Christi Lynn Johnston was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Texas after being forced to provide a blood sample. Her Texas DWI defense attorney has raised several issues about the practice of police officers drawing blood. Texas Transportation Code requires that only physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, professional technicians or chemists to draw blood for criminal prosecution. The law excludes emergency medical personnel and even phlebotomists. Due to the consequences of contamination and false readings, blood samples associated with a crime must be handled and processed in specific ways.

The officers in Ms. Johnston’s case were basic and intermediate EMTs. It has also been determined that the officer’s training course was modeled after an on-line curriculum from a phlebotomist school in Phoenix.

The DWI defense lawyer also pointed out the liabilities of the blood draw practice. Officers do not take into account motorists who are diabetic, hemophiliac or are on blood thinners.

The judge said he would make a ruling next week, allowing officers to employ the ‘no refusal’ Texas DWI policy during the Fourth of July weekend.

Acevedo is seeking federal funds to train as many DWI patrol officers as possible in the drawing of a blood sample. The officers would replace paramedics and nurses. Acevedo has cited reduced taxpayer cost and the advantage of time in drawing a sample quickly from a motorist suspected of driving while intoxicated in Austin.

Critics raise concerns about blood related pathogens and the presence of needles during a DWI arrest.

A spokesman for the Texas Civil Rights Project said the practice will open the city to possible lawsuits. Similar action has occurred in other states, including Arizona and Utah, where officers are used to draw blood samples.

See related article Police Chief Art Acevedo Wants to Draw Blood for Texas DWI in Austin posted on July 1, 2008.

Kent Craven is one of the more outspoken advocates for tough anti-DWI laws in New Mexico. In a prepared statement, he said his daughter is entering rehab.

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Richie was arrested for driving the wrong way on a Los Angeles freeway while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The star of the reality show 'Simple Life' spent just 80 minutes in jail for that offense.

Richie said, "There's absolutely no way I will do anything like that again." The responsibility of parenting is important to her now and she wants to show her daughter "the right path".

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While it is the right of a motorist to request legal counsel and not submit to a breath test, and equipment has been shown to provide false positive readings in up to 25% of the tests, Acevedo announced, “My intention in the future is to make it so there is no such thing as a refusal.”

Search warrants will be aggressively used when a motorist declines to be tested. The key feature in Acevedo’s plan is the replacement of nurses or paramedics with police officers in the drawing of a blood sample. He claims that will be a savings to tax payers because the officer will already be in court to give testimony in the drunk driving case.

Acevedo plans to seek federal funds to train as many officers as possible. He hopes to start the program by the end of the year.

If you have been arrested for DWI in Austin, Texas and refused a breath test, you will need to hire an Austin DWI Attorney for legal representation for your DWI in Austin.

Longtime judge Raymond Angelini was charged with drunk driving in San Antonio after police officers stopped him for weaving in traffic. Angelini, 57, reportedly had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He needed to use the car door to remain standing and he failed a field sobriety test. While admitting to having ‘maybe three drinks’, he refused to submit to a breath test.

Angelini’s Texas DWI defense attorney said that a video taken an hour after the arrest showed that his client was “clearly not intoxicated.” The defense also brought into question the credibility of one of the arresting officers.

A special prosecutor was assigned to the case after the District Attorney filed a motion to recuse the office because of professional connections with Angelini. A separate administrative law judge ruled that Angelini could continue to hear criminal cases, just not those involving the officers who arrested him.

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In 2005 the Albuquerque City Council said wanted to raise $300,000 in annual revenue by seizing vehicles in DWI cases, even before the driver was convicted of a crime. The ACLU filed suit saying that it is not illegal to drink and drive, as long as the motorist’s blood alcohol content remained below the limit for intoxication, and that the Albuquerque ordinance imposed punishment before a driver was found guilty in a court of law. That, they said, could potentially impact all motorists who drink but are not legally intoxicated.

A lower court agreed that the Albuquerque program violated constitutional due process, but said the ACLU suit was too vague and it would not overturn the ordinance simply on the possibility of abuse. The unanimous ruling by the high court echoed that sentiment, saying that, while the issues raised in the ACLU suit are serious and have constitutional ramifications, the question of due process is best addressed by a specific act of enforcement of the ordinance. It said if “the city does, in fact, seize and forfeit a vehicle based solely on probable cause for the arrest, regardless of whether the owner is ever convicted of (New Mexico) DWI, then the vehicle owner will have the concrete injury, the motive … and the opportunity to mount an effective challenge to the ordinance.”

The city of Albuquerque is clear to begin its vehicle seizure program at any time.

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See why New Jersey DWI Attorney Evan Levow along with other defense attorneys filed a 529-page petition with the high court.

California DUI after two wrecks in six hours on same highway – Nye County District Attorney Robert Beckett rolled a county-owned SUV around 1:30 pm on a California desert highway about 30 miles southwest of Pahrump, Nevada. Police did not suspect alcohol and Beckett managed to catch a ride to his home in Pahrump in a tow truck. After dinner, Beckett, 49, then headed back out and wrecked the family 2005 Dodge van around 7:30 pm on the same highway. A California Highway Patrol officer responding to the second accident scene detected alcohol. After Beckett failed a field sobriety test, he was charged with drunk driving in California. Beckett said he was driving to Santa Barbara to attend an annual meeting of the State Bar of Nevada.

