"A Lake County teenager, who admitted in his [blog] online journal that he caused an accident which killed his best friend, pleaded guilty this morning to DUI-manslaughter."
DUI Attorney Florida
DUI Tampa Attorney - Driver in fatal DUI case shares story
"Every morning, Jessica L. thinks about the man she killed. She spends the rest of the day trying to forgive herself. It's been eight months since she left prison, but for the rest of her life she'll be branded: Felon. Youthful offender. Danger to society. Killer. For the rest of her life, she'll be haunted by the sight of that arm around the left front tire of her Toyota Celica. Four years ago, Leslie was celebrating her plans to join the U.S. Air Force.
Now she stands in front of 250 strangers the first Monday of the month and explains how she went from being vice president of Students Against Drunk Driving in high school to pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter. Sitting in the living room of her Delray Beach apartment, Leslie, 24, unflinchingly talks about the night she ended Patrick McDonough's life. "I had two beers and two shots," she said."
DUI Tampa Attorney
Now she stands in front of 250 strangers the first Monday of the month and explains how she went from being vice president of Students Against Drunk Driving in high school to pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter. Sitting in the living room of her Delray Beach apartment, Leslie, 24, unflinchingly talks about the night she ended Patrick McDonough's life. "I had two beers and two shots," she said."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Lawyers doubt breath test's accuracy
"Pinellas Attorneys began challenging breath test results Friday by using a tactic that has gotten drunken driving cases tossed out in three other Florida counties. During a hearing Friday, defense attorneys argued the machine that tests the breath of drivers suspected of driving under the influence may be inaccurate. Worse, they say, the company that makes the machine won't hand over computer codes that would help defense attorneys evaluate the machine's accuracy."
Drunk and Drugged Driving
"The Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Office of Drug Control are sponsoring high visibility DUI enforcement operations during the last three weeks of December as part of the Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month Enforcement Wave. State and local law enforcement agencies in all 67 Florida counties have been asked to participate in the DUI wave between December 10, 2005 and January 1, 2006."
Desoto Sun Herald
DUI Tampa Attorney
Desoto Sun Herald
DUI Tampa Attorney
Tampa DUI Take a Cab or a Tow Truck
"In 2004, the Florida Highway Patrol reported that 33.5 percent of all fatalities caused by car crashes were alcohol related. So far this year, one in four car crashes resulting in death in Leon County were alcohol related, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
Two programs designed to prevent folks who've had a little too much holiday cheer from getting behind the wheel are helping the statistics drop. The American Automobile Association and Budweiser's Tow to Go dispatches tow trucks to take tipsy car owners and their vehicles home, free of charge. Safe Ride, a service of Yellow Cab and Tri-Eagle Sales, allows bar and restaurant managers to use cabbies as designated drivers from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
In the past three years, both programs combined have kept more than 2,500 drunken drivers off the road.The Florida Highway Patrol Preliminary Fatality Report revealed that there were 37 deaths in some 29 crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend, three of which were alcohol related.
"Along with the combination of enforcement and education, the programs certainly do have an impact," said Lt. David Folsom, who supervises TPD's traffic unit. Both initiatives run through New Year's Day."
DUI Tampa Attorney
Two programs designed to prevent folks who've had a little too much holiday cheer from getting behind the wheel are helping the statistics drop. The American Automobile Association and Budweiser's Tow to Go dispatches tow trucks to take tipsy car owners and their vehicles home, free of charge. Safe Ride, a service of Yellow Cab and Tri-Eagle Sales, allows bar and restaurant managers to use cabbies as designated drivers from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
In the past three years, both programs combined have kept more than 2,500 drunken drivers off the road.The Florida Highway Patrol Preliminary Fatality Report revealed that there were 37 deaths in some 29 crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend, three of which were alcohol related.
"Along with the combination of enforcement and education, the programs certainly do have an impact," said Lt. David Folsom, who supervises TPD's traffic unit. Both initiatives run through New Year's Day."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa Law Enforcement Plans DUI Campaign
"State law enforcement agencies are mobilizing to save lives during the holiday season, using special DUI enforcement operations, from Saturday, Dec. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 1, to identify and arrest impaired drivers as part of Florida's You Drink; You Drive. You Lose.
