Convicted Drunk Drivers Viewed as “A Significant Public Safety Threat” by the Department of Homeland Security

Convicted Drunk Drivers Viewed as “A Significant Public Safety Threat” by the Department of Homeland Securitycategories: DUI

Immigration authorities announced Monday that over 2,000 foreigners who had criminal convictions had been arrested during a five day nationwide operation in early March. This “sweep” was conducted primarily by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, conducted a news conference in Washington, saying, “It had focused on deporting people who were the department’s top priorities because they posed serious public safety or national security threats.” Security officials went on to state that of the more than 2,000 people arrested “hundreds of them had convictions of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Advocates for immigrants have asked for leniency for immigrants with drunk driving cases, saying that oftentimes they were workers supporting their families. But immigration officials said Monday that they regarded those drivers as “a significant public safety threat.”Read More

A central part of President Obama’s immigration policy is showing tough immigration enforcement. President Obama’s controversial executive actions that protect millions of immigrants from deportation has been controversial – and has currently been placed on hold by a federal judge in Texas.

The significance of this story is that a cabinet leveled agency has now defined and labeled drivers convicted of DUI/drunk driving as “a significant public safety threat.” It has never been more important to hire an experienced and aggressive DUI/drunk driving defense team to work for you if you have been arrested and charged with DUI. Remember – “an arrest is not a conviction!”

Greenville, South Carolina DUI Attorney Steve Sumner primarily handles misdemeanor and felony DUI/drunk driving cases. Steve is a former DUI prosecutor and has been in private practice since 1994. Steve has been recognized as a South Carolina Super Lawyer® in the field of DUI defense since 2013. He is a member of the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers™ for criminal defense. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and has held a judicially endorsed AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and a “Superb” (10.0 out 10.0) ranking with Avvo since 2011.
Link to Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/10/us/us-immigration-authorities-arrest-foreigners-convicted-of-crimes.html

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New Jersey public official detained for impaired driving

According to reports, on Dec. 20, the mayor of Paulsboro was taken into custody for drinking and driving following a traffic stop. Woolwich police reportedly responded to the scene after they received an anonymous tip regarding a vehicle that was swerving on Paulsboro Road. When authorities stopped the vehicle, they reportedly found the mayor behind the wheel. He underwent field sobriety tests that determined that he was impaired. However, his specific BAC level was not reported, and it was unclear if the accused was subjected to a blood test.

Authorities claimed that he initially did not follow the instructions needed to undergo field sobriety tests. The mayor now faces charges of driving while impaired, failure to submit to breath tests, failure to maintain a lane and reckless driving. Sources indicate that the accused refused to comment on the reported case since the pending investigation is ongoing.

Some people might not feel that a DUI charge is serious enough to justify the expense of a criminal defense attorney. However, in addition to all of the criminal repercussions, including loss of license, time in custody and excessive fees, a DUI conviction could mean that the person is disqualified from holding public office and raise doubts about their ability to hold a public position. A defense lawyer knows various strategies to employ for those facing charges related to impaired driving.

A criminal defense lawyer might cast doubt on the reasons for the traffic stop, which could jeopardize the prosecution's case. If a court determines that the traffic stop was not justified, the entire case might be dismissed. In addition, an attorney may question the validity or accuracy of a field sobriety test.

Source: NJ.com, "Paulsboro mayor Jeff Hamilton arrested for DWI in Woolwich", Rebecca Forand, December 26, 2014

Tags: Drunk Driving Charges

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Authorities: Public Campaign Strategies Curb DUIs

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

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