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The governor said that the extended Fourth of July weekend is one of the deadliest for travel, and ‘Operation Firecracker’ is intended to make the highways safer. In 2007, there were 60 vehicle related fatalities over the Independence Day holiday, and 21 involved alcohol.

‘Operation Firecracker’ is part of the ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign, and it will be conducted between Friday, June 27 and Sunday July 6. During last year’s Fourth of July crackdown more than 6,173 patrols and checkpoints were held targeting drunk driving in North Carolina.

Have you been arrested for Drunk Driving in North Carolina?

In addition to time efficiency, LEADRS provides forms for officers to complete, making gathering of pertinent info and subsequent prosecution of drunk driving offenses easier. The forms feature drop down menus with pre-filled fields and check boxes, reducing the need for typing. The system automatically creates official forms needed for booking and prosecution.

LEADRS allows officers to both upload and retrieve statewide data from any computer with internet access, in real-time.

A spokesperson for the Ennis Police Department said the system has halved the time needed for completing Texas DWI paperwork. That allows officers to spend more time on the streets.

The Texas Department of Transportation provides grants allowing law enforcement agencies throughout Texas to use the LEADRS program free of charge.

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The ignition interlock device is similar to a breathalyzer and it tests a driver’s blood alcohol content. If the device detects the presence of alcohol above a certain BAC, it disables the vehicle ignition. A representative for SmartStart, a business specializing in interlock devices, said the equipment is typically set to disable a vehicle when a BAC of .03% or higher is detected. The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is .08%. The results of the breath test are electronically downloaded to a court computer system.

Travis County Judge Elisabeth Earle ordered the installation of the device within 72 hours. The judge indicated that ignition interlock devices are commonly required for defendants charged with multiple Texas DWI offenses, and the order does not reflect Benson’s guilt or innocence.

Do you need an Austin, Texas DWI Lawyer?

The occupants of the home fished her out and when told her truck was in the water, Carlin said “I can get it out”. Carlin slipped into the couple’s house and then left without providing any information. She was stopped nearby as she entered another residence. The Florida Highway Patrol charged Carlin with driving under the influence in Florida, DUI with property damage, trespassing and leaving the scene of an accident.

New York DWI for man on motorized cooler – Leslie J. "Bomber" Marr was stopped for swerving on the street and driving on the sidewalk while on his ‘Cruzin Cooler’. The electric powered cooler has room for a case of beer and ice and can travel at speeds as high as 13 miles per hour. New York DWI laws prohibit use of any motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Marr was charged with driving while intoxicated in New York and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Man walks 25 miles for Pennsylvania DUI sentencing – After his brother failed to arrive to give him a ride and despite temperatures in the 90s, Stephen Shoemaker decided to walk 25 miles to the Cumberland County Courthouse for a hearing on his Pennsylvania drunk driving conviction. He arrived about 3:30 pm, with a brief stop at a regional medical center for treatment for dehydration, and he faced a warrant for his arrest for failing to make his 9:30 appointment. Upon hearing Shoemaker’s story though, the judge rescinded the warrant and rescheduled sentencing for July. A Deputy Public Defender gave Shoemaker a ride home.

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Starting July 1, a fourth arrest for Georgia DUI within 10 years will be filed as an automatic felony. The first two offenses will be misdemeanors and the third will be an aggravated misdemeanor with increased fines. If found guilty, a felony arrest can result in a jail sentence of one to five years.

First time offenders will also be affected by the new law. In addition to enrolling in a driving program, paying fines and completing community service, those charged with drinking and driving in Georgia must undergo an evaluation for alcohol abuse and attend a treatment program.

A state representative hopes the penalties will keep Georgia DUI offenders from making the mistake again.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Georgia you need a qualified GA DUI Lawyer.

Jacobson, 70, had attended a media party near his home Wednesday evening. Around 10:45 pm a witness called police to report a vehicle swerving and hitting a parked car. The vehicle and driver description, as well as the license plate number, led police to Jacobson. A few minutes later Chicago Police found Jacobson and his 2004 Saab in an alley behind his home. The right front wheel was damaged and the car was inoperable. Jacobson and several other people were outside the vehicle, which was not running; two points Jacobson's Illinois DUI defense attorney plans to use to challenge the arrest.

A breath test reportedly registered a blood alcohol content of .092, above the legal limit for intoxication. Jacobson was charged with misdemeanor Illinois DUI.

Jacobson was charged with drunk driving in Chicago in 2004, though his BAC was slightly below the legal limit and the charges were reduced to negligent driving, obstruction of traffic and running a stop sign. In exchange, he agreed to undergo alcohol abuse evaluation.

Jacobson declined to comment on the recent charge of Illinois drunk driving.

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The news station management is reviewing the incident.

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Shante and Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr., have been married for eleven years. They live in Sherman Oaks in the Los Angeles area and have three children.

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Witnesses had to break a window with a hammer and shift the car into park. They then turned off the vehicle.

