The DUI Book

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Dedication

 

Acknowledgements

 

Chapter 1 - An Overview and Historic Perspective of DUI-DWI Laws in America

            1.1. UNDERSTANDING THE OFFENSE.

                        1.1.1. A Brief History of the First 100 Years of Our DUI-DWI Laws. 

                        1.1.2. The Ascendancy of M.A.D.D. and other Political Action Groups. 

1.1.3. The Common Acronyms (Abbreviations) for “Drunk Driving” Used Across the USA. 

                        1.1.4. The Coercive Involvement of the Federal Government. 

                        1.1.5. The Criminal Defense Bar Gets Organized. 

                        1.1.6. It Isn’t Just About Alcohol Any More. 

            1.2. Definitions and Concepts You Need to Know To Understand This Book.

                        1.2.1 Misdemeanor DUI-DWI Offenses. 

                                    (a) The prohibited vehicular activity. 

                                    (b) The types of vehicles or devices covered. 

                                    (c) The locations where DUI-DWI offenses may occur. 

                                    (d) The required degree of “influence” of consumed intoxicants. 

                        1.2.2. The Required “Degree” of Impairment:  State Standards Vary. 

                        1.2.3. Statutory Inferences for Common Law “Drunk Driving” Charges. 

                        1.3.1. Understanding a “Per Se” DUI Case. 

                        1.3.2. The issue of “while” in per se cases.

            1.4 Driving Under the Influence of Inhalants or Drugs. 

            1.5. Proof of Consumption or “Presence” in Defendant’s System. 

            1.6. Lesser-Included Offenses of DUI-DWI. 

            1.7. Enhanced and Aggravated Drinking-Driving Offenses.

            1.8. The legal process.

 

Chapter 2 - Being Confronted by the Police and Becoming a DUI-DWI Suspect — Which Factors and Evidence Will Hurt or Help You?

            2.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

            2.1. The two general types of DUI-DWI. 

2.2. Remain silent — it is your right!  Your speech and other clues the police use to justify your arrest. 

            2.3. Assume that everything is being recorded. 

            2.4. Common driving conduct or vehicle problems leading to traffic stops. 

            2.5. Driving a Vehicle that Invites Being Pulled Over. 

            2.6. Avoiding roadblocks. 

2.7. When Being Followed by Police, Don’t Pull Over Before Being Required to Do So. 

            2.8. If you don’t take field (roadside) tests, will you lose your license? 

2.9. If you refuse to be tested on the official state breath, blood or urine instrument, will you lose you license? 

            2.10. If you take the state’s “chemical” test(s), will you get to keep your license? 

            2.11. If you refuse the state’s tests, can you obtain a “work” permit?

            2.12. Who can refuse to be tested? 

            2.13. Who should refuse to be tested? 

            2.14. Will your “refusal” be used against you in court? 

            2.15. Never attempt to perform the SFSTs or other voluntary field tests. 

            2.16. Avoid “verbal gymnastics” or police officers’ “Catch-22’s.” 

            2.17. Don’t lose your composure or use bad language. 

2.18. Politely attempt to leave by cab, on foot or with a friend, even if your car is towed.

            2.19. You are being arrested anyway — why is that? 

2.20. You were given an advisement, and it was not the Miranda warning.  What is it? 

            2.21. Can you obtain your own test(s)?  If so, when and who pays? 

2.22. Here are some things you can do if you are going out this evening and may have anything alcoholic at all to drink. 

2.23. Summary - what do I say and do if I am confronted by a police officer and suspected of DUI-DWI? 

 

Chapter 3 - You’ve Been Arrested, and Now You Are Being Taken to Jail.  What Do You Do Now?

            3.0. Overview of this chapter’s purpose. 

            3.1. In the process of being arrested.

                        3.1.1. In the police vehicle and your time with the arresting officer(s). 

                        3.1.2. Be polite with the jail personnel, but remain silent about your case facts. 

3.1.3. Note the names of every jail person you see as well as sober and credible cellmates. 

                        3.1.4. If “stonewalled” or ignored, use “911” to record your message. 

                        3.1.5. Get bond posted and get out of jail ASAP. 

                        3.1.6. Abiding by the Terms of Your Bond. 

            3.2. What to do as soon as you are out of jail. 

3.2.1. Immediately write down all details of your events for the entire day of your arrest and the exact conversations between you and any law enforcement officer after the stop. 

