There are a variety of situations where a police officer may stop and pull over a driver. In some of these instances, these drivers may also be arrested. If someone is determined to be driving under the influence, they will be arrested. This is also the case with many vehicle accidents, particularly when someone is injured or dies as a result. If any of these situations occur, it is important to contact an attorney.
The Prevalence of Drunk Driving
On a daily basis, it has been determined that approximately 300,000 people drive while under the influence. Less than 4,000 of these individually are arrested, however. Prior to their arrest, the average drunk driver will have driven while under the influence about 80 times.
A Brief Overview of Vehicular Accidents and Fatalities
Someone is injured in a drunk driving accident every 2 minutes. In 2013, for example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were 32,894 deaths that resulted from motor vehicle crashes. During the following year, in 2014, 6,400 people were injured, while approximately 90 people died every day. The total number of deaths was 32,675 for this year, and while this does represent a 0.7% decrease from 2013, this is still an exorbitant number.
A Brief Overview of Distracted Driving
It has been shown that during any given moment during the day, there are 660.000 drivers using their cell phones and/or otherwise manipulating electronic devices while they are driving. Distracted drivers are also engaged in other visual-manual tasks such as reaching for their phones, dialing numbers, and texting.
When drivers use these devices when they should be focused on the task of driving, they have 3 times the risk of being in and/or causing a crash. If these individuals are also driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, this can cause even more risk to themselves and others on the road.
What to Do When Being Charged With a Crime
If you’re not sure what to do if you are charged with a crime, it’s important to contact a legal defense team and obtain counsel from a DUI lawyer. Whether you were driving under the influence, driving while distracted, or involved in a vehicular accident, a DUI lawyer will listen to your accounting of the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
Your Amendment Rights
Are you familiar with the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Constitutional Amendments? The Fifth Amendment is intended to protect you against self-incrimination. This basically means that you have the right to remain silent if you choose to do so. It also protects you against double jeopardy, which means that you can’t be prosecuted for the same offense a second time if you’ve already been acquitted.
The Sixth Amendment provides you with the right to have legal representation, or counsel. It also provides you with the right to have a speedy trial and to confront any witnesses to the crime.
You have the right to reasonable bail under the Eighth Amendment. Furthermore, you also have the right under this amendment not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment.
Were you aware that covering the costs of a DUI conviction can amount to $20,000 or even more? If you’re facing criminal charges due to being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, then you need to obtain the services of a DUI lawyer. In addition to providing you with legal advice, a DUI lawyer will be able to explain your rights and responsibilities under the law.