DUI Daily includes updated Driving Under the Influence reports from around the US, Legislation changes and a trend watch for law enforcement. http://www.duidaily.com 2008-07-05T21:29:06+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png text/html 2008-07-02T12:50:29+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080702359/Latest/Report-Estimates-40-Percent-of-Underage-Drinkers-Received-Free-Alcohol-from-Adults-Over-21.html Teens Driving Under the Influence is of Great Concern. Take a look at some alarming statistics: More than 40 percent of the nation’s estimated 10.8 million underage current drinkers (persons aged 12 to 20 who drank in the past 30 days) were provided free alcohol by adults 21 or older, according to a nationwide report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The study also indicates that one in 16 underage drinkers (6.4 percent or 650,000) was given alcoholic beverages by their parents in the past month. “In far too many instances parents directly enable their children’s underage drinking – in essence encouraging them to risk their health and wellbeing,” said Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H, a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. “Proper parental guidance alone may not be the complete solution to this devastating public health problem – but it is a critical part.” The report is based on a nationwide study which for the first time asked detailed questions about the behavior and social situations involved in underage drinking – a problem responsible for the deaths of more than 5,000 people under the age of 21 every year in the United States. The survey asked persons aged 12 to 20 about the nature and scope of their drinking behavior as well as the social conditions under which they drank. “This report provides unprecedented insight into the social context of this public health problem and shows that it cuts across many different parts of our community,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. “Its findings strongly indicate that parents and other adults can play an important role in helping influence – for better or for worse -- young people’s behavior with regard to underage drinking.” Among the report’s more notable findings: • More than half (53.9) of all people aged 12 to 20 engaged in underage drinking in their lifetime, ranging from 11.0 percent of 12 year olds to 85.5 percent of 20 year olds. • An average of 3.5 million people aged 12 to 20 each year (9.4 percent) meet the diagnostic criteria for having an alcohol use disorder (dependence or abuse). • About one in five people in this age group (7.2 million people) have engaged in binge drinking – consuming five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past month. • The vast majority of current underage drinkers (80.9 percent) reported being with two or more people the last time they drank. Those who were with two or more people consumed an average of 4.9 drinks on that occasion, compared with 3.1 drinks for those who were with one other person and 2.9 drinks for those who were alone. • Among youths aged 12 to 14 the rate of current drinking was higher for females (7.7 percent) than males (6.3 percent), about equal for females and males among those aged 15 to 17 (27.6 and 27.3 percent, respectively), and lower for females than males among those aged 18 to 20 (47.9 vs. 54.4 percent). • Over half (53.4 percent) of underage current alcohol users were at someone else’s home when they had their last drink, and 30.3 percent were in their own home; 9.4 percent were at a restaurant, bar or club. • Rates of binge drinking are significantly higher among young people living with a parent who engaged in binge drinking within the past year. text/html 2008-07-01T18:28:35+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080701356/Latest/-Arizona-Toughens-State’s-DUI-Laws.html The Legislature continued its efforts to clamp down on people who drink and drive or drink and operate watercraft with new laws meant to curb the dangerous activity. The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Jim Weiers working with Sen. Linda Gray, closes a loophole in state law, mandating the Motor Vehicles Division to suspend the driver license for 90 days of someone that causes a death while driving a car legally intoxicated. Currently, MVD does not undertake this practice. HB2395 resolves a conflict in current state law regarding the amount of jail time a person must serve for drinking while extremely intoxicated. Under the measure, people convicted of extreme DUI must serve the full 30-day sentence. And to provide incentives for good behavior for people convicted of first-time, non-extreme DUI, the bill reduces to six months the need for an interlock device. Only those who submit to alcohol screening, successfully complete alcohol treatment programs and use the interlock device properly in the six months can reduce the penalty. The bill increases the need for an interlock device on those convicted of aggravated DUI. “Fixing the defect in state law that proved confusing and ensuring people serve the full 30 days in jail was a top priority this year,” Weiers said. “Changing behavior by