3.2.2. Photographing your car (inside and out) and any containers from which evidence was seized.  

                        3.2.3. Can you record the officer’s conversations with you? 

            3.3. What to do after securing your vehicle. 

                        3.3.1. Keep your arrest details to yourself.

                        3.3.2. Staying out of trouble while the case is pending. 

                        3.3.3. If (or when) you have your license back, get busy. 

 

Chapter 4 - Locating, Investigating, Interviewing and Hiring the Best Available Attorney to Handle Your DUI-DWI Case

            4.0. Overview of this chapter. 

            4.1. Locate and contact a “top” DUI-DWI attorney immediately.

                        4.1.1. References from friends or any lawyer you might know personally. 

                        4.1.2. Community and Courthouse Reputation. 

                        4.1.3. Advanced Training. 

            4.1.4. Specialized Membership or Professional Affiliations. 

                        4.1.5. Disciplinary Actions.

                        4.1.6. Seminar Speaker.

                        4.1.7. Fees and Fee Structure.

                        4.1.8. Focus of practice.

                        4.1.9. Drunk Driving Specialists.

                        4.1.10. Years in Practice.

                        4.1.11. Lawyer-Paralegal ratio.

                        4.1.12. Caseload.

                        4.1.13. Use of Technology.

                        4.1.14. Promising too much.

                        4.1.15. Board Certified.

                        4.1.16. Educational Background.

                        4.1.17. Publications.

                        4.1.18. Promotional Materials.

                        4.1.19. Conflicts of Interest.

                          4.1.20. Sub-specialization within the DUI-DWI Field.

                          4.1.21. Engagement Letter.

                          4.1.22. Language Skills.

                          4.1.23. Ethics.

                          4.1.24. Personality Compatibility.

                        4.1.25. Communication.

            4.2. What do I do if I just cannot afford the TOP DUI-DWI lawyer in my area?

            4.3. Don’t expect your attorney to be a magician. 

            4.4. Don’t ask your attorney to be a crook. 

            4.5. Treat your attorney’s staff like they are your family members. 

            4.6. Providing input to your attorney, but not being a pest. 

            4.7. After selecting an advocate, follow your attorney’s advice. 

            4.8. Maintain a file with all your papers from legal counsel. 

                        4.8.1. Expect copies of all motions and filings. 

                        4.8.2. Expect any and all offers for a plea to be communicated to you. 

            4.9. Let your attorney decide which witnesses to interview.

4.10. Follow your attorney’s advice on securing help from the best available expert witness(es) for your trial or motions.

4.11. Assist your attorney in locating & staying in touch with fact witnesses and helping procure medical or other records. 

 

Chapter 5 - What Should You Be Doing to Prepare Your Legal Defense After Your Arrest?

            5.0. Purpose of this chapter.

            5.1. What happens if you get caught driving on a suspended license?

            5.2. Is getting a “limited permit” the solution to your problems? 

            5.3. When can you get your license reinstated    

            5.4. Can you just obtain a license in another state? 

            5.5. Can you drive on an “international” license here in the USA? 

            5.6. Once you are permitted to drive again, will things be back to normal?

            5.7. Alcohol and drug assessment (and possible treatment) prior to going to trial. 

            5.8. Should you go to “DUI-DWI school” prior to trial? 

5.9. Cleaning up your driving history before your case reaches trial or final disposition. 

            5.10. Make certain you have funds available to cover all costs. 

            5.11. Keep your schedule flexible for court proceedings — save all vacation days. 

            5.12. Community service is a good thing to do. 

            5.13. Anxiety can be a killer!  Seek professional counseling if needed.

            5.14. How will the judge or jury perceive you? 

 

Chapter 6 - Potential Defenses, Strategies and Tactics for Your DUI-DWI Case

            6.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

6.1. Defenses related to the legality or sufficiency of the indictment, accusation, complaint, information, or other charging instrument (such as a uniform traffic citation). 

