If you have been drinking, the best thing to do is get someone else to drive you home. You should also make sure to avoid the places where police officers are searching for people who are drinking and driving. Not only that, there are times when cops are going to be out in full force. Here’s what you need to know.

Police officers hide out near popular night spots. Oftentimes, they will set up DUI checkpoints in these neighborhoods. If there is a strip of bars, you will likely find police patrolling around this area. Also, the amount of officers will increase as the evening gets later and later. Most people are pulled over for DUI in the late evening or the wee hours of the morning. Cops are not usually searching for drunk drivers in the middle of the afternoon.

Police are also likely to be searching for folks drinking and driving during holidays. You should be especially careful during holidays like New Years Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Labor Day. Police know people are out drinking on these holidays and make it a point to set up DUI checkpoints on these holidays. Police will also be out on highways since folks often travel to celebrate these holidays with friends and family. Be careful not to get behind the wheel and drive on a highway if you have been drinking on a national holiday. Police will be searching for people who are drinking and driving.

Another big day that police will be staked out waiting for drunk drivers is the Super Bowl. This is one day where police know there are Super Bowl parties and a lot of drinking is going on. Plus, it’s easy to know when the game ends and when folks will be staggering to their cars and getting behind the wheel after drinking. The Super Bowl is a day where police are notorious for catching folks who are drinking and driving.

In that same vein, police officers also set up checkpoints and place patrol officers near stadiums. Many folks enjoy a baseball or football game with beers and hot dogs. But remember, if you have had a few drinks, you can register over the legal limit for alcohol. Police are counting on it and will pull over folks near stadiums after the game is over.

Concerts are also another venue which have police ready to pull over potential DUI offenders. Because many concert goers have drinks or do drugs during concerts, police are standing by, waiting to catch drunk drivers.

It comes down to this. You can’t avoid police or DUI checkpoints everywhere. In fact, you will probably come in contact with a DUI checkpoint at least once in your life, if not more. Police, prosecutors and judges are cracking down on DUI offenders thanks to groups like MADD. So the smartest thing you can do is avoid getting behind the wheel drunk. But if you are in trouble with the law because of a DUI arrest, there is hope. Help is just a click away. A skilled DUI lawyer can save you from losing your license and even heading to jail.

Everyone knows the best way to avoid a DUI is to avoid drinking and driving. If you are the designated driver, there are simple ways to stay sober at a party. Remember, your friends are counting on you:

Whip up a fancy smoothie or tropic virgin drink. Not only will you get to carry a cool-looking glass, but you will also reap the health benefits. One simple smoothie we can recommend is watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe blended together with ice. It is sweet, delicious and non-dairy for those who care about that kind of thing.

Go around recording the ridiculous things people say when they are drunk. Getting these priceless gems recorded on your smart phone will make for a whole lot of fun when your friends can’t remember the crazy stuff they said and did when drinking.

Eat a lot. Hey, it’s a party. If you fill up on food, snacks, treats, etc, it’s unlikely you will feel the urge to drink. You can also have a bottle of water handy to keep you from partaking in unwanted drinking.

Make sure everyone around you knows that you are the designated driver. This way, no one will give you a drink mistakenly. You can even give your keys to the person hosting the party. Only take them back if you spent the evening without having a drink.

Start a drinking game… but make sure you are just the referee. It’s as much fun to watch as is it to play. You’ll definitely have some good stories to tell!

Have a back-up plan. If you do end up drinking at a party, the worst thing you can do is get behind the wheel, especially if you are the designated driver and you have friends who need you to drive them home safely. Have the numbers of local taxis close at hand. Forget about your car. Leave it at the party. It’ll still be there the next day. Take a cab at home. Save yourself from ending up charged with DUI.

Remember, if you have been charged with DUI yourself, or someone you love is facing DUI charges, you must react quickly. Don’t end up with a driver’s license or in jail. You can fight and win a DUI case. Our DUI lawyers can advise you on how they will defend your case. Despite what you may think, there are defenses in DUI cases. A skilled DUI lawyer can take the evidence against you and get your charges reduced or even dismissed. To find out more about your particular case, talk to an experienced DUI attorney right away.

Penalties for a DUI are extremely serious. Not only can you lose your license or go to jail, but you can also be forced to pay high fines, be required to install an ignition interlock system, and have to attend alcohol education classes. If you are a repeat offender the punishment for DUI will be even stricter. Don’t end up with a permanent mark on your record. Speak to a DUI attorney today.

