DUI Deterrence
Each year tens of thousands of people die in traffic crashes. Throughout the nation alcohol is the major contributor to traffic fatalities. In 2002, alcohol-related fatalities rose to 17,490, representing 41% of all traffic fatalities. In 1991, in a Gallup survey of over 9000 drivers nationwide, 14% of the respondents reported they drove while close to be under the influence of alcohol within the last three months.
It is conservatively estimated that the typical DUI violator commits that offense about 80 times per year. In other words, the average DUI violator drives while “under the influence” at least once every four or five nights.
One approach to reducing the number of drinking drivers is general deterrence of DWI. General deterrence of DWI is based on the public’s fear of being arrested. If enough violators come to believe that there is a good chance that they will get caught, at least some of them will stop committing DWI at least some of the time. However, unless there is a real risk of arrest, there will not be much fear of arrest.
The individuals that come to our office fall into numerous categories. There are those for whom it is their first offense and others who have multiple offenses for alcohol and/or alcohol and drugs. The purpose of this and other articles is to inform potential clients of the process and how a lawyer may assist you in navigating the system and, hopefully, with the best possible outcome.
Fred Antenberg is an attorney who represents individuals charged with Driving Under the Influence and with Driving While Impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, and will defend you in court. Fred represents DWI/DUI cases in Howard County, Maryland, as well as throughout the State of Maryland. Call Fred today at 410- 730-4404.
