Celebrities are People Too: The Unwanted Spotlight

ALLPICS CUFFED Celebrities are People Too: The Unwanted Spotlight

Celebrities are People Too: The Unwanted Spotlight

Although being a celebrity can sometimes provide insulation from dealing with serious legal issues, it does not remove the embarrassment of having a DUI arrest publicized around the world. However, this has not prevented a long list of celebrities from being arrested while driving under the influence, and some well-known stars have even made this mistake multiple times.

Five Notable Celebrity DUI Arrests

1. Randy Travis – On August 7, 2012, country superstar Randy Travis was arrested for a DUI after Texas police officers found him lying naked in the road near the scene of his crashed vehicle. According to the toxicology report, Travis’ blood alcohol content was 0.15, and this is almost double the legal limit. Officers had to lend Travis a pair of scrubs for him to make his way home after his release so that he would not violate public nudity laws.

2. Amanda Bynes – The former child star had a very difficult legal year in 2012 due to two DUI arrests. The first incident would have been embarrassing for anyone because Bynes ended up in custody as the result of hitting a police car in West Hollywood. Bynes went on to strike another vehicle less than a month later, but she vigorously protested against media reports that indicated she was drunk at the time of the second accident.

3. Thomas Gibson – The star of “Criminal Minds” was arrested for a DUI in 2013, and it was obvious that he was definitely not making good decisions due to the fact that he was caught attempting to drive in an area that had been closed off for a half marathon. Situations like this one help highlight the fact that no one is able to make wise decisions when they are legally intoxicated.

4. Sally Struthers – Many people are unaware that they can end up being arrested for a DUI even if they are not actually driving. This happened to Struthers in September 2012 when a Maine police officer found her sitting behind the wheel of a parked car after viewing a performance of the “9 to 5″ musical. In a situation like this one, it definitely would have been much better for Struthers to either try to sober up in the back seat or call a taxi to take her home.

5. Josh Brent – This NFL player was arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence and intoxication manslaughter due to the fact that one of his teammates died as a result of Brent’s negligence. The shocking case called attention to the fact that the NFL has a long history of DUIs and other alcohol-related problems, and it also caused members of the media to call upon the professional sporting organization to take a harder stance against drinking and driving.

6. Justin Beiber- According to the blog of Steve Kellis, a Philadelphia DUI lawyer, the teen idol was arrested in January of 2014 for driving under the influence. Officers pulled him over and administered a field sobriety test. Since he is underage, he faces even stiffer penalties.

As you can see, no one is impervious to the risk of being arrested for a DUI. In fact, one of the former mayors of Trainer Borough, Pennsylvania, ended up resigning after being arrested for three DUIs. If you find yourself dealing with this legal situation, it is imperative to contact a local DUI attorney to help you build a solid defense.

Writer Melanie Fleury has seen many people close to her suffer when a loved one is arrested for a DUI. She searched the website of Steve Kellis to learn more about what options are available to those who find themselves in this type of situation.

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Tags: Celebrities, DUI

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Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Deadly Cocktail

ALLPICS RED BULL Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Deadly Cocktail

Energy Drinks And Alcohol: A Deadly Cocktail

The combination of energy drinks and alcohol was a trend that first started in Europe. As it spread toward the United States, it gained popularity with the younger generation. While the mixture of the two beverages is supposed to retain a heightened energy level throughout the evening in tandem with the soothing effects of alcohol, you’ll find the dangers to be significant.

Nervous System Distress

The stimulating effects of energy drinks combined with alcohol’s depressants can pose serious conflict within the human body. While it may deceptively provide an energetic boost, you’ll find the results of alcohol to be the same. The end result being that the alcohol intake of the body can surpass what is normal to consume. This can lead to poor decision making skills and alcohol poisoning. As the highs of the energy drink begin to subside, the effects of your alcohol consumption can appear strengthened more obvious.

Cardiac Issues

Ginseng and Taurine are common stimulants found in many of today’s energy beverages. When mixed with alcohol, you’ll find the combination to contribute to a rapid heart rate, palpitations and high blood pressure. While the symptoms are typical when taking an energy drink alone, you’ll find that the combination of alcohol to significantly heighten the body’s cardiac health complications. This can be especially deadly for individuals who may already be experiencing health complications.

