It's that time of year again. This particular year Independence Day falls on a Thursday and many people are taking an extended weekend which usually means over-indulging in liquor. The police will be out in force starting tonight and throughout the weekend. There will be DUI checkpoints in Pinellas County and if you've been drinking or taking drugs, even prescription drugs, you can get charged with DUI. This goes for boaters too. If you're stopped and submit to a breathalyzer and blow a … [Read more...]
In a Huge Win for Law Enforcement, Supremes Say Police Can Take Blood from Unconscious DUI Suspects
The Fourth Amendment generally requires police to obtain a warrant for a blood draw. But in a 5-4 vote on Thursday, the court upheld a Wisconsin law that says people driving on a public road have impliedly consented to having their blood drawn if police suspect them of driving under the influence. It also said that "exigent circumstances" permit police to obtain a blood sample without a warrant. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Stephen Breyer and Brett Kavanaugh joined Chief Justice … [Read more...]
Driving While High-DUI and Marijuana Use
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida. However, that doesn't mean you can drive after smoking a joint, or does it? Nearly 15 million people report driving while high on pot, making them twice as likely to be involved in a crash, a new AAA study has found. The AAA study cites research that driving while cannabis-impaired approximately doubles car crash risk, and that around one in 10 regular cannabis users develop dependence, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information … [Read more...]
I Got a DUI but I Didn’t Feel Drunk
Many people who are charged with DUI (driving under the influence) come to me and say I felt fine, I know I wasn't slurring my words, I was driving the speed limit, etc. Yet, a cop pulled them over for whatever reason (could be something as simple as a broken tail light) and the officer suspected an impaired driver and arrested him or her. The example I just set forth above is common. I don't believe they are lying. They truly believe they weren't drunk at the time of the stop ie. they … [Read more...]
Happy New Year-Party Responsibly So You Can Enjoy 2019
We're on the cusp of another New Year's Eve night during which many of us will have too much to drink and make foolish, life-altering decisions. It's simple, don't do something you'll regret tomorrow afternoon. You can avoid all the headache by planning ahead right now. If you have plans to go out and drink, make arrangements for an Uber, a taxi, or to stay in place tonight. Just don't drive after you've been drinking. If you choose to drink and drive, the best outcome is you'll have a New … [Read more...]