Dallas Police said that Gatlin refused to answer questions. He reportedly had bloodshot eyes and had difficulty walking. An open bottle of vodka was found inside the vehicle.

Gatlin was booked on driving while intoxicated in Dallas, Texas. He posted a $500 bond and was released early Sunday.

Have you been charged with a DWI in Dallas, Texas? You need a Dallas DWI attorney.

In addition to increasing penalties for driving under the influence in Ohio, the law calls for establishing more alcohol treatment centers and providing financial assistance for alcohol rehabilitation of indigents. The treatment aspect has been received well as an effort to break the cycle of alcohol abuse and chronic drunk driving.

Statistics show that approximately 36,000 motorists in the state had at least five Ohio drunk driving convictions, and studies show that the use of ignition interlock devices reduces the incidents of repeat DUI offenses.

If you have been arrested for OVI in Ohio you need an experienced OH DUI attorney.

According to the most recent records, 73% of all Albuquerque drunk driving cases handled in Metro Court resulted in a conviction. That is exactly the same percentage as in April 2007, before passage of the laws. In fact, the conviction rate for DWI in New Mexico has remained about 73% for the past ten years.

Anti-drunk driving advocates feel that there should be more pressure for change in the court system. They cite cities with larger caseloads getting higher percentages of DWI convictions.

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Richmond County is one of 18 counties selected for consideration in the program because of high rates of alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. The study has established two primary goals for the program; to gain maximum public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving in North Carolina and to facilitate prosecution of DWI cases in court. Secondary goals include the public release of the results of NC DWI checkpoints and addressing sources of illegal alcohol distribution. These goals will be packaged in a ‘responsible living’ ad campaign that could include flyers, bumper stickers, billboards and brochures.

The Mount Olive College/Richmond County proposal is subject to approval of the North Carolina Strategic Prevention Framework grant office, and must meet its criteria for reducing DWI injuries and deaths in the county.

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Illinois has an implied consent law under which a motorist agrees to submit to a breath, blood and urine tests when issued a driver’s license. Illinois DUI defense attorneys argue that it is against a person’s constitutional rights to provide incriminating evidence and that a person arrested for a criminal act has the right to a legal counsel before talking with police and providing information or evidence. Defense attorneys routinely instruct suspected drunk drivers in the Chicago area to not submit to a blood-alcohol test.

It is that defense position that led the Kane county state’s attorney to implement the no refusal program. Search warrants will be pre-written and available to St. Charles, Batavia and Geneva police departments, along with county law enforcement. Officers simply have to fill in specifics, have an assistant DA review the warrant and have a judge sign it. The Geneva police headquarters will be used as a command center for the program and county health department has agreed to provide phlebotomists to draw the blood sample.

It is estimated that it will take 90 minutes to implement the warrant and process a suspected drunk driver. The county state’s attorney thinks the evidence gathered through the program will increase the number of Illinois DUI defendants pleading guilty or accepting plea bargains rather than going to trial.

It is estimated that the ‘No Refusal Weekend’ will cost the county $9,000, paid for by the Kane County DUI Task Force. The county will not divulge what weekend will be designated for the program.

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Tatupu’s car was impounded and he was taken to a Kirkland police station for booking on suspicion of drunk driving in Washington. According to the arrest report, two breath tests revealed blood alcohol content readings of .155% and .158%; nearly twice the legal limit for intoxication.

Tatupu is a three time Pro Bowl linebacker drafted by the Seahawks in 2005 out of USC. He recently signed a contract extension worth $42 million.

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The judge sentenced Ruark to one year unsupervised probation. A twelve point penalty was charged to Ruark’s driver’s license for driving under the influence in Maryland. The prosecutor did not file charges for having a loaded handgun in the county issued vehicle, though Ruark did surrender his gun permit for one year.

The judge warned Ruark that everyone will know if he ‘messes up’ again.

If you were arrested for a MD DUI in Wicomico County or Worcester County, you will need an experienced Maryland DUI Lawyer.

Turner, who resides in Sarasota, was booked on Florida drunk driving charges and taken to the Manatee County jail. He is being held on $500 bail.

Buchanan’s spokesperson, Sally Tibbetts said they were looking into the issue. She clarified that Turner was the congressman’s district director, overseeing constituent services, and he was campaign manager during Buchanan’s successful 2006 race for Congress.

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Around 7:30 pm, McGinnis ran her SUV into the back of a mini-van that was stopped at a traffic light in Tinley Park. No one was injured in the low-speed accident, though the McGinnis was still trying to move her vehicle forward after the collision. The driver of the minivan described McGinnis as having her head on the steering wheel. Other witnesses recalled McGinnis honking her horn and flashing her lights as she weaved through traffic.

Police responding to the scene say that McGinnis appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. She refused to submit to a breath test or perform field sobriety tests. In addition to a charge of suspicion of drunk driving in Chicago, the 47 year old judge was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to provide proof of insurance.

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The judges decided to bar all breath test results taken before December 18, 2007 due to problems at the state toxicology lab. Last year the lab was found to be incorrectly calibrating equipment, resulting in false blood-alcohol content readings. In addition, software errors led to equipment inaccuracies.