Impaired Decision

Alcohol alone can contribute to poor decision making skills, especially when consumed in large quantities. Unfortunately, college age students who combined both the energy drinks and alcohol were found to be twice as likely to become impaired. Poor decisions can include driving while intoxicated, sex with unknown partners and other life altering choices.

Energy Drinks, Alcohol and DUI

The primary concern with mixing energy drinks and alcohol is the deception that the beverages provide enough stimulation to handle everyday tasks such as driving. You may even think that you’ve become less impaired than what you’re actually feeling. If you think that you’re sober enough to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you could be facing an accident with injuries, fatalities or the consequences of a DUI.

As expressed by a DUI lawyer San Bernardino residents rely on,”A DUI charge is a serious matter, and it can result in anything from jail time and a revoked license to job loss and fines.” The repercussions are endless. You could also injure or kill yourself or other innocent victims on the open roadway.

Dehydration and Hangovers

Both alcohol and energy drinks have been proven to cause dry mouth and dehydration. However, the effects of combining the two together can be severe, making the dehydration process quicker and more forceful. Since dehydration plays a key role in your level of a hangover, you could be feeling the after effects from the mixture at heightened levels.

The US Food and Drug Administration enacted a ban on alcoholic energy drinks to keep the public safe. However, many of today’s younger generation seem to be concocting their own versions of the beverages to retain that euphoric high. While it may help them achieve their ultimate goal, you’ll find the dangers to be extremely hazardous to your mental and physical state.

Nadine Swayne presents this article to warn those who imbibe in this dangerous concoction. While gathering material for this article online, she searched the words, DUI lawyer San Bernardino, and found the inside story on DUI and energy drink cocktails.

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Hot Holiday Parties: How Many Drinks Is Too Many Drinks?

ALLPICS DRINK GROUP Hot Holiday Parties: How Many Drinks Is Too Many Drinks?

Hot Holiday Parties: How Many Drinks Is Too Many Drinks?

The Holidays, for many people are the busiest social season of the year. It is the time of year we all get together, our calendars are full, and it seems that every evening there’s a social gathering or fancy affair of some sort. Between all the parties, dinners, and soirees it can be easy to over indulge in alcohol during the holiday season.

Drinking habits around this season increase so much in fact, that many police departments place an increased emphasis on making DUI arrests during this time of the year. Camaraderie and cocktails are the things we most look forward to at holiday parties, but parties should be pleasurable affairs and you want to ensure that you enjoy the holiday season smartly and safely.

Why Do So Many People Overindulge at Holiday Parties?

Whether you are attending a family get-together or the office holiday function, the odds are high that alcoholic beverages will be flowing freely. The effortless availability alone is enough to encourage many people to drink, and the added stress of being in a social situation can also make drinking seem like a better idea. Once you get started one drink becomes many drinks and suddenly you’re consuming alcohol without realizing you have far exceeded your personal limits.

Keep in mind that the average adult woman is considered legally intoxicated after having only two drinks within an hour, and the average man three drinks. In other words, you could be drunk and not even know it. While the temptation to indulge may be high you run the risk of an evening that doesn’t end well.

The Dangers Of Having Too Much To Drink

When we think of getting drunk the first thought that comes to most minds is fear of a getting pulled over. According to the Steven E. Kellis law firm, ”a DUI is in fact considered a misdemeanor and carries stiff penalties.” In addition to the fact that drinking too much could can lead to serious consequences such as DUI’s, it is also important to note that there are often social and personal repercussions associated with over doing it at a holiday party.

For example, getting drunk at a work function is a major offense, as a rule being inebriated in front of your boss is a generally an all around bad idea. You could end up saying or doing something damaging to your career.

Another potential danger to consider unfortunately is, having too much to drink can put you in a compromising position with other individuals who are interested in taking advantage of you. Acts of drunkenness… it makes the most sense to simply avoid overindulging.

How Can I Curb The Urge To Drink?

If you typically enjoy drinking during social situations such as holiday parties here are few tips you can follow to help you enjoy yourself without over doing it.

Firstly set a limit. It’s important to know just how many is too many and this is different for everyone. You may want to ask the bartender to cut you off after a specific number of drinks or go to parties with a responsible friend you know will keep you from crossing the line.

Also important when you plan to attend a party where drinks will be involved is making sure you nourish your stomach. It may be tempting to skip eating to save calories, but a lack of food in your system causes you to become drunk much faster. Not eating before hand is a one-way ticket to drunkenness and one almighty hangover.