Florida law enforcement agencies will be intensifying their efforts to apprehend impaired drivers during the mobilization period by conducting DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Law enforcement agencies will join forces during the mobilization to conduct special operations throughout their counties."
DUI Tampa Bay News
Florida law enforcement agencies will be intensifying their efforts to apprehend impaired drivers during the mobilization period by conducting DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Law enforcement agencies will join forces during the mobilization to conduct special operations throughout their counties."
DUI Tampa Bay News
Five Field Sobriety Tests
baynews9.com - News:
"A horizontal gaze nystagmus test. The driver is asked to follow the lighted red tip of a pen with his eyes, without moving his head. Law Enforcement says if a driver has been drinking his eyes will jerk, instead of following the light smoothly.
The nine steps test. The driver must walk a straight line heel-to-toe for nine steps, make a tight turn, and walk back nine steps.
Balancing on one leg. The driver stands on one foot for about 30 seconds.
Touching the nose. With hands at his side, the driver is asked to close his eyes, lean his head back, and touch his nose with the tip of each finger.
Reciting the alphabet. "
DUI Tampa Attorney
"A horizontal gaze nystagmus test. The driver is asked to follow the lighted red tip of a pen with his eyes, without moving his head. Law Enforcement says if a driver has been drinking his eyes will jerk, instead of following the light smoothly.
The nine steps test. The driver must walk a straight line heel-to-toe for nine steps, make a tight turn, and walk back nine steps.
Balancing on one leg. The driver stands on one foot for about 30 seconds.
Touching the nose. With hands at his side, the driver is asked to close his eyes, lean his head back, and touch his nose with the tip of each finger.
Reciting the alphabet. "
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa - DUI By the Numbers
baynews9.com - News : Declaring war on DUI
"1 Number of drinks needed for judgment to be impaired.
38 Percent of traffic deaths in Florida in 2004 that were alcohol-related.
150 Approximate number of Florida police officers with at least 100 DUI arrests in 2004.
$250 to $500 Fine imposed by the state for a first DUI conviction. A first-time DUI offender also faces probation, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and loss of his driver's license for six months.
1,222 Number of people who died in drinking and driving accidents in Florida in 2004.
1,579 Number of people nationwide who died in drinking and driving accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day in 2003.
17,000 Approximate number of people who die nationwide in drinking and driving accidents each year."
DUI Tampa Lawyer
"1 Number of drinks needed for judgment to be impaired.
38 Percent of traffic deaths in Florida in 2004 that were alcohol-related.
150 Approximate number of Florida police officers with at least 100 DUI arrests in 2004.
$250 to $500 Fine imposed by the state for a first DUI conviction. A first-time DUI offender also faces probation, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and loss of his driver's license for six months.
1,222 Number of people who died in drinking and driving accidents in Florida in 2004.
1,579 Number of people nationwide who died in drinking and driving accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day in 2003.
17,000 Approximate number of people who die nationwide in drinking and driving accidents each year."
DUI Tampa Lawyer
DUI Tampa Attorney - DUI Crackdown Underway
"Anyone on the road between now and January 1, especially at night and early in the morning, is likely to see more police cruisers on the road. A statewide DUI crackdown is underway."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa - Cities lose out on DUI revenue
Money from criminal traffic cases now goes to the county. Tampa lost almost $1-million.: "The money stopped coming more than a year ago, but many Florida cities are just figuring it out.
Tens of millions of dollars in fines from DUI and criminal traffic cases that once went to cities and towns go to county clerks instead. It's a result of 2004 legislation that put the state in charge of running Florida's courts.
The significant losses have prompted some city officials to question whether expensive and time-consuming DUI patrols can continue as a high priority without revenue to pay for them. 'In theory, we are going to still enforce DUI laws, but it does send a message that maybe it's not as important,' said Clearwater City Council member Bill Jonson.
