It is no secret that DUI arrests have been a major objective of every police department across the entire country. This was brought about by the large number of fatalities that have occurred over the years as a result of an individual driving while intoxicated. In this post we will review current statistics, discuss your rights, and if you are arrested for DUI, what your options are!
Current Statistics
In the state of Florida, we have seen a decline year over year in the number of DUI related fatalities, which most people attribute to the very strict and harsh rules attached with being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The most recent statistics available in FL are from 2012 and are as follows:
- 697 total alcohol-impaired driving fatalities
- 55 under 21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities
- 3.6 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 people
- 1.2 per 100,00 under 21 years of age
- 10-year change in alcohol related driving fatalities: -33.8%
- 10-year change in alcohol related driving fatalities involving under 21: -59.1%
- Total DUI arrests in 2012: 44,894
When compared to the overall population of the state of Florida (which is now the 3rd most populated state in the country with over 20 million residents) it is really incredible that the numbers are as low as they are. The main reason for this has been the relentless state and nationwide campaign against drunk driving and the addition of more alternatives to driving home, such as Uber and Lyft.
Know Your Rights!
One of the most common mistakes that individuals make when being pulled over and suspected of a DUI is not knowing all of your rights and what the police officer can legally say or do. For example, did you know that, in the state of Florida, a police officer cannot conduct a field sobriety test, or a breathalyzer just because he or she smells alcohol? They also are required to identify other signs of the driver being impaired. There are many signs that law enforcement officers look for in order to have sufficient evidence to conduct a DUI investigation. They include, but are not limited to:
- Odor of alcohol
- Slurred speech
- Blood-shot or glassy eyes
- Verbal admission to drinking
- Wristbands from clubs or bars
- Problems with balance
- Problems with hand-eye coordination
Also keep in mind - if you are under investigation for a DUI by the LEO and are stopped on the side of the road, EVERYTHING you say can and WILL be used against you in the court of law. Even if the officer has not yet read you the Miranda rights.
What To Do If You Are Arrested For DUI
The first and most important thing to do once arrested for DUI is to seek proper legal counsel. The DUI laws are actually not set in stone, and a relationship with the presiding judge can absolutely affect the outcome of the case. Also, there could be certain things that the officer said or did through the course of the arrest that could render the case dismissible. Knowing all of the legal angles and rights is not something the layman is capable of handling himself. Be sure to seek qualified representation so that you have the best chance of getting off with the smallest charge and fine possible.
This article was written by Roy Swingle. Roy is currently attending Stetson University in Central Florida to get his law degree. During his free time, Roy enjoys blogging for local law firms about issues surrounding the community. Currently, Roy is contributing content to Conan & Herman, P.A.
Comments, like all content, are held to The Rapidian standards of civility and open identity as outlined in our Terms of Use and Values Statement. We reserve the right to remove any content that does not hold to these standards.