Camden DUI Lawyer: DUI Arrests Increase in 2015

Recently, the Pennsylvania State Police released their DUI statistics from 2015. These statistics showed that in 2015, Pennsylvania state troopers made 18,801 DUI arrests, up 6.2 percent from the number of arrests made in 2014. This number is only partial for the state as a whole, as it only counts for the state police and not municipal departments.

DUI refers to “driving under the influence,” and DWI refers to “driving while intoxicated.” In New Jersey, the terms are often used interchangeably. DUI is a broader term, referring to an individual who was driving while impaired by any substance, such as alcohol, an illegal drug, or even a legally-prescribed drug. DWI refers strictly to driving while under the influence of alcohol. Any time an individual is impaired by a substance, he or she is a danger to themselves and others on the road. This is why it is illegal throughout the United States to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

DUI Arrests by Type

The report released by the Pennsylvania State Police further broke down the DUI arrests by the type of drug impaired drivers were found to have taken. Approximately one quarter of the arrests, 4,431, were drivers who were under the influence of drugs other than alcohol. Many types of drugs, including cannabis, amphetamines, opioids, and prescription drugs like sleep aids can affect an individual’s ability to drive a car or operate other machinery. When prescribed a new medication, it is important that individuals talk to their doctor about how it can affect their ability to safely drive a car. Individuals should not drive until they know how their medication affects them.

The most common drug associated with DUI arrests is alcohol. This is because it is legal, inexpensive, and not as stigmatized as other drugs. Throughout the United States, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08 percent. In many states, the allowable BAC is lower for individuals driving commercial vehicles and individuals under the age of 21. Alcohol inhibits an individual’s ability to perceive his or her speed and surroundings and can impact a driver’s ability to react to hazards in the roadway.

Individuals should always make a plan to get home safely to avoid driving drunk. Choosing a designated driver for the group or taking public transportation are responsible decisions that could save lives. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be a great resource for individuals who are out drinking. If too impaired to drive, individuals should call a taxi or consider staying at a nearby hotel. Although this can be inconvenient, it is far better than driving drunk and potentially injuring or killing others.

Camden DUI Lawyer Michele Finizio Defends Individuals Charged with DUI in South Jersey

You might think that if you are arrested for DUI, you will automatically be convicted. This is a myth. If you are charged with DUI/DWI in New Jersey, you can defend your case and avoid the penalties that accompany them. But to do this successfully, you need to be proactive and start working with an experienced Camden DUI lawyer as soon as you can to determine the right strategy for your case. Call The Law Offices of Michele Finizio at 856-888-9059 today or fill out an online form to schedule your initial legal consultation in our Moorestown offices. Ms. Finizio is an experienced DUI/DWI and criminal defense lawyer who proudly serves clients throughout Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and Salem County.