In many US states, DWI is used as an alternate term for DUI. Driving in Canadian County, though, while under the influence of alcohol can trigger either a charge of DWI or DUI, which are two different types of offenses in Oklahoma. DUI lawyers in the state are well-versed in the differences of these two cases, in addition to a third type of drunk driving case, known as APC.
Oklahoma is among the states that have the "per se" law, which means that a case may be filed against a driver based solely on the individual's blood alcohol content, regardless of the actual capacity to drive. In essence, a driver whose blood alcohol content or BAC reaches .08 percent triggers a charge of DUI.
The penalties for DUI conviction in Oklahoma include fine and imprisonment of up to one year. There is also the possibility of having to go through alcohol treatment if the BAC reaches at least .15 percent, as well as the installation of ignition interlock devices on all the driver's vehicles and community service of up to 480 hours.
In contrast, DWI is considered a lighter charge in Oklahoma, being filed against drivers with a BAC below .08 percent. As such, a guilty verdict for DWI usually brings in lesser punishments, but they may as well be severe.
Lastly, Actual Physical Control or APC is a closely related charge to a DUI. Driving in Canadian County or in the other areas within the Oklahoma jurisdiction is not a requisite, though, as opposed to DUI. It is even usual for parked drivers to be arrested as long as they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and are in a position to readily drive or operate the vehicle should they want to.
It is best for anyone arrested for drunk driving in the state to have Oklahoma DUI lawyers explain the subtleties of such cases and provide assistance in navigating its complex judicial system.
RESOURCE BOX:
Drivers facing a charge of APC, DWI, or DUI driving in Canadian County may seek legal advice and representation from Atty. James Todd. Also practicing in Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties, the lawyer is a former police detective and felony prosecutor, enabling him to examine a DUI case from both perspectives. He is among the fine Oklahoma DUI lawyers listed on the national directory of DUI defense attorneys, 1800DUILaws.com. Contact Atty. Todd by visiting http://www.1800duilaws.com or call 1-800-DUI-LAWS.
About the Author
Jeff Paul is a writer and copy editor who likes to share information on many different topics.
When a person cannot operate a vehicle properly because of consuming alcohol or any type of drug, he/she can be arrested on suspicion of DUI. A blood or breath test is conducted and if the level of alcohol or drug substance in the person is found to be higher than the specified limit, then it is regarded as a serious criminal offence. In many states of the United States, serious penalties are imposed such as huge fines, custody, longer and more widespread DUI programs, a compulsory setting up of ignition interlock devices, etc. The aim of DUI programs is to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol, drug or any intoxicating substance. In other words, these programs are made for the safety of people who may become victims of impaired drivers.
Finding DUI record is not a difficult process. Like any other criminal records, these records can also be traced easily. If a person is booked with impaired driving charges and his/her name is entered in DUI records, then the person will face several negative impacts in the future. Particularly, if that person wants to get an insurance policy for his/her vehicle in the future, then high premium rate will be charged.
If someone whose job is associated with driving or operating vehicles and he/she is charged with DUI offense, then the person will be barred from operating or driving any sort motorized vehicles and that means definite loss of job. If the person has repeated the DUI offenses and the charges against him are confirmed by the court, then the person is considered as a serious offender and his/her license of driving will be suspended. The license can be restored after completion of the duration mentioned in the court’s order. In some cases, even if the license ban is taken off by the court, the offender might need to avail an SR - 22 insurance policy depending on the number of times he/she went through DUI arrests.
DUI record is definitely very important. There are many drivers who consume regularly consume alcohol or any intoxicating substance before driving, and they behave so normally that it is hard to find that they are under the influence of alcohol or some other substance that they should not possess while driving. They do not behave as they are imbalanced physically or mentally, but that does not assure the safety of other people. Accidents can happen anytime if these drivers are not discouraged from their habit of unsafe driving. If a person was booked for DUI offence once, then his details and charges are maintained in the DUI records. A person with such a record means that he/she is not to be trusted while driving as the same offense can be conducted again.