encouraging people to stop drinking and driving I hope is the legacy of this legislation.” In addition to the motor vehicle elements, the bill increases penalties for operating motor boats while drunk. “Operating a boat is just as dangerous as operating a car and neither should be done after someone has been drinking.” Weiers said. text/html 2008-06-30T18:14:44+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080630354/Latest/Young-Jeezy-Arrested-for-DUI.html Rapper Young Jeezy was arrested early Wednesday morning in Atlanta. Young Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Jenkins, was pulled over around 2:30 a.m. on I-85 after an officer noticed his car didn’t have license plates. Jenkins was charged with speeding, reckless driving, driving with no license plate, no proof of insurance, having an open container, and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released from jail on a $4,100 bond. Jenkins is scheduled to appear in court on July 17. “A court date has been scheduled and Jeezy looks forward to getting the matter resolved,” said the rappers attorney. text/html 2008-06-30T12:20:28+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080630353/Latest/Florida-DUI-Solutions-Launches-Website.html Helpful organization officially opens website to visitors http://www.dui-solutions.org -- Owner of the web property urges individuals facing DUI charges in Florida to visit for free assistance. I know, from personal experience, what a daunting task it can be in dealing with the overwhelming amount of laws and expenditures involved with these types of infractions , he said. This site will hopefully help to inform DUI victims and other drivers alike to the legal ramifications, procedures and contacts necessary to appropriately deal with problems that will inevitably arise . The website offers resources and information in several different categories including legal representation, news and statistics, frequently asked questions, and more. The company also wants users to be aware that they will answer any questions that they may have, free of charge, through the use of the web contact form. Always remember that the best defense, in regard to becoming a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) statistic, is to not drink and drive! An expensive cab ride will be far less costly than the repercussions of a criminal conviction. It may even save your life or the lives of others. Sites major metropolitan areas of concentration - Jacksonville, FL - Duval County Miami, FL - Miami / Dade County Tampa, FL - Hillsborough County St. Petersburg, FL - Pinellas County Orlando, FL - Orange County text/html 2008-06-27T12:15:34+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080627352/Latest/Grant-Funded-DUI-Checkpoints-Nets-Five-DUI-Arrests.html On Saturday, June 14, 2008, the Riverside Police Department conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on University Avenue at Douglass Avenue in the City of Riverside. Several Volunteers and Police Cadets from the Department were on hand to assist with the effort. Between the hours of 8 PM and 2 AM, more than 1570 vehicles drove through the checkpoint. There were five DUI arrests, seventy-two citations were issued and fifty-five vehicles were impounded. Several vehicles were inspected and one cite was issued for illegally modifying their vehicle for street racing. In addition, one subject was arrested for a Felony Narcotics warrant and one subject entered the checkpoint having an open container of an alcoholic beverage. One vehicle came though the checkpoint having five adults and seven small children that were not properly secured in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle threw a plastic bindle into a diaper bag in the car when contacted by officers at the checkpoint. The bindle was discovered to contain several grams of Cocaine. Funding for this DUI in California operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. text/html 2008-06-26T17:14:54+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080626351/Latest/Alaska-Requires-DUI-offenders-to-install-Ignition-Interlock-Device.html Representative Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, today announced that two bills he sponsored have been signed into law. House Bill (HB) 19 requires a person who has been convicted of driving under the influence to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on the vehicle they intend to drive. The device analyzes the person's blood alcohol content (BAC) and prevents the car from being started if the person's BAC is above a set level. As a DUI prevention program, HB 19 changes the dynamic for DUI offenders. Now, if they can't blow, they can't go, said Meyer. This bill will make our roads safer, and send a stronger message to offenders by reinforcing their punishment every day. House Bill (HB 320) treats search and rescue volunteers assisting the Alaska State Troopers in a mission as state employees for the purpose of providing workers compensation. While the State of Alaska provides workers compensation to many different types of volunteers, the brave men and women assisting the Troopers in search and rescue missions have not