DUI News Digest

The North Dakota Supreme Court this past week heard oral arguments from a pair of cases related to the North Dakota Legislature’s 2013 decision to criminalize refusal to submit to a chemical test in suspected drunken driving cases. In North Dakota, refusal to submit to a chemical test holds the same penalty as driving under the influence, including potential jail time. Refusing either a preliminary breath test, which is not admissible in a jury trial, or a chemical test is ... Read More »

A program enabling first-time DUI offenders in Palm Beach County to avoid criminal convictions and large fines recently reached a milestone of 1,000 participants, but a majority of eligible defendants are passing on the chance to enroll. The program, which began on June 1, 2013 with the endorsement of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization in Florida, is intended to make the streets safer while somewhat softening the blow for the offenders. “The requirements of the program are mostly tougher ... Read More »

When you’re convicted of a DUI here in Virginia, your license is suspended for 12 months. But you can petition for a restricted license.   Read More »

ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY – First time DUI offenders could soon have to use the interlock system to start their car. Wednesday the Senate passed the bill that would expand the law. Read More »

GREENVILLE, S.C. — DUI penalties in South Carolina just got a lot tougher after a law is passed to commemorate a victim of a drunk driving car wreck. Emma’s Law went into effect Wednesday. This comes after South Carolina received heavy criticism for being too lax on DUI enforcement and punishment in the past. The law makes it easier for convicted drunk drivers to get a new interlock device. Read More »

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) – What is being called a “lifesaving” DUI law has gone into effect in Mississippi. Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced that starting on Wednesday, anyone convicted of drunk driving in the state will have to have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle as part of their sentence. MADD says that the new law is a key victory in its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which is focused on passing similar legislation in all 50 ... Read More »

Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps was arrested and charged with DUI and other charges in Maryland early Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon, Phelps pleaded for forgiveness on Twitter, writing, “I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility… I am deeply sorry.” Read More »

Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Sunday morning on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs after she stopped her car in the middle of an intersection in Sherman Oaks, a CHP officer said. Read More »

Changes in Mississippi’s DUI law that are due go into effect on Wednesday are getting mixed reviews from some in the judicial system. The Mississippi Legislature drafted the new laws in 2013, with the stipulation that the changes would take effect this year. Legislators also made some changes during the 2014 session. According to a summary of the law, when a person is convicted of their first offense DUI, the court will order them to complete an alcohol safety education ... Read More »

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The number of arrests for driving under the influence is increasing in parts of Central Florida. In Orange County, the Sheriff’s Office has arrested 668 DUI suspects so far this year, according to stats released Tuesday afternoon. That’s just over a 4 percent increase from the 641 DUI arrests over the same period last year. Read More »