When it comes to Goldendoodles, they are a dog that is now the most loved, adored and also the most misunderstood canine of all. For instance, did you know that there are 701 pure breed dogs and that the Border collie, Poodle and Golden retriever are claimed to be the smartest of dogs? I do not know why just these three breeds were listed because I am sure there are other smart breeds of dogs out there and the person behind the poll definitly didn't include the Goldendoodle! Fact 1: The Goldendoodle dog is highly intelligent.
Goldendoodle dogs also have a superior sense of hearing and smell, but of course when it comes to documented evidence, the bloodhound is so trustworthy that it is the only dog whose evidence is admissible even in court of law in the United States! There are alot of Goldendoodle as well as other dog facts are very interesting. For instance, it is claimed that the Great Dane is the tallest of all dogs, while the Chihuahua is the smallest dog of all. But are they really? As a breeder of Goldendoodles since 1999, I know for a fact that one Goldendoodle we created some years ago turned into a 150 pound "small pony" ! And while it is claimed that the Chihuahua is the smallest dog, we own a tcup sized LhasaPoo (a different type of hybrid dog) who weighs three pounds or less and I've heard of some tcup Yorkies as well as Tcup Poodles weighing even less!
Goldendoodle dogs are usually very attached to their families. Some are even heroically so. Goldendoodles can even take care of their invalid or handicapped family members on a daily basis, if properly trained. Over the years, we've had some of our past customers train their Goldendoodle dogs as therapy dogs or assist dogs. Many rescue organizations and policing organizations use Golden Retrievers as well as other types of dogs as a part of their regular team. Some Golden Retrievers are used as narcotic dogs. While it is doubtful that a Goldendoodle can be used as a guard dog, I see no reason why they could not be trained as hunters, draught animals, drug and explosive detectors, and even as a dog who seeks out weapons.
In the Middle Ages, dogs wore spiky light armors and ran into the battle grounds to attack mounted knights. The Rottweiler was one such breed used in medieval battles. The German Shepherd dog has been used in the field with every day soldiers for many centuries. There are many fun facts regarding all dog types, but the Goldendoodle dog has not been around long enough to have a lot of facts written about them. The Goldendoodle dog was first known as a "Goldendoodle" sometime around 1997. This hybrid was first created by the Australians who were looking for a low shedding, low dander assist dog for those who had allergies. Goldendoodles in Australia are used for other purposes and make wonderful family pets for children of all ages. There are only three coat types for the Goldendoodle dog.
1. Shaggy.
2. Curly.
3. Smooth.
The Goldendoodle does not have any rare colors and actually can have markings anywhere on its body, of any color. The Goldendoodle dog also can have various eye colors such as brown, blue, green or multi colors. Since beginning our Goldendoodles in 1999, we have seen some Goldendoodles born with one green eye and one blue eyes or one brown eye and one blue eye. In 2010 we hope to create Duetche Kurzharr Doodles which is a German Shorthaired Pointer mixed with a Goldendoodle. Since we do have a sire with blue eyes and our German Shorthaired Pointer has lovely amber colored eyes and multiple freckles, we hope that we will see offspring coming out with not just lovely light colored eyes, but with spots and freckles. The German Shorthaired Pointer is extremely intelligent! Our own girl, Merry-Belle, is fascinated with squeeky toys and carries them all over the house. She loves to have someone hold a ball up in the air and anxiously awaits it to be tossed in her direction so that she can jump high up in the air to catch it.
Before purchasing any type of dog, you should attempt to learn all the important facts that pertain to the breed you wish to own. Many families make the mistake and hurry up to get a dog because their children have been insisting on having one. Many parents buckle under pressure. But the problem is, people who purchase a Goldendoodle under the assumption of knowing the facts, find out that the dog isn't for them. Sure enough, after the dog arrives home and the initial excitement has quieted down, the chore of actually taking care of the dog and molding its character begins. This is when the honeymoon is over and when most families realize that their Goldendoodle is really a bundle of work, like all dogs!