DUI is a criminal offense. When we hear the word “criminal,” most of us immediately think of the dregs of society. But when it comes to DUI, it is a completely different ball game. How many of us can admit to having a glass or two of wine at dinner and then driving home? Guess what? You may be over the legal limit and could even be arrested for DUI. DUI does not discriminate. Folks from all walks of life, all jobs, and all ages are arrested for drunk driving all over the country. But there are some DUI arrests that will shock you.

A JUDGE! In Indianapolis back in 2010, a Superior Court Judge was arrested for DUI. His BAC measured .13%, well above the legal limit.

A DOCTOR! Earlier this month, an Alabama physician was arrested for DUI. Not only that, he was involved in an accident during the DUI.

A DRIVER’S ED TEACHER! A 28-year-old driver’s education teacher was arrested in Tennessee for DUI earlier this year. He was also involved in a crash. Police say the driver’s ed teacher was so drunk that they made him stop the field sobriety test because they were afraid he would hurt himself. He even admitted to “drinking a lot” to the officer at the scene.

A NUN! Is this for real? The answer is yes! If you can believe it, a nun in Long Island, New York was arrested with a BAC of .18 – more than twice the legal limit. On top of that, police claim she drank half a bottle of gin and almost killed a group of children playing.

A TRAFFIC REPORTER! In 2010, a reporter who covers traffic in Minnesota was arrested for DUI charges. The Fox TV reporter was pulled over in the middle of the night. Not only that, this was her second DUI arrest.

A SENATOR! Earlier this year, a four-term Republican senator in Idaho was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He was arrested with a BAC of .15%. Ironically, he is chairman of the Regional Substance Abuse Authority Legislative Committee.

FORMER MAAD PRESIDENT! This is the most unbelievable one! The former president for a Florida chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving was actually arrested herself for DUI in 2011. Her BAC was a shocking .234%. That’s way over Florida’s legal limit of .08%. Police say the former president of the anti-alcohol group admitted to consuming 4 beers when she was pulled over at 1:10am.

It is almost impossible to believe some of these stories, but they are all true. A DUI can literally happen to anyone. If you have been arrested for DUI, you are not alone. You probably think you are the only one, but you aren’t. Most folks arrested for DUI have never been in trouble with the law before. It happens to grandparents, celebrities and more. Even if you have a couple of drinks with friends, remember, you are at risk of being arrested for DUI if you get behind the wheel.

You may have heard that a DUI case is unwinnable. You may think that you basically accept that you will be convicted and walk away with whatever punishment the judge gives you. You may even believe that you should just plead guilty and move on so you can get back to your life. Well guess what. All those things are 100% wrong. DUI cases can be fought and won by the right attorney. You are NOT convicted unless you actually LOSE your case. And pleading guilty is a huge mistake. That will guarantee your conviction and a punishment. Plus, it’ll cost you thousands of dollars. Here’s more.

The state wants to convict you. No doubt about it. In fact, there is a public push thanks to groups like MADD to make an example of drunk drivers. Stricter punishments are being handed down day after day and prosecutors are going for the gusto, hoping to convict you. But you don’t have to end up in trouble after your DUI arrest. You can stick it to the state after your DUI. You can do it by finding a lawyer who has DUI experience and will fight your DUI case to the bitter end.

The DUI lawyer who is working for you will be able to combat the evidence against you in a lot of ways. The most damaging evidence is any scientific evidence including blood or breath testing. Did you take a breathalyzer or blood test after you were arrested for DUI? Even if you did, and the results came back over the legal limit, a skilled DUI attorney will know how to challenge that evidence. In fact, oftentimes, a knowledgeable DUI lawyer can get that evidence completely thrown out! How? Well most of the time, the police officer who takes your blood or breath does it at the wrong time. That will skew the results. For example, if you have 3 drinks, get behind the wheel immediately, and then the cop takes your breath or blood 4 hours later, all that alcohol will be in your system. However, it was NOT in your system when you got behind the wheel! This is key. A seasoned DUI lawyer knows these facts and will fight to get your BAC results thrown out if the police office didn’t follow proper procedure. Without that evidence, it will be nearly impossible for the state to convict you of DUI. That means no jail time and you can keep your driver’s license!

Did you take a field sobriety test? Did the police officer who administered it happen to mention that it is optional? Probably not. But it is. And that’s because the evidence that police collect during a field sobriety test is subject to much interpretation. Maybe you have a pre-existing condition that would prevent your from performing these tests properly. Maybe you were sick, or nervous or overweight, or something else. There are so many ways a skilled DUI lawyer will combat the evidence collected during a field sobriety test.