            6.2. Defenses relating to an illegal search warrant, if applicable.

            6.3. Defenses related to the legality of a roadblock. 

            6.4. Defenses related to the legality of the stop of your vehicle. 

            6.5. Defenses related to the lawfulness of your arrest for DUI-DWI. 

6.6. Defenses related to an unlawful search and seizure and exclusion of illegally seized evidence. 

6.7. Defenses related to the violation by the police of your Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. 

6.8. Defenses related to the violation by the police of your constitutional or statutory right to counsel once arrested. 

6.9. Challenges to use of improper and non-standardized field sobriety evaluations. 

6.10. Challenges relating to the officer’s competence to administer field sobriety evaluations. 

6.11. Challenges to the officer’s ability and experience in distinguishing an impaired driver from an unimpaired driver. 

            6.12. Defenses relating to discovery abuse. 

            6.13. Defenses relating to exculpatory lost video evidence. 

6.14. Defenses related to the failure of the police to comply with the requirements of the State implied consent statute. 

6.15. Defenses related to the failure of the police to comply with the requirements of the state’s independent test statute. 

6.16. Defenses related to prosecution's ability to prove the elements of the offense, other than impairment. 

6.17. Defenses related to the prosecution's ability to prove the required degree of intoxication other than by chemical testing. 

6.18. Defenses related to the admissibility of the prosecution's breath testing evidence. 

6.19. Defenses related to the failure of the police to comply with standard operating procedure during the arrest or forensic testing. 

6.20. Defenses related to the credibility of the prosecution's breath testing evidence. 

6.21. Defenses related to the admissibility of the prosecution's blood testing evidence.

6.22. Defenses related to the credibility of the prosecution's blood testing evidence. 

            6.23. Defenses related to police misconduct or perjury. 

6.24. The defense of an unconstitutional or invalidly-adopted drinking and driving statute or related ordinance. 

            6.25. Defenses related to double jeopardy.

            6.26. Defenses related to collateral estoppel or res judicata. 

            6.27. Defenses related to the denial of your right to a speedy trial. 

            6.28. The defense of necessity. 

            6.29. The defense of duress. 

            6.30. The defense of entrapment.

            6.31. Ignorance defense. 

            6.32. The defense of the margin of error variance. 

6.33. The defense of that your partition ratio is substantially different than the breath machine is programmed to expect. 

            6.34. Defense of involuntary intoxication or lack of intent to drive. 

6.35. Defenses related to preventing the enhancement of punishment for a drinking and driving offense.

 

Chapter 7 - Specific Challenges to Various Search and Seizure Issues That Can Force Total Dismissal of Your DUI-DWI Case

            7.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

7.1. Stopped based upon traffic offense or vehicle deficiency that is not actually an offense or deficiency.

7.2. Stopped based upon an observed equipment defect that is not a legally required item of equipment. 

            7.3. Stopped for a violation of law and the statute is unconstitutional.

7.4. Stopped for a drive-out tag being on the vehicle, and the temporary tag is in good order. 

7.5. Stopped because vehicle is coming from an area where no residences currently are occupied. 

7.6. Stopped based solely upon a “be on the look out” (BOLO) call from a concerned citizen, and the information given is legally insufficient. 

            7.7. Stopped at a roadblock that was illegally set up. 

7.8. Stopped at a roadblock that was not overseen and selected by a properly trained supervisory officer.

7.9. Confronted by an officer in a legally parked car with no reason to suspect that a crime had been committed.

7.10. Stopped because person turned around near a roadblock location.  7.11. Stopped because officer had a hunch that a turn into an apartment parking lot was made to avoid a roadblock that was ahead.

7.12. Stopped because the officer saw an unusual but insignificant driving error that did not rise to the level of being reasonable suspicion of impaired driving. 

7.13. Stopped after the officer’s driving actions causes or “creates” weaving due to the driver’s preoccupation with the “threatening” actions of the police car in the rear view mirror. 