Children find out that the dog can't just let itself out to use the bathroom and many will gripe about having to constantly take their new dog out for bathroom breaks. Most of the chores of caring for a Goldendoodle or any dog for that matter usually falls to the parents after a few days. A puppy is cuddly and sweet until it poops or pees on the floor or has to be supervised at all times or when it howls and howls for attention from its human family. The Goldendoodle dog has become the most popular of hybrids because other dogs with long and short hair, shed profusely. Many people who buy a Goldendoodle are told by their breeder that the dog doesn't EVER shed and that they are "hypoallergenic". Imagine the family's horror when they realize that indeed their Goldendoodle dog sheds and not only does it shed, but it needs constant, regular care! This is just one example of how some doodle breeders try and use the "non shedding", "Hypoallergenic" key words to bring in a customer. An inexperienced breeder can lead someone to buy a Goldendoodle dog for the wrong reasons. Since 1999, we as breeders have watched the Goldendoodle hybrid go through 10-15 different coat changes. We know for a fact that the Goldendoodle dog does indeed shed. BUT, they shed like no other dog we've ever seen.
The Goldendoodle will lose a strand or two of hairs and not gobs of hair or clumps of hair. Unless your Goldendoodle has a hormonal imbalance, his or her coat is not going to just completely fall out. Unlike a dog with a double coat, the Goldendoodle dog has a single coat and sheds very, very little. As the Goldendoodle dog changes from a puppy to an adult, there will be coat changes and you may see its coat do the most shedding during this "growing up" phase. When the Goldendoodle dog turns a year of age, their owners will see the least shedding.
Goldendoodle facts become very important if you really want to understand your doodle. Knowing as much about your doodle dog will also help you with training. Some dogs are quick to learn, while others need more time. Regardless of breed, dogs are individuals and training needs to be specifically geared toward the individual dog itself and not by breed type or generalization. Just as human have their own unique way of responding to learning things, dogs are the same way. They are individuals just like we humans are. Most dogs respond well to rewards and praise, while a few breeds need firm commands and rigorous discipline. Goldendoodles do not learn well with negative training. Positive reinforcement works very well for getting your Goldendoodle to comply and respond to training commands. Some dogs like the Dalmatian, need a lot of exercise and are not very suitable to small living quarters, while others like the Poodle have a lot of grooming requirements. Shaggy and curly coat Goldendoodles have a high grooming requirement. All Goldendoodles, regardless of size, would do well indoors so long as he or she is taken for daily walks. Goldendoodles enjoy being where ever their human family members are. They are happy to run beside you if you are jogging or on your bicycle and they are just as happy to sleep at your feet if you are sitting down watching television. Goldendoodle dogs are snugglers. They usually are not independant dogs. They can become lonely if left for long periods of time without human companionship. Depending upon coat type, some Goldendoodles can tend to be barkers or high drive. It has been our own experience that the shaggy coat and smooth coat Goldendoodle has the best temperaments of all three coat types. The curly coat Goldendoodle can tend to pick up some of the quirkly traits of the Poodle. Those experienced with the Golden Retriever will want to stick with either the shaggy coat or the smooth coat Goldendoodle. Those experienced with the Poodle will want to stick with the curly coat Goldendoodle.
Many people believe that certain dogs inherit certain disorders like hip dysplasia and cataract based on breed type. Many people believe that some breeds are prone to getting fat if they are not exercised regularly. Genetic ailments can happen to any type of dog regardless of their breed and all dogs can become fat and lazy if they are over-fed and are lacking in exercise. Dogs who are inbred or backbred or come from a genetic bottle neck (lacking in a wide genetic gene pool) will be at a higher risk for having genetic ailments. Age also plays a direct role with health issues in dogs. It is not known why some dogs die from health issues and others can go through their entire lives not ever having a health issue. Just as people die from various types of health issues or just simply pass away in their sleep, dogs are very similar in this way. Goldendoodles who come from a first generation breeding seem to be the hardiest of dogs. Goldendoodles can be a long lived dog under ideal circumstances just as the Poodle is the longest lived dog of all dogs.