Another helpful tip is to stretch your drink, sip don’t chug. Alcohol is meant to be savored and enjoyed. Taste your drink as you swallow it, appreciate both the flavor and the aroma. You should be drinking for enjoyment not for inebriation.

Finally, a good rule of thumb is to alternate one nonalcoholic beverage per cocktail. Rotate between drinks with other refreshments like soda or water. It may also be helpful to dilute your alcoholic beverages with a ample dose of a mixer such as juice.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with a drink or two when drinking responsibly.We all love to have a good time and the holiday season is cause to let a little loose and knock back a few. Figure out your sweet spot and don’t over do it. It’ll help you skip the hangover and the embarrassment later.

Nadine Swayne is a freelance writer focused on information about personal safety. Research for more information about her own accident lead her to the website of Steven E. Kellis, which helped explain it in legal terms.

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Tags: drinking, DUI, holiday parties

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Break From Boredom - Not From Common Sense

ALLPICS VACA DRIVE Break From Boredom Not From Common Sense

Break From Boredom - Not From Common Sense

A vacation any time of the year is a welcome departure from our daily lives. A break from demanding jobs, a break from schoolwork, and a change in scenery all function to help us rejuvenate and recharge our batteries. During the cold winter months, a trip to a beach can help us feel better, both physically and mentally. If you are planning a vacation to the beaches of sunny Florida this winter, here are a few tips to keep in mind to get the most out of your vacation.

Plan Ahead

If you are traveling when everyone else is (i.e. spring break, holidays) you will want to plan ahead to make the most out of your experience. Florida beaches are a popular destination for people wanting a break from their daily routines, so you will want to book your hotel, and flights well in advance. You may even want to book your car rental ahead of time, too, so you will have the most choices in vehicles to accommodate your family and luggage.

Enjoy Everything in Moderation

Being on vacation may mean you are also on vacation from your diet and exercise routine. Even though you may not be going to the gym while you and your family are enjoying a few days lounging on the beach, you don’t have to throw your healthy lifestyle out the window.Maybe you’ll be eating dinner out, and indulging yourself in a bigger meal than usual, having a few cocktails, and perhaps even eating a dessert or two. The key is to enjoy food and alcohol in moderation – for your health as well as your legal well being.

Avoiding a DUI on Vacation

This may be the last thing on your mind when you head out for fun in the sun and surf at one of the many beaches along Florida’s coast, but if you take a break from common sense, you could find yourself in trouble with the law. Since overindulging in food and alcohol are often a big part of what it means to take a break from your “real life” back home, you still should exercise caution when it comes to drinking and driving, just like you do in your hometown.

Things could become very complicated if you are arrested for a DUI while on vacation, especially if you are driving a rental car, and you are in a state other than the one in which you reside. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you will want to contact an experienced Florida DUI lawyer so he or she can help you understand the laws and the nature of your charges in that state.

When you set out to escape your daily life for a week or so, you certainly don’t plan to eat too much, drink too much, or get in trouble with the law. With some careful planning and consideration of these concerns before you embark on your journey, you and your family will truly be able to relax and enjoy all that your beach vacation has to offer.

April Dean Hunter is a freelance writer from Atlanta, GA who often enjoys traveling to nearby Florida on vacation. She knows that if, while you are there, you find yourself in need of legal help for overindulging in drink while driving, you should seek the services of a Florida DUI lawyer or other skilled professional.

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Downward Spiral: Lifestyle Choices That Can Harm Your Business

BAD BIZ MAN Downward Spiral: Lifestyle Choices That Can Harm Your Business

Downward Spiral: Lifestyle Choices That Can Harm Your Business

The business marketplace is very competitive. Jobs are harder to find and new businesses are harder to start due to restrictive financing options. Anyone that desires to be successful in this type of marketplace must take into consideration that everything they do, even in their personal life, will have an impact on their professional career.

The Internet has made it much easier for employers to screen their employees and discover things about their personal life that was never possible pre-Internet.

Lenders actively conduct back ground checks on people that they are considering financing for a business start-up or expansion. Corporations are so afraid of tarnishing their brand that they become obsessive about who they hire or promote. It is no longer the “good old days.”

Personal Issues That Can Impact Success

• TMI. TMI, or Too Much Information, posted on your social media pages can impact your success. Employers, lenders, and potential customers will look at your personal social page to see who they are becoming involved with on a professional level.

