court: Cop’s Version Trumps Filmed Proof
April 2nd, 2014
When it comes to drunk driving cases, judges and prosecutors are very sensitive to political realities: if you want to get re-elected, don't go against cops and don't look "soft on drunk drivers" — even if it means having to occasionally ignore the facts…. Officer T... [Link] -
Eversole Birmingham Defense Named Top 25 Criminal Law Blog
April 2nd, 2014
Steven Eversole’s Birmingham criminal defense lawyer blog has been cited as one of the top criminal law blog resources in the country. according to Criminal Justice Degree Schools. With our extensive knowledge of and experience with the Alabama criminal justice system, we endeavor with our... [Link] -
Tennessee School Bus Driver Arrested for DUI, Suspended Indefinitely
April 2nd, 2014
On Friday March 28, Jeffery Layne, a 53-year-old school bus driver for Rutherford County Schools in Tennessee was arrested for driving under the influence while on the job, according to Newschannel5.com. Layne was suspended indefinitely; he has been a driver since February of last year. News reports... [Link] -
Lege committee to review 'Driver Responsibility' surcharge options
April 2nd, 2014
The Texas House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee will meet April 14 to hear invited and public testimony to "Review the Driver Responsibility Program and consider methods for overall improvement of the program," as well as to hear testimony regarding the aftermath of the fertilizer plan... [Link] -
New Book Challenges Validity of Los Angeles DUI Treatment Methods
April 2nd, 2014
If you’re arrested and convicted for driving under the influence in Los Angeles, you can face a gallery of potential punishments, including but not limited to: • DUI alcohol school; • Fines and fees; • Jail time; • Mandatory driver’s license suspension; • ... [Link] -
DUI with Smoke and Mirrors
April 1st, 2014
Nobody is debating that driving while plastered should be illegal. Unfortunately, the argument has escalated to where many organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, are pushing to arrest and punish any alcohol consumption before driving. The mantra, impairment begins with the first dri... [Link] -
Did LAPD Officer Use Excessive Force in DUI Arrest Against 25-Year-Old Woman?
April 1st, 2014
Twenty five-year-old Aloni Bonilla was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles back in 2012 on the westbound 10 freeway. But did the officer who slammed her head into a wall use excessive force? Bonilla just filed a federal lawsuit against Officer Jose A. Ramirez for violating her civil rights during the DU... [Link]
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