One of the most important dog facts most overlooked by many is that every purebred has been originally created with a particular purpose in mind. While the Lhasa Apso was originally created as a palace guard dog, the Poodle was used for multiple purposes such as retrieving, swimming and just being a companion. The German Shorthaired Pointer makes a wonderful gun dog and many Rottweilers and German Shepherds or Doberman Pinschers make excellent guard dogs. Depending upon the history and lineage of your Goldendoodle, he or she may have a wonderful compilation of traits that would be suited for multiple tasks or would simply just make a wonderful house pet.
If you expect a breed of dog to completely forfeit its inherent tendencies and don a new mantle, you are asking for trouble. Never expect a Goldendoodle to guard you or your possessions and don't be surprised if your Pit Bull bristles with anger and ultimately attacks a stranger. Some traits are deeply rooted and instilled in particular breed types. With our own Goldendoodles, we do know that their lineage holds multiple companion dogs, Utility dogs, show dogs, Master Hunters as well as having a deeply rooted love for playing in the water. Training your Goldendoodle or entering them into obedience classes can help you to bring some discipline to your doodle as well as even enhance their natural tendencies. Training does not replace them.
Anyone deciding to purchase a shaggy or curly coat Goldendoodle must also need to learn basics in grooming unless you are going to have someone else groom the doodle. Being knowledgeable about the Goldendoodle will help you become a better doodle owner. Goldendoodles can participate in fun competition dog trials, even fun dog shows. Their are other important dog facts which also include a need to know such information like neutering, spaying, vaccinating and de-worming your doodle at regular intervals. You will want to have your vet place your Goldendoodle on a vaccination and deworming schedule and let your vet get to know your dog. It is also very important to know that owning a Goldendoodle as with any other type of dog can be expensive. Know before you buy, that you can afford the upkeep that your doodle will require.
In a nutshell, knowing your doodle facts will help you, the new doodle owner, to truly appreciate your Goldendoodle's uniqueness and will allow your doodle to happily spend its entire life with you.
** Author/breeder:
Dee Gerrish @2009.
** About the Author:
Dee Gerrish as been a private, professional hobby breeder since 1996. Dee Gerrish has written extensively about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. Visit her site at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com/
Article Tags: Dee Gerrish, Goldendoodle World, doodle facts, goldendoodle facts, goldendoodle news, potty training your goldendoodle, housebreaking puppies, training your adult goldendoodle, how to potty train your doodle, patellar luxation + goldendoodles, goldendoodels and patellar luxation, correcting patellar luxation + goldendoodles, bonding with your goldendoodle,dee gerrish, 2007 doodle families, truth about goldendoodles, tiny goldendoodles, golden doodles character, goldendoodles & temperment, goldendoodle mating, goldendoodle adult, goldendoodle temperment, goldendoodles + temperment, Tiny goldendoodle, names for goldendoodles, hair care for goldendoodles, personality of mini goldendoodles, temperament of goldendoodle, brown goldendoodles with green eyes, personality of goldendoodles, goldendoodle dog names, training adult goldendoodles, goldendoodle without beard, quotes about goldendoodles, smooth coat goldendoodle, goldendoodle adult dogs, golden doodle personality, brown goldendoodle, goldendoodles + wetpaint, the temperament of goldendoodles goldendoodle lifespan, goldendoodle personality, miniature goldendoodle personality, goldendoodles names, smooth-coated goldendoodle, how to tell how curly a goldendoodle will be in adulthood, shedding data goldendoodles, goldendoodle ear, brown goldendoodles, goldendoodle quotes, adult tiny goldendoodles, personalities of goldendoodles, adult goldendoodles, curly goldendoodle, goldendoodle wiki, cute names for your goldendoodle or labradoodle, goldendoodle hair, everything you need to know about goldendoodles, do goldendoodles get curly hair, goldendoodle life span, goldendoodle gear, goldendoodle temperament, goldendoodle personalities, goldendoodles personalities, goldendoodle desktop, golendoodle