If you have too much information posted that could be considered negative to someone that does not know you, you can ruin your professional career. Obscene pictures, vulgar remarks, and statements referencing illegal acts can put a downward spiral on your life.

• DUI Convictions. States are cracking down on drunk driving, and instigating more strict DUI laws. For example, one Pennsylvania DUI lawyer says that in his state, ”laws relating to DUI have been re-written and harsher penalties have been handed down to violators as a result.”

Being convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania (or other “tough law” states) can make your life a living hell.

Most likely you will lose your ability to drive for a period of time, will have to dedicate time to community service, and you may even serve a jail sentence.

You will also take a financial hit from fines and rising insurance costs, and in your business dealings you may have to disclose that you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, depending on your actual charge. All of these things could impact your future and your business success.

• LFL. LFL (or Leave For Later) is the worst thing that you can do if you plan on being successful in a career or as a business owner. The old saying should have been “Procrastination killed the cat” instead of curiosity.

Procrastination destroys everything that you are trying to achieve. When you leave goals and tasks for later, you may never find the time to accomplish them. Management notices this type of thing and businesses fail when owners cannot complete tasks on time.

There are other things that can tip your success plans in the wrong direction, but these three things seem to have the highest impact on success. Thankfully, each of these issues can be corrected.

Refrain from posting too much personal information on your social site. Always ask yourself what your mom would think. If she would be ashamed, then it is probably something you should not post to the world.

If you have been arrested for DUI, hire a DUI defense attorney. With an attorney, you have a much better chance of not being convicted of this crime. Even if the charges are dropped to a lesser charge, it will still save you from the chaos that a DUI conviction can bring. And finally, avoid procrastination. Accomplish everything you can each day without complaint or regret. Success will soon follow.

Nadine Swayne is a freelance writer and small business owner who brings you these tips for avoiding lifestyle decisions that could hurt your business. Pennsylvania DUI lawyer Steven Kellis is well-versed in the tough Pennsylvania DUI laws and is more than happy to make his expertise available to ensure your rights under the law are protected.

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Drunk or Sober? How Police Test for Impaired Driving

ALLPICS DRINKS 2 Drunk or Sober? How Police Test for Impaired Driving

Drunk or Sober? How Police Test for Impaired Driving

When the police suspect that you may be driving under the influence, they have the authority to pull you over. After you’ve stopped, an officer may require you to undergo “field sobriety tests.” These are simple, non-intrusive tests that help authorities determine if you are fit to drive or if further sobriety testing is necessary. These tests, while not always accurate, are often a good indicator of the person’s ability to operate a vehicle.

Different Types Of Roadside Sobriety Tests

In most US states, tests you’ll be given go under the designation “Field Sobriety Tests”, and their results could determine whether you’re arrested and a case made against you for DUI. For example, for a DWI defense in the state of New Jersey, these tests could be highly relevant.

New Jersey DUI lawyer Levow & Associates states that retaining an attorney qualified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in administering the same field sobriety tests police make DWI suspects take may be crucial in determining if the tests were performed correctly, a factor that could be critical in formulating a defense.

• Cognitive Test. The police officer may decide to give you a cognitive test to see how well you respond to simple questions. Types of questions asked could be:

“What day of the week is it?”
“What’s the current month?”
“Who is the president?”
“What is your mother’s maiden name?”

The cognitive test is designed to see if you can think clearly. The police will not use questions that may be too difficult to answer or have too long of an explanation. They just want to see how quickly you can respond to their questions.

• Balance Test. The officer may ask you to step outside of your car and walk over to the side of the road. He may require you to walk a straight line, touch the tip of your nose, or see if you can stand on one foot. This type of test is to determine your physical control. If you cannot balance yourself, it is easy to assume that you cannot react physically to any situation while driving.

• Breathalyzer Test. The officer may require you to breath into a breathalyzer machine if they suspect that you have been drinking. This type of test will measure the alcohol content in your system based on the amounts found in your breath. If the test registers that you are under the influence of alcohol, the officer may require you to go to a local clinic and have a blood test. This test, however, is ineffective for anyone that is driving under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

• Probable Guess. This is not an actual test, but if you are pulled over for suspected driving under the influence and your car smells like an illegal substance, there are open containers strewn about the car, or visible paraphernalia can be seen, it is easy to assume that you are probably under the influence of some substance and the officer may see fit to arrest you under these circumstances.