DUI enforcement "takes so much time, so much money, to get nothing in return from it. That's tough," he said. DUI cases are among the most difficult police investigations, Wierzba said. This month, for instance, the Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office will challenge the accuracy of the machines that test the blood-alcohol count of suspected drunken drivers. An average DUI arrest takes three officer hours. Clearwater police made 580 DUI arrests in 2004. Fines in DUI cases can range from $250 to $2,000."
SP Times
DUI Tampa Attorney
Tens of millions of dollars in fines from DUI and criminal traffic cases that once went to cities and towns go to county clerks instead. It's a result of 2004 legislation that put the state in charge of running Florida's courts.
The significant losses have prompted some city officials to question whether expensive and time-consuming DUI patrols can continue as a high priority without revenue to pay for them. 'In theory, we are going to still enforce DUI laws, but it does send a message that maybe it's not as important,' said Clearwater City Council member Bill Jonson.
DUI enforcement "takes so much time, so much money, to get nothing in return from it. That's tough," he said. DUI cases are among the most difficult police investigations, Wierzba said. This month, for instance, the Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office will challenge the accuracy of the machines that test the blood-alcohol count of suspected drunken drivers. An average DUI arrest takes three officer hours. Clearwater police made 580 DUI arrests in 2004. Fines in DUI cases can range from $250 to $2,000."
SP Times
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Felons to Regain Civil Rights
Jeb Bush on DUI Rights: The "Executive Clemency Board has streamlined the clemency process to ensure that those individuals who have served their time and become contributing members of society have their civil rights restored in a fair and timely manner. The board has instituted many rule changes, eliminating certain crimes from the list disqualifying an applicant from applying for restoration of civil rights. For example, it allows restoration of rights without a hearing for offenses such as racketeering and felony DUI convictions that had required a hearing. "
Posted by Jeb Bush
DUI Tampa Attorney
Posted by Jeb Bush
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa - Law To Curb DUIs
12/8/2005 - A Law That Might Work To Curb DUIs - Opinion - Chattanoogan.com: "A Law That Might Work To Curb DUIs
It seems that I heard of a new law, or proposed new law, in Florida that addresses drunk driving. If someone is convicted of DWI then his/her license plate on their vehicle will be changed. The first three letters will be 'DUI' followed by the appropriate numbers. If the police see a vehicle on the road with these letters, they are allowed to stop the driver and test them, then and there, for intoxication. Their car license can be taken away and they can be jailed if they are convicted again of DUI. "
It seems that I heard of a new law, or proposed new law, in Florida that addresses drunk driving. If someone is convicted of DWI then his/her license plate on their vehicle will be changed. The first three letters will be 'DUI' followed by the appropriate numbers. If the police see a vehicle on the road with these letters, they are allowed to stop the driver and test them, then and there, for intoxication. Their car license can be taken away and they can be jailed if they are convicted again of DUI. "
Holiday Advice for Drinking and Not Driving
baynews9.com: "There is not a cab fare in the world that could ever affect you as emotionally and financially as a DUI or DWI. So, select a designated driver or take a cab. Don't just make the responsible choice for yourself; do it for those law-biding citizens who may fall victim to your poor choices."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa Holiday Party Tips
baynews9.com - News: "Tips for preventing intoxication and injuries and accidents on our roadways:
Serve a variety of beverages; not everyone drinks alcoholic beverages. In addition to alcohol, serve non-alcoholic fruit punch, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Prepare high protein food: cheeses, meats, hard-boiled or deviled eggs, seafood, fresh vegetables. Protein foods slow absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. But avoid thinking that you can drink more because you're eating protein foods.
Avoid too many crackers and chips; they speed up alcohol entry into the bloodstream and increase the blood alcohol level at a faster rate.
Serve only coffee and tea and non-alcoholic beverages during the last hour of your party. This will allow some of your heavier drinkers an opportunity to eat and reduce their blood alcohol levels.
It is your responsibility to arrange for an intoxicated guest to arrive home safely. Drive him home, call a taxi, or have another guest take him home.
Don't feel bad singling people out to be 'cut off' from the bar. Consider asking them to eat before having more beverages or make them far weaker drinks than they would make themselves.
