You know its a problem to drink and drive. Drinking and driving is the most frequently committed crime. 115 people a day die from car accidents. Of that, 47 had been drinking. Most of the accidents occur between midnight and 3 am. 43% of the fatal accidents of drunk drivers happen on the weekend. Holidays always play an important role, too. New Years Day is number one at 67%. Fortunately, cars are getting safer and the statistics are slowing from early 1960s levels.
You dont have to be drunk to impair your driving skills. Most dont appear drunk when they get behind the wheel. You have to allow time to sober up after drinking if you have to drive. Normally, it takes your body one hour to allow your body to metabolize the alcohol of one drink.
What about driving? Do you have to be behind the wheel? Some states are very specific about actually driving. Some states use the term operating which can mean sitting in the front seat fiddling with the radio. Other states are stricter in identifying you as being able to operate the vehicle, even though you arent driving or even have the engine running. And driving isnt just limited to a car. Most states use the term motor vehicle. This refers to any vehicle with a motor motorcycles, boats, and some states even include bikes and horses. A horse?
If you actually want to drink and drive, where can you drive? You cant drive on any public road or even private land if it puts the public in harms way. Literally, most laws say in the state and that, my friends, means anywhere inside the state lines, private or otherwise.
Your lawyer doesnt have to prove intent, either, as in most criminal cases. If you had a general intent to drink, then drove, then you are done. Driving after you have been drinking shows you had intent.
Its simple folks, if you drink dont drive. And if you are the driver, dont drink.