Whereas the lab has reportedly addressed the errors, the judges determined that convictions for drunk driving in Seattle going back over three years may have been based on inaccurate evidence. More recent Seattle DUI cases could also be impacted as Washington DUI defense lawyers raise lingering questions about procedures at the lab.

In the ruling, the judges indicated they wanted drunk drivers off the road, but it was only fair that it be done with good evidence. The decision could mean that people already found guilty of driving under the influence in Seattle could appeal their cases. The Seattle City Attorney estimated that only a small percentage of cases would be overturned, citing additional evidence of intoxication that contributed to the conviction.

In addition to the Seattle municipal court, the courts in King County, Snohomish County, Jefferson County and Mason County Washington have barred breath test results. In the most extreme decision, some courts have banned all breath test evidence in Washington DUI cases until the state lab could demonstrate that all of its problems have been remedied.

Do you need a Washington DUI Attorney?

ABI started an ad campaign featuring celebrities arrested for driving under the influence. The point was to feature documented problem drinkers in an effort to differentiate repeat DUI offenders from the average social drinker. The initial celeb shamed in the ads was Lindsay Lohan. The most recent ad that appeared in the New York Times, splashed mug shots of Keifer Sutherland, who recently spent time in jail for violating terms of his DUI probation, and Billie Joe Armstrong, front man for the rock band Green Day who was nabbed for drunk driving five years ago. An ABI website features Glenn Campbell, Michelle Rodriguez and Chris Klein.

The legal threshold for intoxication is typically a blood alcohol content of .08%. Ignition interlock devices are usually calibrated to disable the vehicle if a BAC of .02% is detected. As a result, those enjoying moderate consumption of alcohol, like at a sporting event or a wedding, will be penalized.

The ABI, which represents restaurants and advocates responsible consumption of alcohol, goes on to clarify that they want anti-drunk driving efforts to target drunk drivers, not all Americans.

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Motorists using the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel will be subject to traffic stops for driving while intoxicated in New York City. The checkpoints will be operated between 10pm Friday and 6am Saturday. Officials acknowledge overnight traffic is one of the busiest times on the road, so they have suspended scheduled maintenance and construction work on six crossings out of Manhattan. In addition, extra PATH trains will be running.

If you were arrested for DWI in NYC, you need a New York DWI Lawyer.

State and federal law permit the seizure of assets, including cash and cars, for a felony crime. Such a policy for a misdemeanor would require local legislation, and such efforts have been turned down by lawmakers in Albany County and neighboring Rensselaer County in the past. New York City initiated vehicle seizures for drunk driving and other misdemeanors in 1999, to the protest of DWI defense attorneys and rights advocates.

Typically a vehicle involved in a suspected case of drinking and driving in New York is towed from the scene and released. If a vehicle were to be seized at the time of arrest for New York DWI, a legal process with hearings would have to be put in place. One complication in the plan is that many drivers either are leasing or have financed their vehicles, and do not own them outright. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys say the process of legally seizing a vehicle would be cumbersome.

Some District Attorneys prefer to initiate seizure of a vehicle after a conviction for drunk driving. The more accepted approach is to require ignition interlock devices in vehicles owned by repeat DWI offenders or those arrested with a blood-alcohol content more than twice the legal.

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The law stipulates that when state police are involved in an arrest for Pennsylvania DUI, the Commonwealth gives half of the fees and fines collected to the county where the arrest occurred. That money is to be equally split between the county prison system and the county drug and alcohol program.

Schuykill County however has been placing the monies in a general use fund, and not delivering them to the prisons or the rehabilitation program. The amount misallocated is estimated to be nearly $200,000.

County officials expressed confusion, with several using the excuse that they were new to office and did not know about the law. The county commissioner’s chairwoman thought the issue had been resolved last year. A full accounting is now under way to determine how much of the general fund surplus should be transferred to the appropriate accounts. Resolution is hoped for in time for the commissioners’ June 4 meeting.

If you were arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, you need a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer.

See the Third District Court of Appeals of California's Ruling

The decision by the three judge panel involves a case filed against two California Highway Patrol officers. The CHP officers arrested Scott St. Pierre for California DUI and driving with a suspended license, after a minor traffic accident. Later in the day, police released St. Pierre and allowed his mother to retrieve his impounded car. Hours later St. Pierre was involved in an accident that killed Jerry Walker. Relatives of Walker sued the California Highway Patrol, saying that the CHP officer’s failure to keep St. Pierre’s seized vehicle resulted in a wrongful death. A trial court agreed that when a vehicle is seized during a suspended license case, the law says it must be impounded for thirty days.

The Appeals Court found the trial court had technically misread the law. The Appeals judges went on to say that their interpretation follows the legislative intent of the law. They pointed out that the state of California would need the space to store one million vehicles if every motorist driving without a license was apprehended and their vehicles impounded for thirty days.

The Court also ordered the dismissal of the suit filed against the CHP officers.

Arrested for a DUI in California? You will need to hire a California DUI lawyer to help you fight your drunk driving charge and to save your driver's license.