If you have a guest who is hovering by the bar and emptying the Bacardi bottle, then remove it. "
Serve a variety of beverages; not everyone drinks alcoholic beverages. In addition to alcohol, serve non-alcoholic fruit punch, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Prepare high protein food: cheeses, meats, hard-boiled or deviled eggs, seafood, fresh vegetables. Protein foods slow absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. But avoid thinking that you can drink more because you're eating protein foods.
Avoid too many crackers and chips; they speed up alcohol entry into the bloodstream and increase the blood alcohol level at a faster rate.
Serve only coffee and tea and non-alcoholic beverages during the last hour of your party. This will allow some of your heavier drinkers an opportunity to eat and reduce their blood alcohol levels.
It is your responsibility to arrange for an intoxicated guest to arrive home safely. Drive him home, call a taxi, or have another guest take him home.
Don't feel bad singling people out to be 'cut off' from the bar. Consider asking them to eat before having more beverages or make them far weaker drinks than they would make themselves.
If you have a guest who is hovering by the bar and emptying the Bacardi bottle, then remove it. "
DUI Refusal Breath Test
baynews9.com - News : On the hunt for drivers under the influence: "Refusal to submit to a required breath, urine, or blood test will result in:
At least six and possibly 12 months' suspension of the driver's license
Prosecution for DUI"
At least six and possibly 12 months' suspension of the driver's license
Prosecution for DUI"
Second Time Offenders
baynews9.com - News : On the hunt for drivers under the influence: "Second-time offenders face the following possible, even stricter, punishment:
Mandatory terms of imprisonment
Increased fines and revocation periods
Mandatory attendance of a substance abuse education course"
Mandatory terms of imprisonment
Increased fines and revocation periods
Mandatory attendance of a substance abuse education course"
DUI Tampa - First Time Offenders
baynews9.com - News : On the hunt for drivers under the influence: "First-time offenders face the following possible punishment:
A minimum fine of $250
Imprisonment for up to six months
At least 50 hours of community service
At least six months' revocation of the driver's license
Mandatory attendance of a substance abuse education course"
A minimum fine of $250
Imprisonment for up to six months
At least 50 hours of community service
At least six months' revocation of the driver's license
Mandatory attendance of a substance abuse education course"
Arcadia DUI Enforcement
The Arcadia Police Department will conduct DUI enforcement operations during the holidays to identify and arrest impaired drivers as part of Florida's "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" DUI enforcement. "Florida recorded 15 alcohol-related traffic deaths during the official Christmas holiday period last year," said Arcadia City Marshal Charles Lee. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that this holiday season is safer."
The "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" program runs from Saturday through Jan. 1. Law enforcement agencies across Florida are mobilizing to save lives.
In Arcadia, a DUI patrol and checkpoint is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17, Dec. 23 and 24 and Dec. 30 and 31. The checkpoint will begin at 8 p.m. and end at 2 p.m. It will take place near State Road 70 and Parker Avenue. Additional operations may be scheduled.
DUI Arcadia FL
The "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" program runs from Saturday through Jan. 1. Law enforcement agencies across Florida are mobilizing to save lives.
In Arcadia, a DUI patrol and checkpoint is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17, Dec. 23 and 24 and Dec. 30 and 31. The checkpoint will begin at 8 p.m. and end at 2 p.m. It will take place near State Road 70 and Parker Avenue. Additional operations may be scheduled.
DUI Arcadia FL
DUI Lawyer - Crystal River against DUIs
"CRYSTAL RIVER - The Police Department will participate in a national program to combat drunken driving Saturday through Jan. 1. The department received a $78,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to address alcohol-involved crashes, which make up about 15 percent of the crashes in the city. This year, Crystal River has investigated one alcohol-related fatality. 'We are committed to making sure Crystal River citizens can enjoy the holiday season without the trauma of a fatality crash,' police Chief Steven Burch stated. The department will conduct a DUI saturation patrol Dec. 16, as well as deploy additional officers on New Year's Eve."
DUI Lawyer Crystal River
DUI Lawyer Crystal River
DUI - Legal fight centers on breath tests
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
"A heated battle in Seminole over DUI evidence, a state attorney seeks changes to the law. . . .