Remember, you can stick it to the prosecution! You do not have to accept your DUI. You do not have to end up convicted. The right lawyer can save you from a whole load of punishments. Talk to a DUI attorney near you right away to find o

In June of this year, Paris Hilton’s ex-boyfriend – a Las Vegas nightclub manager – pleaded no contest to driving under the influence of drugs. His lawyer likely convinced him that this was the right decision. While he may have saved himself from serious penalties, he now will have to wear the Scarlet Letter of a driving while under the influence of drugs charge. That means it’ll be on his record permanently.

Meanwhile, 80’s rock star Rick Springfield pleaded not guilty to DUI charges in California back in July of 2011. He was arrested in May for speeding, but the sheriff found his BAC to be .10%. That’s over the legal limit. The “Jessie’s Girl” singer will have to fight the charges against him, possibly in court.

So some celebrities plead guilty, while others decide to fight the charges. So here’s the question – is it wise to plead guilty to DUI or should you attempt to fight your case? The answer to this question is simple – NEVER plead guilty. Here’s why.

Pleading guilty means just that. You are admitting to DUI. You will have a criminal record. You have officially been convicted of DUI. There’s no turning back. A DUI conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. Even celebrities can’t escape DUI charges. Everyone remembers Lindsay Lohan, Mel Gibson and the frightening mugshot from Nick Nolte!

So here’s the down low on DUI guilty pleas. If you plead guilty to DUI, you will be punished. There is no way around it. You are agreeing to that when you plead guilty. So be prepared to pay the piper. That means anything from fines, to DUI school, to an ignition interlock system. Celebrity or just your average Joe, you will be penalized.

There is also the matter of your driver’s license. If you plead guilty to DUI, you could lose your driver’s license for a long period of time. Remember, your license is at risk in most states from the moment you are arrested for DUI. Many states will require that you request a hearing with the DMV in order to save your license. If you don’t make the request on time, you will lose your license right away. If you plead guilty, the criminal portion of your DUI case may require that you hand over your license for a certain amount of time. That is another risk you are taking with a guilty plea.

It all comes down to this. Pleading guilty doesn’t pay. In fact, it will cost you a whole lot more than hiring a lawyer! A DUI attorney who may be able to get your charges dismissed completely and keep your record clean will be more affordable that a guilty plea. There are literally thousands of dollars that will come out of your pocket for a guilty plea. Some say a guilty plea can run you as much as $15,000. You will have to pay fines, for DUI classes, for an ignition interlock system and more.

It makes little sense to plead guilty when you can get help with your DUI case easily. There are a multitude of DUI attorneys who specialize in this field of law. They know how to fight and get you the best possible outcome in your DUI case.

A DUI arrest can be frightening and intimidating. You are probably scared and rightfully so. If you hire the wrong lawyer after a DUI, you will pay the price. That’s because an attorney who hasn’t spent time learning about and fighting DUI cases is not going to be able to help you. You need a lawyer who has skills and experience with drunk driving cases. Remember, friends don’t let friends hire the wrong lawyer after a DUI! Here’s more about the right kind of lawyer that you need:

Your lawyer should know about the science behind DUI defense. It may not sound that important, but the technical and scientific part of your defense plays a huge role in the outcome of your case. This is where your blood alcohol content results come into play. Even if your BAC measured over the legal limit, you can argue these results. A general practice attorney with no DUI experience might just say give up if your BAC results were too high. A DUI lawyer who knows how to fight these kinds of cases will be able to challenge your test results and even get them completely thrown out! How? Well turns out many times these results are obtained improperly – using faulty equipment. Also, if the police officer who arrested you takes your blood or breath at the wrong time, your results can be incorrect. Without your BAC results, the prosecution will have a very difficult time convicting you.

Your lawyer should know that pleading guilty is always the wrong answer. After a DUI arrest, there is the temptation to give up and plead guilty. But remember, if you plead guilty after a DUI, you will be convicted. There is no way around this fact. That means your DUI will be on your permanent record. Future employers will see this. Insurance companies will know about your DUI. If you try to buy a house, your DUI will show up. Your problems are not just going to go away by pleading guilty. In fact, a guilty plea brings about a whole new set of problems. It will also cost you thousands of dollars in fines, DUI classes, insurance, and more. A DUI lawyer is cheaper and can save you from the stigma attached to a DUI conviction.