traits, curly coated goldendoodle, goldendoodles in europe, lifespan of the goldendoodle, goldendoodle europe, personality of golden doodles, "adult goldendoodles", goldendoodle description, goldendoodlevideo, golden doodles playful, goldendoodle adult smooth, goldendoodle smooth, how to care for an extremely curly haired goldendoodle, adult tiny goldendoodle, temperment of golden doodles, labradoodle europa, goldendoodles, "brown curly haired dog" , goldendoodles temperment, goldendoodle names, goldendoodle young, goldendoodles personality, temperament of goldendoodles, goldendoodle beards, the truth about goldendoodles and allergies, goldendoodle jokes, curly hair goldendoodle, poodles with brown noses and green eyes?, short haired goldendoodles, at what age are goldendoodles done growing?, info about goldendoodles dogs, temperament of miniature goldendoodles, everything to know about goldendoodles, good names for goldendoodles, golden doodles temperment, "personality of a goldendoodle", "tiny goldendoodles", min goldendoodles, curly haired goldendoodles, map goldendoodles, goldendoodle tiny united states, goldendoodle adult hair, curly goldendoodles, miniature goldendoodles personality, curly coat goldendoodle breeders, "goldendoodles names", goldendoodle message boards, temperment of goldendoodles, curly haired golden retriever, goldendoodles+personality, life span of a goldendoodle, everything goldendoodles, goldendoodle temperments, goldendoodles with hair in the ear canal, goldendoodle europa, goldendoodle and personality, goldendoodles life span, do shaggy golden doodles shed, types of goldendoodles, goldendoodle tiny, goldendoodles bc, names for goldendoodle, goldendoodles bad, tiny goldendoodle breeders, tiny golden doodles, "names for goldendoodles", golden doodles europe, min goldendoodle, everything about goldendoodles, goldendoodle message board, personality of goldendoodle, golden doodles and personalitiy, goldendoodles anal problems, european goldendoodles, golden doodles temperament, goldendoodles temperament, "doodles by dee", personality of a goldendoodle, personality of goldendoodle dogs, brown golden doodles, shaggy coat goldendoodles, short haired goldendoodle, golendoodle dogs, goldendoodle + hair type, when do goldendoodles get their adult coat?, tiny goldendoodle names, goldendoodle v. golden retriever, personality of the goldendoodle, goldendoodles-shedding, goldendoodle breeders in europe, tiny goldendoodle info, where to buy goldendoodle in europe, european goldendoodle, the truth about goldendoodles, goldendoodle with smooth coat, goldendoodle temperaments, adult goldendoodle, can tiny goldendoodles stay home for 2 hours, goldendoodle map, goldendoodle smooth coat, goldendoodles temperaments, goldendoodle tails, tiny golden doodles, playful goldendoodles without beards, cv goldendoodles, the truth about goldendoodles and shedding from professionals, curly goldendoodle bc, goldendoodles europe, mating golden doodles, goldendoodle personality trait, goldendoodles messageboard, goldendoodle bad personality, golden fluffy curly haired dog, do golden doodles shed?, mating 2 golden doodles, lifespan of a goldendoodle, what is a goldendoodles personality, goldendoodle brown, want a goldendoodle email, goldendoodles young children, "tiny goldendoodle", goldendoodle ears, goldendoodles tail, goldendoodle+tiny, goldendoodles popularity stats, "personality of golden doodles" , the truth about golden doodles, everything on golden doodles, adult min goldendoodles, adult goldendoodle dogs, names for golden doodles, genetic engineering goldendoodle, european goldendoodles + europe, when does goldendoodle have adult hair, goldendoodle tail, age span of goldendoodle, goldendoodle discussion board, goldendoodle personality and temperament, goldendoodle email contact list, goldendoodle brown nose, goldendoodle beard care, goldendoodle ear hair, best golden doodles in the world, personality goldendoodle, smooth haired golden doodles, goldendoodles types, "smooth goldendoodle", golden doodles, goldendoodles message board', life span of golden doodles, golden doodles tails, two goldendoodles, goldendoodle essays, goldendoodle dog breeders in europe, truth about goldendoodles shedding and types of coat, tiny brown curly haired dog, doodles by dee, goldendoodle to golden doodle mating, goldendoodles eyes, adult golden doodle video, why do goldendoodles get a brown beard?, names of goldendoodles, most common goldendoodle