Law Library Articles

Top 10 Drunk Driving Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library

“Don’t drink and drive” may seem like a simple mantra, but it is not always easily followed. Based on recent American trends, each year about 112 million people will take part in alcohol-impaired driving, and about 1.4 million drivers will be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

Being pulled over is a scary thing, and being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can have serious consequences. There are many misconceptions about legal issues with drinking and driving, and these articles can help.

Below are the Top 10 Articles from the LegalMatch Law Library on the legal aspects of drunk driving:

1. How Much Will a DUI Lawyer Cost?

Hiring an attorney for a DUI/DWI case can vary widely based on the severity of charges, whether it is your first offense, and where you live. This article walks you through factors that can drive up legal fees, from expert witnesses to multi-offense cases, and how an experienced lawyer may help reduce fines, prevent jail time, or even get charges dismissed.

2. Lifetime Suspension of Driver’s License

Under some circumstances, a serious or repeated DUI conviction can trigger a lifetime license suspension. This piece explains which offenses most often lead to revocation of driving privileges, such as vehicular homicide or multiple DUIs, and whether there are any ways to appeal or reinstate driving privileges after a permanent suspension.

3. Drunk Driving and Hospital Records

Following a crash, hospital staff may draw blood or otherwise record your blood alcohol level. But can police officers just request your medical records? This article covers how privacy laws like HIPAA interact with criminal investigations, when subpoenas or warrants are required, and how improperly accessed hospital data might be suppressed in court.

4. Top 5 Types of Documents/Evidence to Gather for Your Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI Case

Building a strong defense often hinges on having the right documentation, from police reports and dashcam footage to medical records and witness statements. Learn which evidence an attorney will want to collect and why it can make a decisive difference at trial or during negotiations.

5. DUI Preliminary Hearing Questions

In many jurisdictions, a preliminary hearing is the first step after entering a not-guilty plea. Discover what sorts of questions typically arise, like whether the officer had probable cause to pull you over, and why this short hearing can set the tone for whether your case heads to trial or results in a plea deal.

6. DUI Blood Test

Often considered more accurate than breathalyzers, blood tests can still be challenged on procedural grounds (e.g., who drew the blood and under what conditions) or on the reliability of the lab’s testing. This article clarifies your right to refuse, when a warrant is required, and strategies for undermining flawed test results.

7. Repeat Offender Lawyers

Going before a judge with multiple prior DUI/DWI offenses subjects you to stricter penalties, higher fines, longer jail sentences, and potential felony charges. Read more about how repeat offenders are treated differently than first-time violators, and how an experienced attorney can advocate for sentencing alternatives.

8. Poly-Abuse Driving Attorneys

“Poly-abuse” refers to mixing drugs and alcohol before getting behind the wheel. This piece explains how blood tests can detect multiple intoxicants and the types of DUI charges you could face if pulled over while driving under the influence of multiple substances.

9. Ultimate Guide to DUI Defenses

From challenging field sobriety tests to attacking breathalyzer accuracy or raising constitutional violations, there are many defense options in a DUI case. This guide outlines the range of possible approaches your lawyer might use, from “rising blood alcohol” arguments to proving the police lacked probable cause for a stop.

10. Auto-Brewery Syndrome Lawyers

Rare but real, this medical condition causes a person’s body to ferment carbohydrates into alcohol, leading to unexpectedly high BAC levels without traditional drinking. Learn about the legal implications, possible defenses, and what to do if you suspect this condition factored into a DUI charge.

If you are facing a DUI/DWI charge, consider contacting a local DUI/DWI attorney for legal counsel. DUI laws and penalties vary significantly across states, and an experienced lawyer can tailor a defense based on your personal circumstances, whether it is your first arrest, involves an accident, or you might have an underlying medical issue like auto-brewery syndrome. Above all, skilled advocacy can help minimize the impact on your record, your license, and your future.