 

Chapter 8 - The “Discovery” Process: How Your Attorney Learns What Evidence the Prosecutor Has and Decides How to Challenge or Explain It

            8.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

8.1. States vary in the comprehensiveness of the discovery allowed under local law, but the United States Supreme Court rulings set the “floor” below which no state can go. 

            8.2. Different tools can be used to uncover information relevant to your case. 

                        8.2.1. Subpoenas. 

8.2.2. Subpoena duces tecum (seeks documents or items to be brought with the person who is appearing pursuant to the subpoena).

                        8.2.3. Freedom of information act (F.O.I.A.). 

                        8.2.4. Open records act requests. 

                        8.2.5. Motion to produce. 

8.2.6. Depositions (available in some states, and at some ALS/ALR proceedings). 

                        8.2.7. Private investigator. 

                        8.2.8. Officer’s disciplinary file.

                        8.2.9. Officer’s training records for state police academy central records.

8.3. A disclosure motion filed with the court and properly served upon the prosecutor will cause a list of prosecution witnesses to be produced. 

8.4. Reciprocal discovery rules may require your attorney to also disclose to prosecutor. 

            8.5. Videotapes are generally discoverable.

8.6. Look for private security video footage from a parking lot or business cameras where your car was stopped. 

8.7. Police dispatch tapes and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs available from headquarters. 

            8.8. Any “BOLO” cases likely will have the actual “911” entirely recorded.

            8.9. Accident reports from police department that investigated accident.

            8.10. Possible use of an accident reconstruction specialist. 

8.11. Court rules may allow a prosecutor to file certain special motions (e.g., motion to request to use “prior acts” evidence at trial of current DUI-DWI) to seek to have your judge allow harmful evidence to be used against you at trial. 

 

Chapter 9 - Implied Consent (Informed Consent) (Expressed Consent) Laws:  How to Use These Laws to Help You Win the Case.

            9.0.   Purpose of this chapter. 

            9.1 Explanation of implied (informed or expressed) consent laws in your state. 

9.2. Can a law enforcement officer make the request for an implied consent blood, breath or urine test due to an accident, with no traditional evidence of impairment due to injuries? 

9.3. Does your state require the officer to give a formal, pre-formatted advisement? 

9.4. Do your state laws require a valid arrest for DUI-DWI to occur prior to the implied consent advisements being read? 

9.5. Does your state mandate when the officer is required to give the implied consent notification, or otherwise lose the right to use the test results against you?

            9.6. Are there criminal penalties for refusing testing?

            9.7. What are the driving restrictions or loss of license penalties for refusal? 

            9.8. Can you refuse testing in your state? 

            9.9. Does the procedure used in your state comply with California v. Trombetta? 

9.10. Is the sample being requested for implied consent usable for possible other crimes? 

9.11. Do you have the right of counsel before agreeing to submit to the state’s test (or refusing to submit)? 

9.12. Which instruments are approved in your state for roadside preliminary breath testing? 

9.13. Is the preliminary breath testing device in your state part of the implied consent law, or is it a non-evidential test? 

9.14. Is the officer required to advise you of your right to an independent test of blood, breath or urine? 

9.15. If you request an independent test, does the officer have to reasonably accommodate that request? 

9.16. If you want to request an independent test, do you have to first submit to the State’s test?

9.17. For breath testing, what is your state’s observation period (deprivation period) prior to taking the test?

9.18. How does implied consent law affect the administrative license suspension hearing in your case?

                        9.18.1. Appeals from an Adverse Ruling from an Administrative Court. 

9.18.2. Winning or Losing the Administrative Hearing Will Not Affect the Criminal Case Afterward. 

9.19. If you don’t understand English, and the implied consent was read to you in English, how does this affect the state’s tests?

9.20. If the officer misstates information or goes beyond the information required by your state’s laws to be told to you, can this additional information result in your test result (or refusal) being excluded?

9.21. If you are forced to submit to testing after you verbally refused to cooperate, can the State seek to take away your driving privileges even though they have collected your blood?   

9.22. If you are hearing-impaired, does it make a difference that the officer did not utilize an interpreter? 

9.23. If you asked to be taken to Acme Hospital for an independent test, and the officer declines because there are closer hospitals, does this matter? 