Saying a Seminole County judge has gone too far and is putting the public in danger, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is pressing Florida legislators to revise the state's drunken-driving law during its five-day special session this week. It was unclear Monday whether anyone would introduce his bill, and Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, said there was virtually no chance the item would be added to the session's agenda. Wolfinger, whose territory covers Seminole and Brevard counties, asked for the change Friday evening, three days after Seminole County Judge Ralph Eriksson threw out all the evidence against a 27-year-old Casselberry man arrested on a drunken-driving charge. That move was the latest and most aggressive by Eriksson, one of four Seminole County judges who since January have thrown out hundreds of breath-alcohol readings, saying Wolfinger's office is withholding evidence. That evidence is the computerized source code at the heart of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the breath-alcohol machine used by every law-enforcement office in the state."
"A heated battle in Seminole over DUI evidence, a state attorney seeks changes to the law. . . .
Saying a Seminole County judge has gone too far and is putting the public in danger, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is pressing Florida legislators to revise the state's drunken-driving law during its five-day special session this week. It was unclear Monday whether anyone would introduce his bill, and Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, said there was virtually no chance the item would be added to the session's agenda. Wolfinger, whose territory covers Seminole and Brevard counties, asked for the change Friday evening, three days after Seminole County Judge Ralph Eriksson threw out all the evidence against a 27-year-old Casselberry man arrested on a drunken-driving charge. That move was the latest and most aggressive by Eriksson, one of four Seminole County judges who since January have thrown out hundreds of breath-alcohol readings, saying Wolfinger's office is withholding evidence. That evidence is the computerized source code at the heart of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the breath-alcohol machine used by every law-enforcement office in the state."
DUI - Legal fight centers on breath tests
"A heated battle in Seminole over DUI evidence, a state attorney seeks changes to the law. . . .
Saying a Seminole County judge has gone too far and is putting the public in danger, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is pressing Florida legislators to revise the state's drunken-driving law during its five-day special session this week. It was unclear Monday whether anyone would introduce his bill, and Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, said there was virtually no chance the item would be added to the session's agenda. Wolfinger, whose territory covers Seminole and Brevard counties, asked for the change Friday evening, three days after Seminole County Judge Ralph Eriksson threw out all the evidence against a 27-year-old Casselberry man arrested on a drunken-driving charge. That move was the latest and most aggressive by Eriksson, one of four Seminole County judges who since January have thrown out hundreds of breath-alcohol readings, saying Wolfinger's office is withholding evidence. That evidence is the computerized source code at the heart of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the breath-alcohol machine used by every law-enforcement office in the state."
DUI Tampa
Saying a Seminole County judge has gone too far and is putting the public in danger, State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is pressing Florida legislators to revise the state's drunken-driving law during its five-day special session this week. It was unclear Monday whether anyone would introduce his bill, and Russell Schweiss, a spokesman for Gov. Jeb Bush, said there was virtually no chance the item would be added to the session's agenda. Wolfinger, whose territory covers Seminole and Brevard counties, asked for the change Friday evening, three days after Seminole County Judge Ralph Eriksson threw out all the evidence against a 27-year-old Casselberry man arrested on a drunken-driving charge. That move was the latest and most aggressive by Eriksson, one of four Seminole County judges who since January have thrown out hundreds of breath-alcohol readings, saying Wolfinger's office is withholding evidence. That evidence is the computerized source code at the heart of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the breath-alcohol machine used by every law-enforcement office in the state."
DUI Tampa
Plan for Drunk Driving Should Crash Into a Tree - Opinion
"The sponsor of the Pink Tag for DUI drivers is an interesting character. He sponsored a bill that required all public school classroom American flags to be a certain size, even though most already had different dimensions, and then didn't give any funding to actually purchase them. Be thankful he isn't our president; if he were, he would probably order all stop signs to be changed to square-shaped (honestly, who likes a square)? and make everyone wear a nametag to increase flirt-ability among his constituents, only he wouldn't pay for the metal or birth control pills, respectively."