Under Texas law, a motorist has the right to refuse to submit to a breath or blood test. The blood testing program uses warrants, signed by a judge, to demand and, if necessary, physically take a blood sample. Texas DWI defense attorneys argue that infringes on an individual’s constitutional rights and it is the same as an unwarranted search and seizure. A district attorney says the warrants will be issued by an impartial judge when there is sufficient evidence to test for blood-alcohol content.

One goal of the proposed blood testing program is to reduce the number of court cases for driving while intoxicated in Texas. It is presumed that a defendant will plead guilty if there is evidence to show intoxication.

If you have been arrested for DWI in the DFW metroplex you will need to consult with a Dallas DWI lawyer.

A $662,000 grant will be distributed over a three year period to help fund the county's 'Avoid The 25' program, which targets drunk drivers through increased enforcement activities. The program name comes from the combined California DUI effort of the county's 25 law enforcement agencies. Its efforts include roaming DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints. The grant will also pay for a public awareness campaign about the consequences and dangers of drunk driving in California.

A separate grant of $620,115 was given to the Contra Costa County Probation Department to fund programs targeting felony California DUI offenders. According to county statistics, law enforcement agencies arrested more than 600 motorists for DUI offenses in December 2007 alone.

If you have arrested for DUI in Contra Costa County, California you will need to hire a DUI lawyer in Contra Costa.

Stabler was booked on suspicion of drunk driving in Robertson, Alabama, and released after posting $1,000 bail.

Stabler has been arrested for DUI twice before, in 1995 and 2001. In the latter case, he entered a plea that allowed him to avoid drug possession and reckless driving offenses.

Stabler, whose nickname was 'Snake', played for Bear Bryant at Alabama, where he lead the team to an 11-0 record in 1966. He won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders in 1977, was later traded to the Houston Oilers and finished his pro career with the New Orleans Saints.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Alabama you will need to hire a qualified Alabama DUI lawyer.

As police officers approached the car, Diaz started driving towards the officers. In response, the officers shot at him. Diaz then fled on foot but was apprehended and taken to a local hospital.

Diaz has an outstanding arrest warrant for theft in Tarrant County.

Hernandez was stopped by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper in Hays County. After failing a field sobriety test he was booked at Hays County jail on charges of drinking and driving. Hays County is directly South of Austin.

Hernandez was charged with Texas DWI in Austin in 1998. He was suspended from the police force for 15 days following that incident. Hernandez has several reprimands in his record, including driving a patrol car without lights or sirens at a speed greater than conditions and crashing his patrol car into a motorcycle, though no alcohol use was mentioned. The Austin Police Department is investigating the latest arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol in Texas.

See Chief Knee's suspension memorandum of 1998: July 1998 Disciplinary Suspension of Sgt. Robert Hernandez by Chief Stanley L. Knee.

If you have been charged with a DWI in Central Texas you will need to find an Austin, Texas DWI Attorney to represent you on your criminal charge of driving while intoxicated and your driver's license suspension case which is a civil charge.

The finding overturns a District Court ruling involving a 2006 case of a woman accused of vehicular homicide. A Minnesota DWI defense attorney argued, and the lower court agreed, that police should have sought a warrant before taking the defendant's blood without her consent. The High Court said that the rapid and natural breakdown of alcohol in the bloodstream established a circumstance that justified taking a warrantless and non-consensual blood sample. It went on to clarify that such blood draws would require the police to have probable cause in cases of a criminal vehicular operation or homicide.

The ruling was received well by law enforcement groups. A State Patrol representative said that officers were being made aware of the ruling.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Minnesota you will need to hire an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Daniel Sandoval, drummer with the Grupo Rio band, and Pedro Perez are asking for unspecified damages for injuries. Sandoval received back and head injuries from the accident. Emilio suffered a brain injury after being ejected from the bus through the windshield. Immediately after the accident, the band members only expressed concern for the well being of Emilio.

Shortly after the accident, it was revealed that Emilio had a blood alcohol content of .19%, more than twice the legal limit for intoxicated driving in Texas. In addition the singer had two previous Texas DWI arrests. Emilio Navaira, 45, still faces charges of Texas DWI and felony intoxication assault for injuring five bus passengers during the accident.

The lawsuit cites "serious, permanent and disabling injuries" received by Sandoval and Perez. Sandoval required stitches to close a head wound and says the suit is more for lingering back problems. Perez is the grandfather of the band's bajo sexto player, Eddie Perez. In a San Antonio Express News article last March, the younger Perez said he and his father were not injured in the accident.

Taser and pepper spray takes down New Mexico man during DWI arrest – Luis De La Rosa was stopped around 3:30 am for a traffic violation. When police detected alcohol they attempted to arrest the 23-year old, but De La Rosa broke free and got behind the wheel of his car. He was hit with a Taser gun but managed to start his car. In an effort to stop him from driving away, officers hit him with pepper spray. De La Rosa did get his car in gear and lead police on a chase at speeds up to 90 mph. He crashed into a barb-wire fence though he attempted to drive away again before police boxed him in. De La Rosa was charged with New Mexico DWI and felony evasion of a police officer.

