Before you drink and drive..read this.

[george_r_1961]

Well its the holiday season and many of us who rarely drink turn into lushes. Well as you wobble out to your car after that office party think about this:

You could get arrested. In fact with the emphasis on stopping drunk drivers you probably will be. You will be handcuffed...taken to jail and held for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. You may have to post bond in order to be released. Of course you car has been impounded. Fork over more $$$ to get your car back, and be sure to have a friend, or two, help you if you live in a state like Virginia that takes your license on the spot for a period of time after your arrest. Drive as part of your job or have a job that requires a good criminal history? Better head out job hunting as many employers will fire anyone arrested for DUI, or suspend the person without pay pending trial. Did you injure or kill anyone as a result of your driving drunk? Almost all states provide for felony charges such as maiming or manslaughter as appropriate. Don't forget to hire a lawyer..big $$$.

Ok its your court date. Get ready to kiss your license goodbye for a while..possibly years, at the least several months. You may be placed in an alcohol rehab program. But how are you supposed to get there without being able to drive? Your problem. The program counselors will have no sympathy for someone who misses a session due to transportation problems. In addition you may face a short jail sentence. Some judges will let you surrender yourself at a later date; others will have you taken into custody in court. Don't forget to tell your family you may not be home for awhile. If you injured or killed anyone you will be going to PRISON, as will repeat offenders in may states.

You got caught and you learned your lesson. You serve a jail sentence, turn in your license and bicycle faithfully to your rehab sessions. You work two low paying jobs to replace the good paying one you lost to pay for your treatment as well as the hefty fines you were assesed. The big day comes: You go to DMV and get your license back after paying out more $$$ for reinstatment fees. Of course your insurance rates have gone thru the roof as well. You debt to society is paid right? WRONG!! Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a criminal record. You cannot get a security clearance. You cannot be bonded. You may not be allowed to work in jobs that involve driving for many years. Like to travel?
Well do not even think of going to Canada; they do not allow people with criminal records to enter their country. A few other countries have similar rules. Want to rent an apartment? Most landlords require a criminal check. While the majority will not exclude you for a DUI conviction some will. One more thing: A criminal record never "goes away" Although a single conviction may not carry a lot of weight many years later its still there.

Ok you were wobbling to your car getting ready to drive home after the party...but you have changed your mind and instead you fumble for your cell phone and call for a ride. RIGHT????

[azsnowman]

Thanks for posting this, sadly, those who drink and drive DON'T and WON'T listen...........our DUI Task force goes into FULL FORCE this coming Friday, it will run through Sunday night 1 January!

This is good advice but there are those who cannot tell their side of the story because they were KILLED by a DUI.......I still have those horrible images in my head of my first DUI fatality last April, parts of the people were scattered all over the highway, sorry to be so graphic but after that fatal night, I will do ANYTHING in my power to keep drunks OFF the road period
BTW.......the driver was OFFICALLY charged last week with 3 counts of manslaughter, 10 counts of AG (aggrivated DUI), 10 counts of AG Assualt, assualt with a deadly weapon (the pickup), attempting to flea the scene, this little PUNK should see 20 years "IF" he doesn't plead down

Dennis

[gtalum]

Whew, am I glad I am married to a bulldog of an attorney.

[arkess7]

WOW !! That a very vivid reminder!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget my DUI I got 10 years ago........when i was 23........ awful................jail sucks.............. .........


10 years later i am a mother and have a beer here and there.......but ...........if I ever go out anywhere to drink...........which is RARE................CALL A TAXI................that it how you have to do it............to all those young people out there.....................PLEASE CALL A TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!! AND ITS NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very good post george 1961....................my hubby was born in 59.............he he ..........i was born in 73...........he he

[Miss Mary]

We just had a tragic outcome to a parent drinking and then driving, in the Cincinnati area. A mother went to a family gathering, had 5 or 6 beers, put her two kids in her car, ages 6 and 10. She lost control, one child died at the scene, the other lived a little while longer but sadly, passed away too. The mother's family is speaking up, b/c they've not only lost two grandchildren but now will lose their mother. She's been arrested and charged with involuntary homicide. And for what - a few beers? It is not worth it! I'll try to find this article....

Timely topic. Thanks for posting it.

Here's the local article link:
http://www.cincynow.com/news/2005/local/12/15/mom.html

mary

[wxmann_91]

Thanks for posting this.

Exactly - it's just not worth it. It's interesting how just one decision to drink can ruin your whole life.

[TexasStooge]

Thanks for posting this.

Exactly - it's just not worth it. It's interesting how just one decision to drink can ruin your whole life.

Well said.

[GalvestonDuck]

<----Proud to be a designated driver. And even more proud of my friends who are responsible enough to hang up their keys and let me take the wheel or call a cab.

Have a safe and sober Christmas!