While many of these tests are not scientifically based, they are a logical way for the officer to determine if you are fit to be behind the wheel of a car. In a majority of the cases, these tests accurately determine someone who is under the influence while behind the wheel.

Driving under the influence is responsible for causing over 50 percent of all fatal accidents on the highways. It is the responsibility of the police to do what it takes to keep these drivers off of the road and protect those who are driving within the law.

Freelance writer Nadine Swayne discusses the above tests for driving under the influence in the belief that by knowing the facts about drunk driving you’ll be more likely to abstain from it. Levow and Associates is a New Jersey DUI lawyer attorney firm experienced in driving under the influence defense. They stand strongly on the side of the rights of their clients accused of driving while impaired.

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Vehicle Forfeiture: How To Rebound

ALLPICS FORFEITURE Vehicle Forfeiture: How To Rebound

Vehicle Forfeiture: How To Rebound

Law enforcement officials throughout the country continue to fight drunk driving. When a person drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that person puts their own safety at risk, as well as that of other drivers on the roadways. Because thousands of lives are lost each year to accidents caused by drunk driving, police officers rely on the legal community to devise unique ways to battle this public health threat.

When people who repeatedly drive under the influence are detained, their punishment may extend well beyond jail time and heavy fines levied by the court. They may be subject to vehicle forfeiture. When a person loses their car in such a manner, they can take these steps to reclaim their vehicles.

Pay the Fines

After the person has been booked and charged with DUI and made bail, the person can then focus on getting their car back from the police impound lot. The police department may require that the person pay all of the fines associated with towing and impounding the car. Sometimes these fines can be significant, particularly if the car had to be towed several miles or if the person was in jail for several days and accrued quite a bit of fees for the car’s storage. The fees must be paid in full before the police will release the car to the owner.

Show up to Court

Once the person pays all of the fines for the car’s impound, the police may conditionally release the vehicle to the owner. The condition of the car’s release may require that the person shows up to all of their court appearances for the DUI offense. More information can be found online at sites such as www.devorelawoffice.com, regarding the necessary procedures to bounce back from car forfeiture.

If the person skips out on the court appearances, the police could stop the person and once again claim the vehicle through forfeiture related to the offense. As long as the person shows up to court, however, that individual can drive the car, provided that their license is not suspended because of the DUI.

Go to the Classes

The police may also release the car conditionally to the person while requiring the person to go to court-ordered rehab or Alcoholics Anonymous classes. The person may have to show proof that they went to the required classes within a set time frame or risk going through vehicle forfeiture again. Many courts give people a month or longer to report to and complete these courses.

Hire a Lawyer

When a person is facing a DUI offense and vehicle forfeiture, they may have success in completing the required legal process by hiring a lawyer. A lawyer can help get the car out of the impound lot and also represent them in court. The lawyer may be able to get the fines and punishment reduced and assist them to go back to their normal life.

Police departments around the country have a variety of resources available to them in the fight against driving under the influence. Vehicle forfeiture allows police officers to remove the immediate threat of drunk driving while also allowing the owner to follow through a legal process to reclaim their car.

Nadine Swayne forwards this article to inform those who have experienced car forfeiture. While doing research online, on sites like www.devorelawoffice.com, she learned out how a person can rebound from this DUI enforcement measure. Classes, fines and rehab all play a part in getting back on the right road.

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A DUI’s Financial Implications for Your Family

ALLPICS BE AWARE A DUIs Financial Implications for Your Family

A DUI’s Financial Implications for Your Family

A conviction for driving under the influence is much more than just a criminal charge. Just the financial damage alone inflicted by the state for this behavior has enhanced the punitive responsibilities greatly. Of course, even the first DUI in some states will result in incarceration in the right situation, such as an aggravated case of impaired driving or being involved in an accident.

In addition, injuries to individuals who may be involved in an alcohol-related accident can result in other more serious charges, along with civil lawsuits. The financial punishment for a DUI can be overly comprehensive and clearly extend beyond the defendant to an entire family.

Fines

Fines are assessed according to the level of the intoxicated driving charge. Multiple offenders will have larger fine ranges, as subsequent DUI convictions carry significantly higher financial and incarceration punishments. Those defendants receiving other charges in association with a DUI, such as an aggravated charge based on minor occupants of the vehicle or excessive blood-alcohol content level, will also have fines assessed for the additional charges.

