Every year, local and state authorities will develop ad campaigns to discourage drinking and driving. In addition to public service ads and statements, authorities will often ramp up law enforcement efforts through checkpoints and other aggressive tactics. While the campaigns can be beneficial to reduce drinking and driving, drivers should also be wary of the potential for surveillance and DUI arrest. According to local reports, public service slogans and campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Arrive Alive,” do have power in curbing drunk driving. Authorities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as Alabama state officials agree that the catchy slogans help to reduce drunk driving and save lives.
According to authorities, driving under the influence is a leading factor in crashes that result in injuries and fatality. Due to the public safety risk authorities, including the Alabama Department of Public Safety as well as local law enforcement agencies, have been aggressive about anti-drunk driving campaigns and in aggressive law enforcement strategies to discourage drinking and driving. According to a local Alabama police department, one city issued more than 5,500 citations and made 260 DUI arrests since March. Though these numbers seem high, the Huntsville, Alabama police department argues that the numbers are down from last year due to public service campaigns.
Alabama motorists have an incentive to reduce DUI and to prevent a DUI arrest. Reducing DUI can help curb accidents that may result in injury or death. Drivers are also interested in preventing DUI to avoid criminal charges and penalties. Our Birmingham DUI defense attorneys are committed to raising awareness to help residents protect their rights and prevent a DUI arrest. In addition to providing insight into law enforcement campaigns against DUI, we also provide aggressive advocacy to individuals who have been arrested and charged. Our priority is to protect your rights, prevent criminal charges, and reduce criminal penalties in the event of a conviction.
Alabama has participated in regional and national anti-drunk driving campaigns. As participants, local law enforcement agencies receive federal grants to aggressively go after drunk drivers. According to law enforcement officials, the additional federal funds allow local agencies to put more officers on the roads, create more drunk driving checkpoints, an make more drunk driving arrests. While this may curb drunk driving or create an incentive not to get behind the wheel, the aggressive strategies also mean more drunk driving arrests and charges.
Though many DUI offenders deserve some criminal sanctions and penalties, others have been unfairly or illegally stopped or overcharged for their crimes. This can result in severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a damaging criminal record. For those charged, the penalties are more than criminal. Many DUI offenders will face job loss and personal challenges. If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with DUI, it is important to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney. While you may not be able to completely dismiss your charges, you can challenge any illegal stop or search, reduce penalties, and ensure that you are not overcharged.
More Blog Entries:
Interlock Ignition Law Goes Into Effect: But Do They Work? August 3, 2014, Birmingham Underage DUI Defense Lawyer Blog
Alabama Marijuana DUI Will Be Difficult for Cops to Prove, Sept. 2, 2013, Birmingham DUI Defense Attorney Blog
