Sheriff
May 26, 2012
Tennessee DUI Reforms Suffer With Weak Economy
Gov. Phil Bresden has made the fight against driving under the influence in Tennessee a high priority during his tenure. In early 2006 he formed a task force that established a number of legislative goals aimed at reforming Tennessee DUI laws. A severe revenue shortfall in the state, however, has led to a narrower focus.
The governor
May 27, 2012
Ignition Interlock Devices Considering For All California DUI
A California state legislator has introduced a measure calling for the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device if convicted of drunk driving. Assembly member Mike Feuer says that Assembly Bill 91 will create a four county pilot program that requires the ignition interlock for all individuals, even first time offenders, found guilty of driving under the influence in California.
The device requires the motorist to breath into a tube and the breath sample is testing for blood alcohol content. If alcohol above a preset limit is detected, the device disables the vehicle ignition. Currently the requirement for the installation of an ignition interlock device is at the discretion of the court, which takes a number of factors into consideration before making its decision, including as the results of an alcohol abuse evaluation and any prior DUI convictions. California DUI law provides for restricted licenses in certain situations though Feuer cites that motorists can still drink and drive. The proposed bill would call for the replacement of the restricted license with the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock.
There will be no taxpayer funds involved with the new legislation. Those convicted of California DUI will be required to pay for the installation and the monthly fee for maintenance of the ignition interlock. The pilot program would begin in July 1, 2010 and run until January 1, 2015.
Similar legislation has been passed into law in five states, including Illinois, New Mexico and, most recently, Alaska. Initial reports indicate that repeat offenses for driving while intoxicated are down in those states.
Have you been arrested for CA DUI?
May 26, 2012
Penalties Increase for Alaska DUI
On the first of the year a new law went into effect requiring motorists convicted of driving under the influence in Alaska to install an ignition interlock device if they wish to continue driving. The miniature breath testing device requires the driver to provide a breath test before starting the vehicle. If a blood alcohol content in excess of a pre-set amount, usually under .03%, the device will disable the vehicle ignition.
Alaska joins five other states in requiring ignition interlock devices for all, even first time, DUI offenders.
Were you arrested for AK DUI?
May 26, 2012
Rip Torn Hit With New DUI
Rip Torn has been charged with another DUI in Salisbury, Connecticut. Police report that Torn had just left the White Hart Inn and was driving on Route 44 in his Subaru with a Christmas tree on the roof. Unfortunately he was in the breakdown lane.
Torn failed part of a field sobriety test and refused to submit to a breath test, and he was booked on suspicion of drunk driving in Connecticut. The 77-year actor pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane.
This is Torn
May 26, 2012
Blood Tests Increasing During Texas DWI Arrests
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using a controversial tactic in their fight against drunk driving. Arresting officers are relying on search warrants to demand blood samples from motorists suspected of driving while intoxicated in Texas.
The effort is in reaction to motorists who refuse to submit to a breath test to check blood alcohol content. Such refusal is permissible under state law, though it hinders prosecution of Texas DWI cases because of a lack of evidence. The Texas DWI law states that a blood draw is appropriate for testing motorists who have a prior DWI conviction who have caused an accident with injury. However, both county sheriff
May 26, 2012
