License Suspension, Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Ignition Interlock and More!
Posted by | Posted in Virginia Court Records | Posted on 10-06-2010
Welcome to the Aftermath of DWI/DUI in Virginia!
One of the first things that hits you, after the alcohol in the blood has subsided, is that your driver’s license may be suspended for one year if you are convicted under the strict DUI/DWI laws of Virginia.
However, you are free to petition the court for a restricted license, but the granting of such is at the discretion of the presiding Judge.
So what is a restricted driver’s license?
This type of license allows you to move around in a limited manner, rather than completely stopping you from driving your car.
For instance, with a restricted license, you can commute to and from work, as well as drive around during working hours (if the trip is related to work and you have a note from your boss or some other confirmation of purpose (exactly what you want to ask your boss for, right?)).
With a restricted Virginia driver’s license, you are also able to drive to/from the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program and other court ordered probation activities.
A restricted license will permit you to drive to and from school, medical care and to transport your children to/from the same kinds of things.
If you are convicted of DWI/DUI with blood alcohol concentration of .15 or greater, then your restricted license will be contingent upon an ignition interlock system being installed in your car.
This system automatically records the driver’s BAC through a breath analyzer every time the car is started. The driver also has to blow into the breath analyzer every 5 to 20 minutes (more fun, right?)
As the Holidays approach, more and more police and law enforcement will be on the roads looking to bust drunk drivers in Prince William County, Manassas, Warrenton, Culpeper and Fauquier County, Virginia.
In fact, roadblocks are already being planned, as well as other tactics to find and apprehend folks drinking and driving. (Statistics show that DWI/DUI arrests are at their highest rates of the year in Virginia during the Holiday party season-no surprise, right?)
Remember-all of these penalties, costs and inconveniences (by the way, I haven’t even mentioned the costs of a good Virginia DWI/DUI lawyer or the exorbitant insurance rates you will be paying) can be avoided by simply calling a cab or car service, using the designated driver system or crashing on your friend’s couch for the night.
Madd & Representative Staskunas Supports Alcohol Ignition Interlock Legislation
Posted by | Posted in Wisconsin Court Records | Posted on 23-05-2010
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) united with state Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) last Thursday to publicize a vital piece of anti-drunk driving legislation. The bill which is ponsored by Rep. Staskunas, calls for convicted drunk drivers to put in an alcohol ignition interlock on their vehicles as a terms of probation. This verified technology and one of the most highly-required auto parts would be necessary for every person with an earlier drunk driving record and for anybody convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .16 or above.
“Drunk driving is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of everyone in Wisconsin – a threat that this legislation requiring interlocks for convicted drunk drivers will significantly reduce. By stopping these drivers from re-committing their crimes, we’ll be saving lives and preventing countless injuries,” says Representative Staskunas.
According to The Auto Channel, 305 citizens died in drunk-driving crashes – 42 percent of all traffic fatalities – and over 5,600 people were severely injured in alcohol-related crashes two years ago. Similarly moderating statistics specify the average BAC of drunk drivers in Wisconsin is a shocking .17; an astounding record which is more than twice the legal limit of .08.
“Wisconsin has the regrettable distinction of being ranked as the worst state in the country when it comes to the number of drunk driving fatalities. We need to continue treating this serious crime as a fully preventable one – the technology and resources to save lives in Wisconsin exist and need to be put to full use,” says Kari Kinnard, executive director of MADD Wisconsin.
The alcohol ignition interlock is among the latest innovative car parts today. It is an advanced breath test device connected to a car’s ignition system. While installed on the vehicle, its effectiveness is up to 90 percent efficient in avoiding reiterate offenses by convicted drunk drivers. Drivers must first blow into the device when he or she desires to start his or her vehicle. However, the vehicle will not start if the driver has alcohol in his or her system. Present Wisconsin law does not necessitate interlocks for convicted drunk drivers, but adjudicators have the choice to entail interlocks upon a second OWI offense.
Research reveals that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk over 87 times earlier than their first arrest. Studies also estimate that 50 to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive their vehicles.
