State police departments across the country are urging motorists to report dangerous drivers immediately by dialing 911. Each year thousands of people are killed and lives destroyed because of drunk drivers. It’s important that the general population help to keep these drivers off the road and possibly save a life by taking the time to jot down the license plate number and make a simple call.
As discussed in previous articles on this site, a DUI arrest is not something that anyone wants to go through. Not only will the driver be taken to jail for at least a night, but your car will most likely be impounded. Then you will have to hire an attorney to represent you, court dates to attend, community service work and mandatory DUI classes to take. Getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking can completely cause havoc in your life.
High profile individuals are constantly in the news because of DUI related arrests. It’s surprising because it seems like they would have the easiest access to hired drivers, but they continuously get behind the wheel themselves. Recently actor Matthew Fox discussed his DUI bust in Bend, Oregon where he now lives. He acknowledges how embarrassing the whole scene was and on public television took full responsibility for his actions.
"I really own that and have done every single thing the state of Oregon requires for a first-time DUI offender. I have learned a ton. I did four weeks of alcohol informational training. And just learned an enormous amount. One of the statistics that I learned is that 50 percent of people that get one DUI will get another. I found that pretty astounding after what I've been through. I will absolutely not be in the statistic. There is just no way."
In Oregon, like most states across the country, DUI laws are strict and severe. For first time offenders, a drunk driving conviction is a misdemeanor and generally includes a $1,000 fine, a minimum of 2 days in jail (or up to 80 hours of community service) a drivers license suspension of up to 1 year and ignition interlock device installation, and an alcohol and drug treatment program
As Matthew experienced, courts mandate DUI education classes as part of the conviction requirements. He talks about how beneficial a tool they were for him and how much he learned. Many states also approve online DUI classes for many offenders. A high quality online class provides the same current information that is taught in standard classrooms, but provides the added bonus of allowing the client to stay in the comfort of his own home for privacy and convenience. This also gives the client the ability to learn the information with less distraction. Matthew states that he took a 4-week class, which might be equivalent to a 16-hour online alcohol and drug awareness class. However, online you can take the class to fit your own busy schedule, over one weekend or a couple of weeks. If you have been convicted of DUI, be sure to ask your judge if you can fulfill this requirement online. It will save you time, money and the additional stress of having to make a set classroom schedule.
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