Louisiana DWI for man found inside overturned car – A Caddo Parish sheriff's deputy found Jessie Streetman asleep in his overturned car. Streetman, 28, had lost control of his Mitsubishi Lancer, hit an embankment and came to a rest upside down. Streetman was booked on charges of drunk driving in Louisiana at the Caddo Correctional Center.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving you need an experienced DUI Lawyer.

“Disappointment” is a word the Bears organization has had to use too often in connection with their former first-round pick of the 2005 draft from Bears General Manger Jerry Angelo. Angelo also stated "Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate ... as I said this past weekend, you have to protect your job. Everyone in this organization is held accountable for their actions."

The Bears waived Benson on Monday June 9th cutting their losses and ending a rocky three season tenure which they had paid Benson $13.7 million.

Benson was charged with boating while intoxicated last month, so this is his second DWI offense. Both are Class B misdemeanors.

Benson was reportedly in Austin for his mother's birthday.

If you have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Travis County you will need to hire a DWI lawyer in Austin to fight you drunk driving charge and drivers license suspension case.

A county sheriff’s deputy patrolling in an unmarked police car became suspicious of a vehicle driven slowly by Paul Dyer. After following Dyer and claiming his Jeep Cherokee crossed highway lines several times, a traffic stop was initiated. The officer suspected driving under the influence in California and had a second deputy arrive on the scene with a marked squad car. Though a breath test revealed a blood alcohol content below the legal limit for intoxication, the officer deemed the test ‘inconclusive’ and had Dyer arrested anyway.

A trial court dismissed the California DUI and ordered the return of the defendant’s driver’s license. The Department of Motor Vehicles appealed that decision.

California has outlawed unmarked police cars since 1923, in a direct effort to eliminate speed traps designed to supplement local revenues through exorbitant fines. The statute requires distinctively marked law enforcement vehicles.

The three-judge Appeals Court ruled that the officer with the unmarked vehicle in the Dyer case only played a supervisory role, and the actual arrest was made by the second officer. In addition, the court declined to apply the speed trap law to other traffic offenses, like drunk driving in California. The court ordered a new trial to determine if Dyer was legally intoxicated at the time of his DUI arrest.

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Across the state, CHP officers charged 1,301 motorists with drunk driving in California. Last year the total was 1,449. Arrests for DUI in Los Angeles County were down, while Sacramento DUI and San Francisco DUI incidents were higher.

It was speculated that the figures were influenced by an increased awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated and reduced driving due to high gas prices. CHP says that the Memorial Day Weekend traditionally is not the biggest holiday for drinking and driving. July 4th is reportedly worse, and New Year’s Eve has the highest number of arrests for California drunk driving.

The statistics reflect California DUI arrests made between 6:00 pm Friday and 6 am Monday.

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Steven O'Neill, a Port Richey councilman, was arrested for driving under the influence in Pasco County after being stopped for speeding.

A Pasco County Sheriff's deputy pulled over O'Neill for driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. The deputy observed slurred speech and bloodshot and glassy eyes, and he detected a strong odor of alcohol. When exiting the vehicle, the deputy also noticed that O'Neill's crotch was wet.

O'Neill was booked on charges of Florida DUI after reportedly doing poorly on a field sobriety test and two breath tests registered a blood alcohol content of .175 and .165. The legal limit for intoxication in Florida is .08%.

O'Neill was re-elected to the Port Richey city council last month.

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Krusee was stopped in northwest Austin earlier this month for driving erratically and having expired license plates. He failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on suspicion of Texas DWI.

Krusee has been a member of the Texas legislature since 1993. He is not seeking re-election but was rumored to be a candidate for appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. During his tenure in the State House chambers, Krusee was instrumental in passing ‘driver responsibility’ legislation calling for surcharges on motorists arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas.

Related news article:
State Lawmaker Mike Krusee Charged with Texas DWI in NW Austin (May 1, 2008)

One of the billboards is prominently placed near the University of Texas campus, along a route to the popular Sixth Street entertainment district.

Austin Texas DWI defense attorney Paul Dunham, whose law practice is near the UT billboard, says that a growing number of his clients have been charged with drunk driving in Texas while having a blood alcohol content below the legal limit for intoxication. He says the zero tolerance towards alcohol by law enforcement is reflected in the TxDot ad campaign slogan. Instead of linking drinking with jail, he counters that responsible social drinking is not illegal. As principle of one of the largest and more experienced DWI defense firms in Austin, Dunham encourages those arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Austin to immediately hire a qualified Texas DWI attorney. Someone with a knowledge of Texas DWI laws and the criminal court system can make a difference in the outcome of the case.

The TxDot ad campaign has come under fire from state legislators too. Despite citing a lack of funds to build new roads and claiming a need to convert existing freeways to toll, TxDot has spent considerable sums of money on a multi-phase campaign. In addition to the Texas drinking and driving billboards, ads have been strategically placed for a ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign. One 192 foot by 30 banner was placed on a downtown Austin condo building at a taxpayer cost of $21,000. The agency’s fleet of 17,000 pickup trucks have received vehicle wraps with ad messages.

A nearby resident answered banging on his front door around 2:30 in the morning to find the two boys. The older of the two exclaimed that he was drunk and had a wreck.