Your lawyer should know about DUI defense. That means taking courses in DUI defense to stay up to date on the latest techniques in fighting drunk driving charges. Your DUI lawyer must be educated on field sobriety testing as well.

It all comes down to this. You need a lawyer who has spent an extensive amount of time fighting DUI cases. The right DUI lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. If you choose the wrong attorney, you will be punished. DUI penalties include serious things – like losing your license and going to jail! Don’t let this happen to you. Save yourself and your family pain and heartache by finding the right DUI lawyer today.

When you are pulled over for DUI, the police officer will attempt to get evidence to prove you are guilty of drunk driving. One of the key elements for the prosecution to be able to convict you is your blood alcohol level. In most states, you can be convicted on this information alone. If your BAC is above the legal limit (.08% in most states), then you are legally too drunk to drive. But remember, when you are pulled over and arrested for DUI, it is up to you whether or not you take a breathalyzer test. So should you take one?

In many states, when you get your driver’s license, you are agreeing to take a breathalyzer test if you are ever pulled over. This is called “implied consent.” Of course, you can still refuse – but that will result in longer license suspensions. So the real question is this – if the prosecution’s case falls apart without your BAC results, then why take the test at all? The answer is – it depends on how important your license is to you.

What it comes down to is this. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test, it will be held against you in court. Refusing to take the test is called “consciousness of guilt.” Also, the aforementioned license suspension should be taken into consideration.

If you do decide to take the test, you can still avoid being convicted of DUI. How? Well if you hire a skilled DUI lawyer, he will be able to combat your BAC results. Most police officers do not perform these tests at the proper time. When you get pulled over for DUI, the alcohol that you consumed may not have been absorbed into your system yet. That means if the cop waits an hour to give you a breathalyzer test, your results will be skewed. You may not have been drunk when you were actually behind the wheel! This is key in DUI defense. If the prosecutors cannot use your BAC results against you, their case will start to fall apart. That is when you can walk away from these charges. If you need help fighting a DUI, whether you took a breathalyzer test or not, contact an experienced DUI attorney today. These lawyers know how to challenge your BAC results and more. It could mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal!

No lawyer will be able to tell you 100% whether or not to take a breathalyzer or blood test. If given the choice, a DUI attorney will always suggest taking the breathalyzer over a blood test. Breathalyzer tests are less accurate than a blood test. In general, remember, a good DUI attorney will be able to challenge your test results. So if keeping your license is important to you, take the test. If you would be okay with losing your license for an extended period of time instead of risking a DUI case, you should refuse to take the test. The choice is completely yours. But if you are dealing with a DUI, don’t take it on alone. Get help today from a knowledgeable DUI attorney.

What a concept! Imagine all future DUI arrests are stopped in their tracks. How is this even possible? Well what if every single vehicle was equipped with a device that required the driver to take a breathalyzer test in order to start their car? Could this actually work to prevent drunk driving completely?

The thought behind this idea – to install what are called ignition interlock systems in every car – was born from the idea of seatbelts. Nowadays, every single car has an annoyingly loud beeping built in if someone tries to ride without a seat beat in the front seat. Seat belts save lives. So would an ignition interlock device in every car save even more lives? Maybe.

How does it work?

Ignition interlock systems are being used all over the country as a punishment for DUI. At least 13 states require first time offenders to install one of these devices in their car after a DUI conviction. An ignition interlock works like a build-in breathalyzer test. If the driver blows into it and registers any amount of alcohol in his system, the car will not start. Further, the devices require the driver to take a test during the drive, so as to prevent folks from having someone else start their car and then taking over driving.

Could ignition interlock devices be used on all cars?

The answer is yes. The problem is will people want these on their cars. Many parents would likely say yes. Imagine being able to prevent a teenager from ever getting behind the wheel drunk. It’s a no-brainer. However, what about the person who goes out to dinner with friends and has one or two drinks. Then ends up stranded. Here lies one of the many problems with these devices. So is safety more important? Only time will tell.

There has been talk of installing ignition interlock devices as an option in all cars. Again, would anyone, besides parents, actually choose to have this device in their own car? Probably not. So maybe they need to be required by law, just like seat belts are. What do you think? Is it better to be safe than sorry? Or is it more important to allow people to have one or two drinks and decide themselves if they are sober enough to drive?

How will these devices benefit us?

Of course, there is the obvious answer. These devices will stop folks from driving drunk. But there is also the added bonus of saving law enforcement time and money. If every single car were installed with these devices, there would be no need for DUI checkpoints. Police officers would not have to be out in force on holidays that are known for drunk driving. That would save taxpayers money.

