Seattle DUI Attorney

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Driving Under Influence – An Insight into the Problem

Driving under Influence or DUI is referred to as the act of driving any vehicle such as a car, cycle, motorcycle, boat, airplane or even a horse after the consumption of any type of alcohol, drugs or intoxicating liquor that have an impact on your nervous system. It is also known as Driving while Intoxicated (DWI), drinking and driving, and drunk driving.

Driving under the Influence is illegal and is considered as a serious criminal offense in a majority of countries. It is punished by different degrees of severity in different countries. Most of the people are aware of this fact and have some idea about the legal implications. There have also been ongoing efforts by most nations and states to highlight this serious problem. Sadly, however, being aware about the illegal status of DUI does not act as a deterrent to many people.

Perhaps, a look at the potential consequences pertaining to legal, financial, health, career and psychological implications can help us understand the seriousness of the issue.

If caught in the act of DUI one can face one or more of the following legal consequences:

• Conviction
• Jail time
• Loss of driver license
• Significant fines
• Impound of your vehicle
• Expensive high risk auto insurance
• Court ordered ignition interlock devise
• Other DUI related penalties

DUI is also a very dangerous hazard to health and considered very risky for the society. Every 40 minutes, one person is being killed by someone who is driving under Influence. In United States alone around 13000 people are dying every year in cases which involved DUI/DWI.

There are also huge financial costs associated with the losses due to Driving under the Influence. Every year DUI instances cost over $50 billion in financial losses. Apart from the financial losses caused in damages to car, property and health, if you are convicted in a DUI case, you are likely to face following potential financial implications:

• Penalties and Fines
• Courtroom Costs
• Bail
• Attorney Fees
• Towing as well as Vehicle Storage Fees
• Fees for Enrollment to Alcohol Education Program
• Fees associated with reinstatement of Driver’s License
• Ignition Interlock Program Costs
• Increased Insurance Premiums

Today, there is also a trend of background checks during job recruitments and since DUI is a criminal offence; it can seriously damage anyone’s career and cause huge loss in earnings.

Finally, one should not underestimate the emotional trauma and stress for all persons who get involved in a DUI case.

However, despite these enormous impacts, DUI issues continue to be ignored by people so far as shown by statistics. Thirty percent of all American citizens are likely to be involved in an accident that is related to alcohol or drugs at least once in their lives.

If you ever get involved in a DUI case, it is advisable that you immediately appoint a good DUI attorney from that area. A reliable DUI attorney will not only provide a professional as well logical perspective to this unnerving scenario but will also minimize the potential damage.

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