All fines are compounded and collected in consecutive succession. Although courts accept large fines on payment schedules, failing to meet the payment schedule can result in additional charges or an arrest for contempt, so the financial punishment structure can be continuous.

Alcoholic Drivers Education

All states have implemented an education program for each convicted drunk driver to complete before a case is settled. Fees for this program are routinely paid by the defendant, but the money is collected differently in each state. Sometimes the program fee is paid directly to the certified treatment agency. Other states make the fee payable to the state and transfer funds to the treatment facility operator.

Multiple offenders usually attend alcoholic driver classes for at least one year, with each class carrying a fee. Obviously, this punishment can also be a continuous financial problem.

Vehicle Insurance Rates

One of the dominant hidden financial problems associated with a DUI conviction is an assured increase in motor vehicle insurance rates. Even drivers convicted of impaired driving on a first offense are placed in a high-risk insurance pool, dramatically impacting automobile insurance premiums. Insurance policies are even cancelled in some cases, so finding a new insurance agency can also compound financial problems.

Lost Income or Employment

Convicted drunk drivers who are employed in the transportation industry are often left without employment just at the time they need it most. All convicted DUI recipients are not equal in the ability to adjust to the fallout of a charge. Even when a DUI is charged on borderline evidence, a DUI charge can still be a devastating event for the wrong individual.

It is important for anyone who has any opportunity for a reduced intoxicated driving charge to hire an experienced and effective DUI attorney who can craft a case to the court that may result in a reduction to reckless driving.

Reckless driving may carry an alcohol designation, but is prosecuted below the impaired level and has little impact on subsequent charges. Fines can still be considerable, but additional charge fines may be lessened.

Prosecutors have the authority to adjust a charge when the evidence is generally minimal and there are no extenuating circumstances. Hiring a solid lawyer can have a great impact on the final adjudication of a case. Even with a first offense, the comprehensive financial damages of a DUI conviction can create hardship for years to come.

Valerie Stout Cyrus is a freelance writer who frequently researches DUI issues. She has found that Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP, found at http://www.mblklawfirm.com/san-bernardino-dui-defense-attorney/, have a successful history of eliminating or reducing DUI charges.

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Exactly What Are Your Rights? Commonly Overlooked OUI Facts

ALLPICS DUI FUZZY Exactly What Are Your Rights? Commonly Overlooked OUI Facts

Exactly What are Your Rights? Commonly Overlooked OUI Facts

Many people assume that when you have been charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), you are automatically going to be convicted of the crime. This assumption is based on the fact that the arrest was most likely due to the results of a roadside sobriety test. The person that was charged often believes they have no other choice but to plead guilty and acct their fate, even if they believe the charge was wrong. After all, who is going to question test results?

This is the absolute wrong approach to this situation, and the answer to that question is that everyone should question the test results. Recent data has shown that over 40 percent of all test results on a breathalyzer are incorrect when the test is performed accurately. The percentage of false-positives is even higher when the test was not performed to standards. Motions to suppress evidence are regularly used to attempt to exclude damaging evidence against you that may have been secured by some improper action of the arresting police department.

What You Should Do If Charged With OUI or DUI

• Hire a OUI/DUI defense attorney immediately. You do not want to represent yourself before the Court for this type of proceeding. There is too much that can happen if you are convicted. A OUI/DUI defense attorney can protect your rights, question the Court, and use the law to your advantage.

• Understand that there are several defenses to these charges. Your defense attorney has the right to question the validity and accuracy of the test, challenge the chain-of-command of the test products, review arrest information and accompanying paperwork for inaccuracies, or present information to the Court showing that you were actually not under the influence of any substance.

• Stay away from social media. If you must post anything about being arrested or charged with a DUI or an OUI, keep your posting very simple and bland. Do not post anything that can be seen as an admission of guilt. The prosecuting attorney is going to look through your social media posts to find evidence to use against you in this case if necessary.

• Listen to your defense attorney. Your attorney will know the bet way to defend you during this process. It is very important that you follow what they say to have the most positive outcome to your case.

If You Are Convicted

If you are convicted of a DUI or an OUI, you can expect dramatic changes in your life. You will most likely lose your driving privileges for a period of time. You will have a large fine and court costs to pay. Most likely, you will also serve community service or probation; however incarceration is a possibility even for first-time offenders.

You can expect to find it much harder to purchase car insurance, and you must expect your premiums to be double what you are currently paying.