The Knight News
The Knight News
DUI Convictions in Florida
"In Florida, about 840,000 drivers have DUI convictions on the driving records."
Central Kentucky News-Journal
DUI Tampa Attorney
Central Kentucky News-Journal
DUI Tampa Attorney
Sheriffs Meet At Cemetery To Send Grave Message
"The top cops in Northeast Florida met in a somber place Thursday morning to send home a serious message.
Jacksonville's sheriff, John Rutherford, as well as the sheriffs of Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties held a conference at a Clay County cemetery in order to make their message -- that driving under the influence kills -- perfectly clear.
“Our ’wolf pack’ is back, and we are also going to be having DUI checkpoints on our major throughfares,” Rutherford said.
“We are encouraging all of our officers to look at traffic as a serious matter and aggressively enforce traffic laws,” Beseler said."
DUI Florida Lawyer
Jacksonville's sheriff, John Rutherford, as well as the sheriffs of Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties held a conference at a Clay County cemetery in order to make their message -- that driving under the influence kills -- perfectly clear.
“Our ’wolf pack’ is back, and we are also going to be having DUI checkpoints on our major throughfares,” Rutherford said.
“We are encouraging all of our officers to look at traffic as a serious matter and aggressively enforce traffic laws,” Beseler said."
DUI Florida Lawyer
DUI Penalty - Man gets 20 years for crash that killed 2
"A DeLand man who downed 11 shots of gin then crashed his car into another, killing two people, should spend more than 20 years in jail, a judge said Friday.
[The Man] was sentenced for the deaths of [two]. Another passenger was paralyzed in the high-speed crash two years ago in Spring Hill, near DeLand.
"I don't think [theman] is necessarily a bad person; however, I did not see any remorse until today," Circuit Judge S. James Foxman said as he ordered [the man] locked up for 20 1/2 years on two counts of DUI manslaugher."
Daytona Beach News Journal
DUI Tampa Attorney
[The Man] was sentenced for the deaths of [two]. Another passenger was paralyzed in the high-speed crash two years ago in Spring Hill, near DeLand.
"I don't think [theman] is necessarily a bad person; however, I did not see any remorse until today," Circuit Judge S. James Foxman said as he ordered [the man] locked up for 20 1/2 years on two counts of DUI manslaugher."
Daytona Beach News Journal
DUI Tampa Attorney
Validity of DUI test device at issue
By CHRIS TISCH, Times Staff Writer
"LARGO - The Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office is challenging the accuracy of the machines that test the blood-alcohol count of suspected drunken drivers. The machines' accuracy has been contested in several other Florida counties with mixed results. In at least two counties, court rulings have blocked the use of breath test results against DUI defendants.
In several other counties, including Hillsborough, judges have denied the challenge."
"LARGO - The Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office is challenging the accuracy of the machines that test the blood-alcohol count of suspected drunken drivers. The machines' accuracy has been contested in several other Florida counties with mixed results. In at least two counties, court rulings have blocked the use of breath test results against DUI defendants.
In several other counties, including Hillsborough, judges have denied the challenge."
DUI Tampa - Thanksgiving Update from FHP
Sun-Sentinel.com
"The Florida Highway Patrol announced ... troopers arrested 88 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (D.U.I.), issued 7,368 tickets for speed violations, 1,586 tickets for safety belt violations and assisted 3,587 motorists on Florida's highways.">FHP reports 37 deaths in Florida over Thanksgiving holiday."
DUI Tampa Attorney
"The Florida Highway Patrol announced ... troopers arrested 88 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (D.U.I.), issued 7,368 tickets for speed violations, 1,586 tickets for safety belt violations and assisted 3,587 motorists on Florida's highways.">FHP reports 37 deaths in Florida over Thanksgiving holiday."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa - USF Study: Designated drivers not so sober
By Elise Bouchard of the USF Oracle
"When it comes to going out and drinking with friends, most students are capable of securing a designated driver. But according to a USF study, most of these students are putting their lives in the hands of 'less drunk' rather than 'sober' drivers. A group of public relations students, led by assistant professor Kelly Werder, conducted surveys and focus-group research for the Tampa Alcohol Coalition and found most USF students think a DUI has the same consequential impact as a speeding ticket. "
DUI Tampa Attorney
"When it comes to going out and drinking with friends, most students are capable of securing a designated driver. But according to a USF study, most of these students are putting their lives in the hands of 'less drunk' rather than 'sober' drivers. A group of public relations students, led by assistant professor Kelly Werder, conducted surveys and focus-group research for the Tampa Alcohol Coalition and found most USF students think a DUI has the same consequential impact as a speeding ticket. "
DUI Tampa Attorney
Florida DUI Standard Jury Instruction - Presumptions
1. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.05 or less, you shall presume that the defendant was not under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired.
2. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level in excess of 0.05 but less than 0.08, you may consider that evidence with other competent evidence in determining whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired; or
3. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more, that evidence would be sufficient by itself to establish that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired. However, such evidence may be contradicted or rebutted by other evidence demonstrating that the defendant was not under the influence to the extent that [his][her] normal faculties were impaired.
These presumptions may be considered along with any other evidence presented in deciding whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired.
DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer
2. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level in excess of 0.05 but less than 0.08, you may consider that evidence with other competent evidence in determining whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired; or
3. If you find from the evidence that the defendant had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more, that evidence would be sufficient by itself to establish that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired. However, such evidence may be contradicted or rebutted by other evidence demonstrating that the defendant was not under the influence to the extent that [his][her] normal faculties were impaired.
These presumptions may be considered along with any other evidence presented in deciding whether the defendant was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired.
DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer
Florida DUI Standard Jury Instruction
DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
F.S. 316.193
To prove the crime of driving under the influence the state must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) drove or was in actual physical control of a vehicle.
2. While driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle (defendant)
Give 2a or b as applicable
a. was under the influence of [alcoholic beverages] [a chemical substance] [a controlled substance] to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired or
b. had a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or a breach-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer
F.S. 316.193
To prove the crime of driving under the influence the state must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) drove or was in actual physical control of a vehicle.
2. While driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle (defendant)
Give 2a or b as applicable
a. was under the influence of [alcoholic beverages] [a chemical substance] [a controlled substance] to the extent that [his] [her] normal faculties were impaired or
b. had a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or a breach-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
DUI Tampa Attorney Florida Lawyer
DUI Tampa Attorney - On lookout for drunken drivers
Osceola County law-enforcement agencies are planning a series of drunken-driving crackdowns through the holidays. The Sheriff's Office plans to conduct a DUI saturation patrol tonight between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. as part of the 'You Drink & Drive, You Lose' campaign. Sheriff's officials want people who intend to drink to make arrangements to get home safely, said sheriff's spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain, such as using a designated driver, public transportation or a taxi.
The Kissimmee Police Department is planning its special DUI enforcement operations to begin Dec. 10 and run through New Year's. 'Florida recorded 15 alcohol-related traffic deaths during the official Christmas holiday period last year,' said Kissimmee police spokesman Officer Ralph Herrera. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure that this holiday season is safer.'
In St. Cloud, the Police Department plans to conduct several DUI roadblocks between now and New Year's Eve. The department also will have roving patrols look for impaired drivers. Targeted areas include 10th and 13th Streets, Lake Shore Drive and Canoe Creek Road, the Police Department said."
Orlando Sentinel
DUI Tampa Attorney
The Kissimmee Police Department is planning its special DUI enforcement operations to begin Dec. 10 and run through New Year's. 'Florida recorded 15 alcohol-related traffic deaths during the official Christmas holiday period last year,' said Kissimmee police spokesman Officer Ralph Herrera. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure that this holiday season is safer.'
In St. Cloud, the Police Department plans to conduct several DUI roadblocks between now and New Year's Eve. The department also will have roving patrols look for impaired drivers. Targeted areas include 10th and 13th Streets, Lake Shore Drive and Canoe Creek Road, the Police Department said."
Orlando Sentinel
DUI Tampa Attorney
Zebra owner pleads guilty to DUI
DUI Tampa - "A woman pleaded guilty Monday to driving drunk when she clipped shrubs, a fire hydrant and a light pole a week after zebras escaped from her animal compound.