So far, there are no states that require ignition interlock devices on cars of non-DUI offenders. However, as these breathalyzer devices become more and more popular as a punishment, maybe they will begin to be offered to the general population. Saving lives with a simple device – worth trying, don’t you think?

There are four words you should always have ready to use if you are ever pulled over for DUI. Hint – they are not “does someone smell bacon?” In all seriousness, being arrested for DUI can be devastating. But what’s worse is that if you say the wrong thing to the cops, you can severely damage your possible defense.

If you are pulled over for DUI in any state, here’s what you should say to the police. These are the four words that will save you major headaches when it comes to building a defense for you: “I want my lawyer.” Simple as that. When you are arrested for DUI, police will tell the prosecutor everything you said and did, and that will be the main crux of the case against you. If you give the cops nothing, they will have almost no evidence against you. And no evidence means no conviction.

Here’s some more advice about your DUI arrest. Never, never, never (we can’t stress this enough), answer any questions about your evening, especially any questions about what you had to drink. The biggest mistake you can make during a DUI arrest is telling the police officer that you “had a few beers” or something along those lines. Instead, if the cop asks you if you have had anything to drink, immediately invoke your Fifth Amendment right. Don’t answer the question. Just tell the police officer “I want my lawyer.” It will make all the difference in the world when it comes to the evidence against you.

Besides just keeping your mouth shut at the scene of your DUI arrest, you should also stay in your car. Don’t let the police officer strong-arm you into getting out and performing a field sobriety test. The cops will NEVER tell you this, but field sobriety tests are 100% voluntary. You do not have to participate in these tests. So if the cop who pulled you over for DUI asks you to step out of your car DECLINE the invitation.

Remember, when you are dealing with the police, they demand respect. If you have been pulled over for DUI, make sure you are extremely polite and respectful to the officer. Not only will this help you possibly be allowed to leave the scene without being arrested, it will also help when the cop writes up a report if you are arrested. Your behavior at the scene is a huge part of the prosecution’s case against you.

The state’s entire case rests on the police officer who arrested you. But remember, if you are facing DUI charges, you need to enlist the help of a skilled DUI lawyer who knows how to argue against all this evidence. Even if you weren’t polite to the cop or if you ended up taking a field sobriety test, you can still get your charges reduced or even dismissed if you have the right lawyer on your side. Not all lawyers know what they are doing when it comes to drunk driving cases. That’s why you should seek out the help of a skilled DUI lawyer today.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, you may be required to attend alcohol education classes as part of your punishment. In many states, DUI school is often necessary if you would like to get your driver’s license back. Many judges will use it as a sentence in lieu of jail time. But what is DUI school all about? Here’s more on what you can expect on your first day of DUI school.

Alcohol education classes are aimed at teaching a DUI offender to curb binge drinking and alcohol abuse. Additionally, there will be information about DUI laws and how to prevent future DUIs from happening. You will also learn about how drunk driving can impact victim and their families.

Many DUI schools will use videos, discussions, written worksheets and more during the course. The main goal is to educate the class on the negative effects of drinking and driving. Some courses will also teach about the process once you are arrested for DUI. Remember, if you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI, you should contact a skilled lawyer today. You can get help. Being sentenced to DUI school is much better than ending up in jail and without a driver’s license.

Depending on your sentence, alcohol education classes can be as short as one class or as long as a few months. You are responsible for paying for DUI school. Fees for classes range depending on how long you are required to attend. Some DUI schools can cost thousands of dollars!

Be prepared to do homework. Some DUI schools will require participants to perform written assignments. Some have tests. How intense your alcohol education classes are depends on the course. Each one is different. However you will need to complete the course in order to get a certificate. With the certificate, you will have fulfilled your punishment for DUI. That means you will get your license back and likely avoid jail time.

DUI school isn’t supposed to be fun or entertaining. Remember, it’s a punishment. If you are told by a judge that you must attend alcohol education classes, make sure you go to the classes. It’s not optional. If you don’t fulfill your punishment, you won’t get your license back. You will probably be penalized by the judge for failing to attend the course. It is your responsibility to sign up and attend the classes.

There are other options besides jail and losing your license. DUI school is one of the lighter sentencing options for a judge. If you have been arrested for DUI and you are hoping to avoid jail time and losing your license, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately. You can avoid harsh punishments if you get the right attorney on your side right away.