names, goldendoodle and eyes and hair, google: goldendoodle video of goldendoodle adult, exotic names for goldendoodles, tiny goldendoodles adult dogs, goldendoodle + personality, goldendoodles wiki, markings on goldendoodles, 2 golden doodles, golden doodle dogs, quotes goldendoodles, golden doodles personality, goldendoodle+smooth coat, goldendoodle discussion boards, smooth golden doodles, two goldendoodles or one, goldendoodle dog names, what services do goldendoodles provide?, goldendoodles "doodles by dee, ' poodle hybrid fan email contact, brown poodle green eyes, smooth coat goldendoodles, golden doodle europe, "goldendoodles" +"message boards", "goldendoodles" temperment, green eye goldendoodle, goldendoodles hair, brown nose green eyes poodle, golden doodles with brown nose, smooth coat golden doodle, goldendoodle with curly hair, "goldendoodle" and quotes, poodle combo, when do goldendoodles get curly?, low shedding hybrids + goldendoodles, type tail of a goldendoodle, goldendoodle temperament and personality, golden doodle temperament, goldendoodles NC, goldendoodles in North Carolina, Dee Gerrish + NC + Goldendoodles, golden retriever curly coat, poodle hybrids, coat of a growing golden retriever, smooth coated goldendoodles, how to chooce your goldendoodle, poodle hybride, goldendoodles smooth coats, lovable goldendoodles, adult labradoodle golden coat, different goldendoodles types, goldendoodle dogs tail, golden doodles by dee, goldendoodle tail no hair, goodle dog, goodle golden retriever poodle, curly name for goldendoodle, very curly goldendoodle adult, goodle golden, european goldendoodles retrievers, goldendoodle beard is brown, golen doodle, smoothcoat goldendoodle, goldendoodle care, adult goldendoodle personality, potty training + Goldendoodles About the Author
Dee Gerrish has been a private, professional, hobby breeder for 13 years as of Jan. 2009; She was a respite and foster care provider in Mannheim, Germany and won many community awards for her dedicated service. Dee has written very popular Goldendoodle articles that are listed across the internet.
Bar-BQ Killers play "His and Hearse" at the Uptown Lounge
[phpbay]this is due to the fact that, 100, "", ""[/phpbay]
Driving Under The Influence (DUI) And Car Insurance Don't Mix
Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many reasons. One of the effects of a 'driving under the influence' conviction that many people fail to realize - is just how severely your car insurance rates can be affected. If you're covered by a policy at the time you're convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase dramatically or your policy may be canceled. If you don't have car insurance at the time of a DUI conviction, you may find it very difficult securing future coverage.
Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll also describe the purpose of an SR-22 form, which may be a requirement if you are convicted of a DUI offense and wish to legally drive again. Also, we'll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event that you're caught driving under the influence.
The Purpose Of An SR-22 After a DUI Offense
Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. If you're caught and convicted of a DUI, you'll likely be required to file an SR-22. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a legal statement (document) that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is usually returned when this statement is filed.
Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some car insurance carriers offer special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers, charging much higher premiums. Other insurers won't offer such coverage and will simply cancel a "high risk" driver's policy.
An SR-22 form can be obtained from your auto insurance company (once they have decided to insure you) when purchasing your car insurance.
A DUI Can Remain Under The Radar - For a While
Occasionally there's somewhat of a disconnect between the local court system and the local department of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. When a DUI offense isn't reported to a driver's local DMV, that driver's DUI offense may remain hidden, and that driver may be able to effectively avoid filing an SR-22, because their alcohol-related offense is not immediately discovered by their car insurance company. Though this does happen on occasion, insurance providers can eventually learn of a policyholder's DUI - even years later, and act accordingly.