You may have trouble finding a new job once you have a conviction on your record, and your current employer may overlook you for promotions due to your record. Some apartment complexes will not rent to someone with a conviction on their record.

Although there are plenty more, these factors alone should be enough to cause you to reconsider getting on the road after a drink, and to seek aggressive and competent legal representation when you are facing an OUI or DUI charge.

Author and artist Molly Pearce is also a concerned motorist and mother of two. She often writes on the topics of addiction, the law, and human rights. The website of Massachusetts OUI lawyer Jack Diamond, http://www.jackdiamondlaw.com/, added valuable information to her research for this article.

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Tags: breathalyzer, DUI, OUI

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Dying to Belong: What Every Student Should Know Before Joining an Organization

Dying to Belong: What Every Student Should Know Before Joining an Organization

High school and college students often look for ways to join in and be accepted as part of the mainstream crowd in their school. Many times, their process of assimilation includes joining clubs, fraternities, and other organizations where they can meet new people, have fun, and volunteer in the community.

However, as well intentioned as these organizations may be, they can still present a danger to unsuspecting students who are not aware of the dangers of hazing. Before they join in an organization, students and their parents should do their research, and students should only join organizations that have good reputations for being safe, and know what to do if they are exposed to or become the victim of hazing.

Greek Organizations

Most people assume that hazing incidences are isolated to Greek fraternities and sororities who use this form of initiation to terrorize and subdue new recruits. It is true that many of the mainstream news stories regarding hazing are tied to these organizations.

As frequent as it may seem, however, most Greek organizations are on record as condemning hazing and urging charters to avoid breaking established hazing laws in their communities. Greek organizations that violate these laws could have their charters revoked.

Students who want to join fraternities and sororities are urged to consider those who have alumni sponsorship and are adequately monitored by the university. Rogue fraternities and sororities, particularly those without official chapters or houses, may be less reliable.

Marching Bands

Many people do not associate hazing with marching band membership. However, high school and collegiate marching is a competitive activity where only the best of the best are seen to be worthy enough for joining in these bands.

Students who plan to join in a marching band at school are urged to know whom the sponsors for their band are and only participate in rehearsals and performances when these sponsors are on hand to supervise. Joining in after-hours marching band gatherings that are not sanctioned by the school could allow students to put themselves at risk of being hazed.

Drunk Driving a Common Issue

Since alcohol often plays a huge part in hazing, driving under the influence (DUI) is a common problem among participants. Oftentimes, hazing initiations take place in remote, off campus areas, causing participants to drive to and from the site. With the prevalence of alcohol-induced tasks, students are put in the awkward position of driving back while under the influence of alcohol.

The state of Florida has several colleges with at least one making headlines concerning a hazing death in recent years. In college cities like Tampa DUI Attorney firms may find themselves very busy as school kicks into full gear.

Athletics and Sports

It used to be that older high school and collegiate athletes were allowed to haze younger members of the team by making them engage in humiliating activities. New athletes were forced to scrub the toilets with their toothbrushes, run out on the court during practice in their underwear, or go through any other number of hazing activities before they were viewed as full-fledged members of the team.

However, athletic hazing today is not tolerated by any high school or collegiate governing board. Students who plan to join in high school or college athletics should only join teams that are overseen by the state’s high school athletic association or the collegiate division to which their school belongs.

As careful as students are in choosing their school-related activities, they may still become the victim of hazing. If they suspect that they have been or are in danger of being hazed, or if they have sustained an illness or injury because of hazing, it is important that they know what to do to protect themselves.

Retain an Attorney

Someone who has been the victim of hazing can get justice for his or her injuries or illness by hiring a good attorney. The attorney can pursue the best course of action against the school, the organization, and the perpetrators themselves.

Going up against a school or chartered organization, let alone the perpetrators, can be difficult. Victims will have better success when they rely on an attorney to help them.

Knowing the dangers of hazing and the possibility that this activity still goes on in high school and college can help students protect themselves. They can choose the best activities while also looking out for their safety. They can also take care of themselves by hiring an attorney if they have been caught drinking and driving while being hazed.

Jamica Bell is a freelance writer and mother to 2 college students. As a concerned parent she contributes this article to alert parents and students about all the dangers associated with hazing. Tampa DUI Attorney, Katz & Phillips, P.A, has spent years litigating on behalf of individuals who have been charged with DUIs.

Tags: college kids, DUI, Fraternity, Sorority

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