been covered. Rep. Kevin Meyer Ours is a large and imposing state, and we depend on volunteer search and rescue workers to ensure that lives are saved and people are returned to their friends and families, said Meyer. Providing this coverage is fair, and the least we can do for volunteers who take the time to save others. HB 19 takes effect Jan. 1, 2009. Under provisions of Alaska 's constitution, HB 320 will take effect in 90 days. text/html 2008-06-23T13:39:32+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080623350/Latest/Californians-Share-Roads-with-310000-Three-Time-Drunk-Drivers.html Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) today called on the Senate Public Safety Committee to restore AB 2784 to its original form and reinstate a requirement for anyone convicted of a DUI to use an alcohol ignition interlock. The Assembly Appropriations Committee weakened the original bill introduced by Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D- Los Angeles ) just as new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that California ’s families are sharing the road with 310,971 drunk drivers with three or more DUI convictions. “Drunk driving is a primary threat to the safety and well-being of everyone in California – a threat that legislation requiring interlocks for convicted drunk drivers can significantly reduce,” said MADD National CEO Chuck Hurley. “That’s why the Senate needs to revoke the Assembly’s amendment and ensure that the original bill is approved to keep convicted drunk drivers off California ’s roadways.” MADD is urging the Senate Public Safety Committee to hold a hearing on the merits of requiring all convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock device. Additionally, Californians across the state should voice their strong disappointment in this weakened bill and call on legislators to hold a hearing and support the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders. “In 2006, drunk drivers killed 1,276 people in California ,” said Matthias Mendezona, executive director of MADD California. “Because so many of these drunk driving tragedies are caused by those who have prior convictions, we must pass strong legislation to require alcohol ignition interlocks for everyone convicted of drunk driving.” Mandatory ignition interlock devices for convicted offenders are scientifically proven to deter future DUI arrests. Studies show that interlock devices are 65 percent effective in reducing recidivism while installed on the vehicle. Passage of AB 2784 as originally introduced will save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries. text/html 2008-06-23T13:30:58+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080623349/Latest/Passage-of-Lifesaving-DUI-Bill.html Governor Sarah Palin (R) signed into law a DUI measure that will save countless lives by requiring all convicted drunk drivers to install an alcohol ignition interlock device in their vehicles. H.B. 19, which passed both the Senate and the House unanimously, will make it more difficult for convicted drunk drivers to repeat this deadly crime. When this law goes into effect on January 1, 2009, Alaska will join seven other states furthering MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving by requiring alcohol ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers, including New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Washington, Nebraska and Colorado. In 2006, 27 percent of Alaska's traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver. An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle's ignition system. Interlocks are used as a condition of probation for convicted drunk drivers after their driver's licenses have been reinstated. When a convicted drunk driver wishes to start his or her vehicle, he or she must first blow into the device, but the vehicle will not start if there is alcohol in the driver's system. This new law will make it harder for offenders to kill and injure others on our roadways, said Glynn Birch, national president of MADD. MADD thanks state lawmakers and all of those who worked so hard over the course of this legislative session to ensure this bill's passage and we hope that other states will follow Alaska's lead. While interlocks are proven to save lives, it is estimated that only one out of eight convicted drunk drivers each year currently has an interlock installed on his or her vehicle. Research shows that first-time offenders arrested for drunk driving had gone driving under the influence of alcohol more than 87 times before their first arrest (1). This law will expand the use of alcohol ignition interlocks making it more difficult for all offenders to continue driving under the influced of alcohol. The tools are now at hand to eliminate drunk driving from the United States. MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving has four elements: intensive, high-visibility law enforcement, full implementation of alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, development of advanced vehicle technologies to prevent drunk driving and grassroots support led by MADD and its 400+ affiliates, to make the elimination of drunk driving