If You've Been Convicted, Don't Wait To Shop Around For An SR-22 Insurance Policy
A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their car insurance policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If your current provider is canceling your policy, it's likely because they know about your DUI from your driving record at the DMV. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.
It's much more difficult to find a carrier that is willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy when you're not already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established insurance carriers are unwilling to insure you, you may want to check with the independent agents in your area.
Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead After a DUI
Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. In short, a DUI severely limits your options. But, if a DUI conviction is in your past, don't let it dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. Assuming the DMV has recorded your DUI in their records, you'll need to pay higher premiums for your policy, but, the alternative - driving without coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.
Remember, while a DUI conviction can stay on your record for a decade, car insurance companies will typically only use it for premium scoring for 3 years (sometimes less).
Obviously it's in everyone's best interest to just say no to drinking and driving. However, if you're learning this lesson a bit late, it's best to know your options, plan ahead and work diligently toward putting the experience behind you.
Many people are sentenced to jail – however, a great number of these people never step one foot into a jail cell. There are laws that allow for defendants to complete their jail time in alternative programs. Criminal defense attorneys, by necessity, have to become experts in finding alternatives to incarceration. Many defense clients are business people and / or have families and other serious commitments, and cannot afford to be taken into custody. Our office works hard to explore and use every possible alternative for them, thus often avoiding actual jail time. The following are a list of alternatives to being incarcerated or taken into custody.
Home Electronic Confinement Home electronic confinement can be arranged by either the probation department or a private company. This type of sentencing requires a person to remain at home, but at the same time, allows you to continue the activities which are necessary to your well-being and existence (such as attending work, school, Dr. appointments, attorney, court or DMV appearances, shop for necessities, care for your children and / or provide necessary care for a loved one who may be ill or otherwise unable to care for themselves). There is usually a nominal cost that is associated with the program.
CalTrans Work Many people who are sentenced to jail time, end up doing CalTrans work. CalTrans is a work crew that you may see when you are driving down the freeways of California. They are a group of people (usually dressed in orange vests) who are appointed through the courts to keep the freeway areas clear and clean of trash and other debris. They are also involved in various other state improvement projects, as ordered by the program. You receive credit for your work on the crew to satisfy your jail time commitment.
Community Service Work Each court has a separate office responsible for assigning community service work to individuals who are approved by the prosecutor and judge to perform duties to assist various organizations within the community (in lieu of jail time). 8 hours of community service basically converts to 1 hour of jail time. This is an excellent alternative, as some defendants believe that their community service work is much more needed and worthwhile to the community, rather than simply sitting behind bars in jail.
Private Jail / Work Furlough In some instances, where the judge requires that you serve actual jail time, many people choose to serve their sentence in a private jail facility. This alternative can be somewhat costly, however, in a private jail, there are many instances where you can get work furlough privileges. Work furlough privileges means that during the day you are allowed to go out and work at your regular job and after work, you are required to spend the remainder of the evening back in the private jail. While you do remain incarcerated, this option does allow you to still keep your job.
Sober Living Programs Some clients that are convicted and sentenced to jail time as a result of a drug or alcohol related charge want to be productive in the time that they spend while incarcerated. County jail does not afford very many programs that assist individuals in becoming sober or help with a drug related problem. As an alternative, drug and alcohol rehabilitation program can also give credit for jail time, without actually doing any jail.
These programs are allowed by law to credit, day for day for time spent in the program. The individual in this program is required to spend their evenings and stay in the program, which does include regular drug and alcohol testing as well as other types of monitoring to ensure you are in fact complying with the program requirements. However, in some programs, you are allowed to go out and work during the day at your regular job as a part of your rehabilitation, providing of course, that you remain in and comply with the program’s requirements.
About the Author
Robert Miller is one of the Orange County DUI Lawyers at Robert Miller and Associates (http://www.expertlawfirm.com), practicing Orange County and Los Angeles DUI defense and Criminal Law. He can be reached through the website above.