9.24. If you learn that the hospital requires cash or a check for an independent test, and you need to be taken by an ATM machine for money, can the officer decline to do this for you? 

9.25. If you have been injured in a collision and (due to injuries) submitting to the breath test would be painful or difficult, does this constitute refusal?

9.26.  If you just never answer by saying “yes” or “no” to the request for a forensic test, does this constitute refusal? 

 

Chapter 10 - Understanding Breath, Blood, Urine, Saliva or other Forensic Testing and Your DUI-DWI Case.

            10.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

            10.1. Breath test – most common form of testing. 

                        10.1.1. One sample collected or two for there to be a valid test?

10.1.2. If two samples, how closely must the results (numbers) be to each other to constitute a valid test? 

10.1.3. Regulations or statutes requiring testing officer to follow specified protocol. 

                        10.1.4. Manner of blowing can alter final results.

                        10.1.5. Air bag residue may cause elevated readings. 

10.1.6. Breath machine error readings and the importance of the follow-up by the testing officer. 

10.1.7. Retention of all test cards is mandatory, because they are part of your evidence. 

                        10.1.8. Computer database downloads and vital information from them. 

                        10.1.9. Person doing the testing must be currently certified to run the test.

10.1.10. Periodic calibration checks and service records are critical to your defense. 

            10.2. Blood test – most reliable and accurate form of testing.

                        10.2.1. Gas chromatography for alcohol tests. 

10.2.2. GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry) for drug analysis. 

                        10.2.3. Get the entire set of records for the batch that was run, if possible.

10.2.4. Obtain discovery on how the standards were created for checking the alcohol accuracy for gas chromatography. 

10.2.5. Get the retention time manual for the GC-MS device used to analyze drugs to assure that the peak was at the expected retention time. 

                        10.2.6. Get service records for any blood test device. 

10.2.7. Look for breaks in the “chain of custody” from collection to final analysis. 

                        10.2.8. Independent tests to confirm or refute. 

10.2.9. DNA is possible for comparing the blood allegedly collected by police and the defendant’s. 

10.2.10. Be cautious to not accept an immunoassay test for any “quantitative” drug results, without a confirmatory GC-MS. 

10.3. Urine test – usually reserved for drugs and then only to determine presence of a class of drugs.

10.3.1. If quantitative analysis of either drugs or alcohol is being used by the prosecutor, get expert witness to assist to refute the results. 

                        10.3.2. Pooling is always a problem with urine testing. 

10.3.3. Urine will reveal low levels of contraband drugs longer than a blood test. 

10.4. Saliva is not used for forensic alcohol testing, due to small volume, but is good for drug screening or DNA sampling. 

10.5. Destruction of biologic samples of blood or urine prior to the defense being able to independently test the samples. 

 

Chapter 11 - Understanding the Importance of Administrative License Suspension or Revocation Laws and their Interplay with Your DUI-DWI Case

            11.0. Purpose of this chapter.

11.1. Administrative license suspension (or revocation) [ALS/ALR] proceedings almost always occur prior to criminal court date.

11.2. ALS/ALR proceedings are civil in nature, and often allow civil discovery usage. 

11.3. ALS/ALR judges can be attorneys or non-attorneys (called “hearing officers” in some jurisdictions), so the fairness and due process compliance varies from state to state.

11.4. Your arresting officer may not be required to attend ALS/ALR hearings, so your attorney may need to subpoena the officer to force him or her to attend or to bring any records. 

11.5. Your attendance at the ALS/ALR hearing may be waived in most jurisdictions, unless you need to testify. 

11.6. Often, it is best not to show your “hand” to the state during the ALS/ALR hearings, and use the proceeding to obtain more information that may assist in winning the criminal case. 

11.7. ALS/ALR proceedings may offer the chance to “negotiate” with the officer (or the state attorney handling the ALS/ALR) to withdraw the proposed suspension/revocation.

11.8. In some states, the same criminal prosecutor handles the ALS/ALR and the criminal proceedings, but in others this does not apply.

11.9. Use of a certified court reporter may be advisable, if the proceedings are merely tape recorded, so that a certified record of the sworn testimony can be used later in criminal case. 