The escaped zebras, hit by a sport utility vehicle, had to be euthanized."
DUI Tampa Attorney
The escaped zebras, hit by a sport utility vehicle, had to be euthanized."
DUI Tampa Attorney
DUI Tampa - Should all offenders have plate colorized to crime?
Pink DUI license plates are a joke because there are so many people committing various crimes. Why not have shades of every color for every crime? Law enforcement will need a score sheet to keep track. Unless all convicted lawbreakers get a special license plate, I will vote against any politician who favors this ridiculous proposed law. Should people who have been convicted of various crimes have a different license plate for each of their crimes? They might need a billboard. And don't forget to pick on the smokers. They should have special license plates, too, according to the brand they smoke.
Barbara M. - Largo
Barbara M. - Largo
DUI Tampa Lawyer - Pink plates great; pink car better for DUI drivers
I support state Sen. Mike Fasano's effort to help with impaired drivers. I like the pink plates idea, but to really make these drivers visible in traffic, I suggest we paint the whole vehicle pink. Enough said.
C.G. Zephyrhills
C.G. Zephyrhills
DUI Tampa - It's Gameday and Alcohol is Plentiful
"It's 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, more than 11 hours before the start of the Georgia-Auburn football game, and Justin Nichols is in the Five Points Bottle Shop buying a half-gallon of tequila and some margarita mix. Next he'll pick up his girlfriend and meet his friends to tailgate. They'll begin drinking immediately. . . .
It's 2:30 a.m., and students are leaving the bars. A line of people snakes down the sidewalk outside The Grill, a 24-hour diner. In the next hour a 21-year-old will be stabbed after leaving a Broad Street bar. An Auburn student will take off his clothes and streak through downtown. At the jail, police process arrests through the night. The tally: 30 arrests for underage possession, 15 for having an open container of alcohol, 12 for public intoxication or disorderly conduct, two for DUI, two for fake identification and two for public indecency."
DUI Tampa Attorney from the Gainesville Sun
It's 2:30 a.m., and students are leaving the bars. A line of people snakes down the sidewalk outside The Grill, a 24-hour diner. In the next hour a 21-year-old will be stabbed after leaving a Broad Street bar. An Auburn student will take off his clothes and streak through downtown. At the jail, police process arrests through the night. The tally: 30 arrests for underage possession, 15 for having an open container of alcohol, 12 for public intoxication or disorderly conduct, two for DUI, two for fake identification and two for public indecency."
DUI Tampa Attorney from the Gainesville Sun
DUI Tampa - Do The DUI Hokey Pokey
"Playing the DUI Hokey Pokey
Police, scientists squaring off over field sobriety tests
By Brigid Schulte, The Washington Post
Stand up! Heels together. Toes out. Hands at your sides. Raise the leg of your choice in front of you, 6 inches off the ground, leg straight, toe pointed. Keep your eyes on your raised toe and begin counting aloud from 1,001 until I say stop.
One thousand one. One thousand two ...
Some dark night on the side of the road, police car lights flashing in your peripheral vision, your freedom might depend on how well you do this. "
Police, scientists squaring off over field sobriety tests
By Brigid Schulte, The Washington Post
Stand up! Heels together. Toes out. Hands at your sides. Raise the leg of your choice in front of you, 6 inches off the ground, leg straight, toe pointed. Keep your eyes on your raised toe and begin counting aloud from 1,001 until I say stop.
One thousand one. One thousand two ...
Some dark night on the side of the road, police car lights flashing in your peripheral vision, your freedom might depend on how well you do this. "
Florida DUI Law and Open Source - From Slashdot
"Florida court this Friday will hear arguments in a case where the accuracy of a breathalyzer is being scrutinized because the manufacturer refuses to release the source code. A state court ruling last year said that accused drunk drivers are entitled to receive details about the inner workings of the 'mystical machine' that determined their guilt, and defense attorneys are now using that ruling to open up the device's source code."
Tampa Florida DUI Lawyer Attorney
Tampa Florida DUI Lawyer Attorney
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