a reality. text/html 2008-06-23T13:23:01+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080623348/Latest/Mothers-Against-Drunk-Driving-Walk.html In DUI news, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) leadership will join Mercury Nashville recording artist Julie Roberts and 800 local supporters on Saturday, June 21 at Centennial Park to participate in Walk Like MADD, a 5K non-competitive walk that encourages the community to support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The walk comes at a time when nearly a third of all fatal crashes on Tennessee’s roadways involve a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The main goal is to raise awareness about dui laws dui prevention. “The main reason people continue to drive drunk today – despite 27 years of intense public education and law enforcement’s best efforts – is because they can,” said Glynn Birch, national president of MADD. “My son might be here today if the offender that killed him had an interlock on his vehicle.” Birch’s 21-month-old-son Courtney was killed 20 years ago on May 3, 1988, by a drunk driver with a blood alcohol level of .26 at the time of the crash and who was driving with a revoked license and three prior DUI convictions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 408 people were killed in Tennessee in traffic crashes involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher in 2006. Each year half a million others are injured while driving under the influence nationally. A recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration also reported that 12.4 percent of Tennesseans admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. One proven method to reduce drunk driving is the installation of alcohol ignition interlocks on convicted drunk drivers’ vehicles. An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle’s ignition system. Studies have shown alcohol ignition interlocks are up to 90 percent effective in reducing recidivism while installed on the vehicle. If all states required alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, we could save up to 4,000 lives a year. “It is MADD’s hope that during next year’s legislative session, the Tennessee legislature will pass a strong law for mandatory interlock use for all convicted offenders, to prevent drunk drivers from committing this crime again,” said Alexanderia Honeycutt, the walk’s organizer and MADD Tennessee’s senior development officer. ”Drunk driving must end, and together, we can make it happen.” text/html 2008-05-05T18:43:24+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080505347/Latest/San-Diego-DUI-Results-in-Fatality.html A Chevy Blazer slams into a palm tree and the end result is a woman was dies. Arrested is a man who just four months ago plead guilty to DUI. Danny Calvin Ruiz, 35, was being held on $1 million bail after the Dana Point wreck. Orange County Superior Court records show Ruiz apparently has a long history with the law: In 1991, he pleaded guilty to robbery and car theft and was sentenced to two years in state prison. In 1995, he was convicted of carjacking and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was also found to be a habitual criminal. In November 2007, Ruiz was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence and of driving with a blood-alcohol limit above the state’s legal limit of .08. In that case, he pleaded guilty in January and was sentenced to five days in jail, ordered to pay a $390 fine, ordered to participate in a three-month “first offender alcohol program,” a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim’s impact panel and placed on three years probation. But he was arrested again on Saturday, after a truck jumped the curb and hit a tree while heading west on Camino de Estrella, just east of the San Diego Freeway in Dana Point. Ruiz and his passenger, identified as Andrea Gerdon, 33, of Anaheim, were both pinned in the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Ruiz suffered moderate to serious injuries and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. He was placed under arrest for suspicion of drunken driving, authorities said. Transportation officials on Monday worked to replace the signal controller on Estrella near the freeway. Stoplights blinked red, while stop signs had been placed in the street. A small memorial of candles was placed at the base of the palm tree the Blazer struck before flipping over. text/html 2008-05-05T18:26:20+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080505346/Latest/Barron-Hilton-DUI-Results.html It looks like Barron Hilton, 18-year old lil bro of Paris Hilton, has taken a cue from Mischa Barton, by pleading “no contest” to charges of drunk driving. Yesterday, we told you about how the forthcoming T.A.T.U. movie star Barton planned to throw herself on the mercy of the court in her drunk driving case, stemming from an arrest in December. As a result, Mischa Barton, who faced not only a DUI charge but was also slapped with possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license, will only face three years probation and be made to attend some classes on the dangers of excessive drinking. And