Neither boy was seriously injured though their troubles are just beginning. The Johnson County prosecutor said the 12-year old will be charged with driving while intoxicated in Arkansas and several other misdemeanors. The charges will be filed in district and juvenile court. The two more than likely will be grounded for some time.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Arkansas, you will need to hire an experienced DWI lawyer in Arkansas for legal representation and help.

The frontman for the Stone Temple Pilots was charged with drunk driving in California following a minor accident on an LA freeway last November. In addition to the jail term, he was sentenced last April to four years of probation, fined two thousand dollars and ordered to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program.

As it was Weiland’s second conviction for DUI in four years, he could have been sentenced to one year in jail. He had just completed a three-year probation for the first drunk driving offense when he was arrested in November.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Van Nuys, California you will need to hire a Southern California DUI lawyer to represent you on your DUI charge in California.

One impound lot covers nine acres, with officers seizing about 2,200 vehicles in 2007. In looking at the assortment, one finds expensive trucks to downright clunkers. Albuquerque's deputy city attorney revealed that hard-core alcoholics actually purchase second 'junk' cars as their drinking vehicles. Many NM driving while intoxicated defendants have said "that's my drunk car."

Police periodically conduct auctions of the seized vehicles. More than 3000 DWI seizure vehicles have been sold since the program was initiated seven years ago. Despite costing half a million dollars to run the seizure program, last year there was a profit from towing, auction and storage fees. That money went into a pool for New Mexico drunk driving programs, including education, training and equipment purchases.

Driving under the Influence in Nebraska is charged when a motorist has a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. An ignition interlock device requires a motorist to breathe into a tube before starting a vehicle. If alcohol is detected the ignition is disabled.

Previously, Nebraska DUI law called for a six month driver’s license suspension for those convicted of drunk driving. Under the new law a motorist can apply for a limited permit after thirty days, allowing travel to work, school or alcohol treatment. They would be required to have an ignition interlock device for 5 months while using the special driver’s permit. If the offender’s BAC was .15% or higher, the suspension term is 60 days before applying for a special permit and an interlock device must be in place for 10 months. There is no distinction between first time offenders and chronic drunk drivers.

The law goes into effect in July.

For more information on DUI laws in Nebraska or to find a DUI lawyer in Nebraska, please visit our Nebraska page.

The goal is to have an element of surprise; making driver’s think twice about drinking and driving in Albuquerque.

On a recent Thursday night, police made 20 arrests for suspicion of DWI. One motorist actually abandoned his vehicle at the roadblock and fled on foot.

For more information on New Mexico DWI Laws and finding a New Mexico DWI laywer, please visit it our New Mexico page.

Statistically it is reported that 3 in 100 cars on the road is operated by a driver with multiple DUI arrests. Whereas it does not mean those motorists are driving drunk at the time, the aim of the proposed law is to reduce the number of chronic drunk drivers on Missouri highways.

If passed, the law would require a motorist convicted of two or more arrests for driving under the influence in Missouri to pay the $400-500 cost for installation of an interlock device, plus a monthly rental fee.

Charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Missouri? You will need to hire a DWI lawyer in Missouri.

The prosecutor stated that the court does not have the authority to seal the record because of the convictions for driving under the influence in Ohio. That is not allowed under new Ohio law.

Vukelic acknowledges the DUI arrests though he says one was expunged. He also disputes the petition’s claim that his felony conviction involved bribery. Vukelic plans to address the issue at a county commissioners meeting, and he says he ultimately hopes the voters have the opportunity to decide if they want him to hold office.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving or OVI in Ohio, you will need to hire a DUI lawyer in Ohio for legal representation.

State police were called to the scene because of Caballero’s reported obvious intoxication. Caballero was charged with driving while intoxicated in Louisiana and improper lane use after failing a field sobriety test. He was taken to a police station in Kenner where he refused to submit to a breath test. For the first time in the evening Caballero identified himself as a police officer and the command staff at NOPD was contacted.

Caballero is a 2-year veteran with the New Orleans Police Department working in the 3rd District. He has been suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.

If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in the New Orleans Parish you will need to hire a New Orleans DWI laywer.

Leben became a star in the first season of the reality show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. He started his UFC career with six wins before losing to the current fight champ. Leben moved to Hawaii to train and teach at Icon Fitness. His DUI defense attorney said that attempts had been made to transfer his probation to Hawaii but they were unsuccessful.

Leben is scheduled to fight Michael Bisping in London on June 7, and it is thought that he wants to clear legal issues stemming from his case of driving under the influence in Oregon in order to obtain a travel visa.

Are you looking for a Oregon DUI lawyer?

In addition to the city of Montgomery, the money will be distributed to Macon, Russell, Autauga, Lowndes, Lee, Bullock, Elmore and Montgomery county law enforcement agencies.

If you have been charged with drunk driving in Alabama you will need to hire a Alabama DUI lawyer.

During 2006 troopers investigated 4,775 vehicular accidents involving alcohol, an increase of 1%. According to the Pennsylvania highway department, deaths from alcohol related crashes dropped from 544 to 525.

A state police commissioner said that improved recognition of driving while impaired by illegal or prescription drugs has played a key role in the figures.

Arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania? Contact a Pennsylvania DUI attorney.

Navaira has suffered critical injuries from being thrown through the windshield when he crashed the bus on Loop 410 in west Houston very early Easter morning. He underwent two brain surgeries, and doctors at Memorial Hermann hospital at the Texas Medical Center say his condition is improving. Four band members were treated for minor injuries and released and one member remains in the hospital in good condition with stomach injuries.

In a report released by the Bellaire Police Department, Navaira was driving while intoxicated when he slammed into traffic barrels and a concrete divider on March 23. The Harris County prosecutor said that Navaira, 45, had a commercial driver’s license but not a ‘passenger endorsement’ as required to operate a tour bus. That is a Class C misdemeanor.

Navaira has a previous Texas DWI in San Antonio stemming from an accident in January 2005, and he is paying a fine for another Bexar County drunk driving arrest in 2000. According to Texas DWI laws, an ignition interlock device is required for motorists arrested for 2 or more arrests for driving while intoxicated. An alternative is to have the offender wear an alcohol detecting ankle bracelet and take medication that reacts violently with alcohol. A San Antonio judge waived all of the above requirements.

The 2005 case is still pending, as Navaira’s DWI defense attorney has filed seven motions for suppression of evidence. Because of the 2000 offense however, a conviction in either the recent Houston drunk driving incident or the 2005 San Antonio DWI would raise the remaining case to a felony.

Navaira’s fans have expressed more concern about his recovery than the outcome of the Texas DWI cases.

If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Harris County you will need to hire a Houston DWI attorney.

According to Hillsborough County police records, Marella was stopped for drifting back and forth in his car. After noticing 'bloodshot, watery and glassy eyes', officers asked the wrestler to perform two field sobriety tests, which he failed. Marella was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Tampa around 3:00 am and he admitted to police that he had been drinking since midnight. His blood alcohol content at the time of the arrest was .061%, which is below the .08% legal limit for intoxication in Florida.

Marella, whose real name is Anthony Carelli, was booked at the Hillsborough County jail and released shortly after posting $500 bail around 4:30 am.

Are you looking for a DUI lawyer in Tampa? If so, you will need to contact a Hillsborough County DUI attorney.

Under current Tennessee DUI laws, a motorist under the age of 21 arrested for driving under the influence must spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail. A motorist older than 21 however is only required to spend at least 24 hours in jail.

The new bill would make the minimum jail term the same, regardless of age. The legislation will be referred to the Senate to work out differences between the two bills, and then presented to the governor.

It is important that if you are arrested for drunk driving in Tennessee that you hire a qualified DUI attorney in Tennessee.

It has now been revealed that Fossella and a friend only referred to as ‘Brian’ went to Logan Tavern in Washington, DC after the dinner. Waiters describe the two being very intoxicated and at one point ‘Brian’ passed out in front of the men’s room. Staff called a cab for the pair but it is not known if they took the cab or walked to their vehicles. Shortly after midnight, Fossella was arrested for DUI in Alexandria, over 8 miles away. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.

After being booked for drunk driving, Fossella called a blond woman described as a ‘good friend’ to pick him up. The woman has since been identified as retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Laura Faye. Faye and Fossella reportedly met in 2003 while she was a House military liaison for the Air Force. The press is curious as to why Faye was called when Fossella’s Chief of Staff lives in Alexandria. Faye is a single mother with a 3-year old daughter. A relative of Faye’s said who fathered the child is ‘vague’.

Fossella’s camp has retained the services of a high priced Republican public relations crisis consultant. That in itself is raising questions about the need for such expensive damage control.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Virginia, you will need to hire a Virginia DUI lawyer.

When police attempted to arrest Benson for Texas BWI he reportedly refused to cooperate and officers used pepper spray. Benson was booked at Travis County Jail around 11:30 pm Saturday and he was released Sunday morning on $14,500 bail.

Boating while intoxicated carries the same penalties as driving while intoxicated in Texas. While he acknowledges alcohol was on the boat, Benson denies being drunk or resisting arrest.

Benson played football for the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a player for the NFL Chicago Bears. Injuries have limited his productivity in his first three seasons with the Bears. A spokesperson for the NFL and a representative for the Bears both said they are aware of the situation and are investigating.

Are you looking for an Austin Texas DWI Lawyer?

The American Beverage Association paid for an ad campaign that challenges one of the penalties for drinking and driving. Whereas drunk driving is a serious crime, arrest statistics show that a growing number of law enforcement agencies are taking a zero tolerance approach to alcohol and are arresting motorists who are not intoxicated. In several states, an arrest for DUI could result in the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

Using a mugshot of Lindsay Lohan taken last year during one of her arrests for driving under the influence in California, the print ad states that ignition ionterlock devices are appropriate for repeat offenders, like Lohan, but questions their appropriateness for a low blood-alcohol content, first offender. The ad, which appeared in US Today, attempts to make a visual distinction between the traditional image of a chronic drunk driver, who statistically has a BAC more than twice the legal limit, and the person arrested after having a glass of wine with dinner.

The American Beverage Association represents the liquor and restaurant industries, and it promotes responsible social drinking.

Are you looking for a California DUI Attorney?