Every week we read about high profile DUI arrests and convictions. Whether it is Lindsay Lohan, Randy Travis or one of the many athletes pulled over for drunk driving, their behavior keeps the conversation going across the nation. The bottom line is that no one should get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking alcohol. There are 3 main reasons that an individual might be arrested for DUI. They include:
1) First hand observation by a police officer.
This is the most common way of getting a DUI citation. A police officer will witness the symptoms of drunk driving like swerving, driving too fast or too slow, or causing an accident. Or, the officer has seen an actual traffic violation like going through a red light. The driver will be pulled over and given a field sobriety test or a breath test to determine BAC.
2) A probable cause.
If an officer believes that facts or circumstances surrounding a situation will lead an individual to commit the crime, the officer can place the individual under arrest. This is when there is reasonable belief like the police officer has observed someone stumbling out of a bar and getting behind the wheel, or if someone who smells of alcohol, refuses a breath test. The officer can arrest based on probable cause.
3) DUI arrest warrant.
A judge can issue a warrant if a police officer gives a sworn statement with reasons for the arrest. This gives the officer the permission to go out and arrest the person named in the warrant.
Once you are arrested for DUI in one of these ways, you will usually be taken to the local police station for booking. In some cases, the individual will have to wait in jail, his car will be impounded, and a lawyer will need to be hired. A court hearing will be set for another date. If convicted, a first-time offender generally has to pay fines, have his license revoked for a period of time, do community service work and take a DUI education class. In some states, an ignition interlock device will be installed into the offender’s car for a designated period of time. This individual will have to breathe into this device to determine his BAC level every time he/she wants to start the car.
In the best case scenario, no one else has been hurt and the offender can reflect and perform restitution for the behavior by taking a high quality alcohol awareness class. The judge’s goal in assigning these classes is to help reform the offender so he doesn’t repeat the behavior.
Online DUI classes are a reliable, affordable and relevant way to fulfill this court requirement. Check with your judge or court system to see if they will accept distance-learning classes instead of having to attend an in-person classroom. This will enable you the convenience of taking the class from your own home. Don’t just look for the cheapest class, but one that is designed and managed by a licensed and practicing therapist and specialist in the field of alcohol and drug awareness. This will insure that you’re getting a current and effective education. And, it may help sway the court to allow you to take the course online. Taking an online class is one way of making your life a little easier during this stressful time.
No comments:
Post a Comment