now Barron Hilton, who entered his plea of no contest today in a Los Angeles court, will also avoid doing any time, unlike big sis Paris. The younger Hilton will also be on three years probation and in addition to those alcohol education classes, is required to pay a visit to the L.A. County Morgue, which is quickly becoming a celebrity hotspot, as Lindsay Lohan also hung out here for a lil’ bit as part of her DUI sentence. Aside from the fact that the hotel non-heir (if Grandpa’s decision is final) was drinking underage, he was also found to be driving without a valid license, like Barton. And he allegedly hit another vehicle at some point in the evening. Regarding fines, Hilton will have to fork over $2000, no biggie. He’ll also face a hearing in June to determine the cost of any property damages he may have caused. And finally Barron Hilton had his real driver’s license suspended for a year, which means he’ll probably have to use a chauffeur. Of course if he had been doing that on the night of February 12th, this whole mess could’ve been avoided. text/html 2008-04-14T07:43:45+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080414345/Latest/Mischa-Barton-DUI-Results.html Misha Barton has been sentenced to 3 years of probation. She was arrested on December 27th in West Hollywood. Her sentence was 3 years of unsupervised probation, a 3-month alcohol-education class and fines of approximatley $2000. text/html 2008-02-17T18:36:36+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080217344/Latest/DUI-Report-Buffalo-Bills-Roscoe-Parish-Arrested.html Roscoe Parrish was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence over the weekend in Miami Beach. Parrish was stopped at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Miami native was driving his 2005 Bentley when he was pulled over while driving on MacArthur Causeway. Parrish was taken into custody at Miami-Dade County jail and released later Saturday on $1,000 bond. text/html 2008-02-16T10:58:22+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080216343/Latest/Mel-Gibson-Completes-DUI-Court-Requirements.html The actor pleaded no contest to his famous DUI when he used anti-Semitic language and was given three years of probation. After attending AA and court-mandated DUI meetings, he has been given the 'all clear' by the Malibu courts. The Judge stated, You're well on your way to success. Gibson will remain on probation for 18 more months but is no longer required to check in with the court for progress reports. text/html 2008-02-16T10:52:31+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080216342/Latest/Million-Dollar-Man-Son-Arrested-on-DUI.html WWE Developmental Star Ted DiBiase Jr was arrested this morning in Tampa Florida and charged with a DUI. Ted Jr is the 25-year-old son of WWE wrestler Ted Million Dollar Man DiBiase. DiBiase, who is 25, was arrested at 3:30am after he crashed his SUV into another vehicle. Thankfully there were no serious injuries from the accident. When police arrived DiBiase showed signs of impairment and was given a breathalizer test. He blew a 0.137 and a 0.138. Anything above 0.08 is considered impaired. According to Online World of Wrestling, DiBiase and his brother, Mike, are the third generation of the family in wrestling. His grandfather, Mike DiBiase also made his living from the sport. The World Wrestling Entertainment Web site says DiBiase Jr. wrestles in a developmental league in Florida. text/html 2008-02-13T13:19:14+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20080213341/Latest/Paris-Hiltons-Brother-Arrested-for-DUI.html Barron Hilton, 18, was stopped after a witness reported seeing a black Mercedes-Benz weaving on the Pacific Coast Highway, at times drifting into the oncoming lane, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Deputies arrested Hilton after he pulled over and got out of the car. He was booked in Malibu, where he registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.14 percent, authorities said. The legal limit in California is 0.08 percent. text/html 2007-09-13T17:46:07+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20070913339/Latest/Eve-DUI-Outcome-Update.html Eve was recently seen wearing her DUI ankle bracelet during fashion week in New York. The SCRAM ankle bracelet was similar to those worn by other celebrities. text/html 2007-09-12T18:01:57+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20070912338/Latest/MADD-Endorses-Nissan-Concept-Car-With-Anti-DUI-Technology.html MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) has recently endorsed a Nissan concept vehicle with anti-DUI technology. text/html 2007-09-11T18:46:35+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20070911337/Latest/DUI-Blood-Testing-Issues.html In recent years there have been questions concerning blood testing concerning DUI cases, like the blood sample debacles and the process for testing. text/html 2007-09-10T20:28:48+01:00 http://www.duidaily.com http://www.duidaily.com/index.php/20070910336/Latest/More-Problems-For-Vivica-Fox-From-Birthday-Celebration.html Vivica A. Fox was recently spotted at a nightclub celebrating her birthday, and was supposedly drinking wine.