11.10. Obtaining the video tape of the arrest or breath testing during the ALS/ALR hearing can be important to facilitate the criminal case.

11.11. The issues at the ALS/ALR hearing are limited, so your attorney may only be able to explore a limited number of points relating to the criminal case. 

11.12. A knowledgeable attorney will know the pluses and minuses of holding the hearing versus possibly seeking to negotiate a withdrawal of the “hard” suspension that could occur. 

11.13.  Success rates for contested ALS/ALR cases varies from state to state, with some attorneys in some states reporting 80% or more retention of license, to 10% on low side. 

 

Chapter 12 - Your Attorney’s Pre-Trial Activities.

            12.0. The purpose of this chapter. 

            12.1. Working behind the scenes. 

            12.2. Using an investigator to get answers that the attorney cannot. 

            12.3. Being “connected” without being a crook. 

            12.4. Timely, targeted filing of pleadings is critical.

            12.5. Assisting you in hiring an expert to consult or testify. 

12.6. Arraignment (where you plead guilty or not guilty) and a point in the case where certain motions and challenges might be required. 

12.7. Pre-trial conferences with the prosecutor or the judge (with the prosecutor also participating). 

            12.8. Pre-trial motion hearings. 

            12.9. Being on a trial calendar. 

            12.10. Letting your attorney decide who (if anyone) testifies.

            12.11. Preparing jury “charges” (instructions). 

            12.12. Being ready for the worst case scenario.

            12.13. Your attorney’s “time and expertise.” 

            12.14. Be realistic and be flexible. 

            12.15. Compromise — it may be the best bet for you.

            12.16. When “no deals” are available: your decision.

 

Chapter 13 - Opting For a Trial or Seeking a “Negotiated” or “Blind” Plea:

Deciding What Option To Take?

            13.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

            13.1. Getting a handle on your case.

            13.2. Evaluating the “quality” of your case. 

            13.3. Evaluating the fairness of the assigned judge. 

13.4. Evaluating the prosecutor’s experience, “relationships” and “personal charisma.” 

            13.5. In your jurisdiction, do you even get a jury trial? 

            13.6. Where do you find good jurors and bad jurors in your state?

            13.7. If convicted, who sentences you?

13.8. Is a “deferred adjudication,” diversion, “CWOF,” “PBJ”, or a “plea in abeyance” possible? 

            13.9. Is a “first offender” plea an option, to keep your long-term record clean?

13.10. Is a “Nolo” plea or an “Alford” plea available, and will it help you on your DUI-DWI case in avoiding license loss or protecting a job? 

            13.11. Is a reduction to a lesser offense always a good solution?

            13.12. How long will a conviction stay on your record? 

            13.13. Is “merging” or dismissing the other charges of any value?

            13.14. Using a “stipulated bench trial” or “conditional plea” to set up appeal

            13.15. Is punishment going to be worse after trial? 

13.16. Special courts or alternative resolution options may exist for repeat offenders. 

 

Chapter 14 - Motions Practice:  How to Challenge the Prosecutor’s Ability to Introduce Harmful Evidence against You in Order to Win Your Case

            14.0. Overview of this chapter’s purpose. 

            14.1. Challenging the accusatory document. 

            14.2. Statute of limitations challenges. 

            14.3. Speedy trial. 

            14.4. Pre-trial motions. 

            14.5. Motion in limine.

                        14.5.1. Motions in limine are most common and most successful. 

                        14.5.2. Purpose of motions in limine. 

                        14.5.3. Is a pre‑trial hearing required? 

            14.6. Motion to suppress. 

                        14.6.1. Nature of the motion. 

                        14.6.2. Manner of filing. 

                        14.6.3. Is a pre‑trial hearing required?

                        14.6.4. Untimely assertion of motion. 

                        14.6.5. Jackson‑Denno hearings and related challenges. 

            14.7. Double jeopardy. 

                        14.7.1. Administrative license penalties are not double jeopardy. 

                        14.7.2. "Same conduct"– procedural double jeopardy.

                        14.7.3. Prosecution of one offense bars prosecution of others.

                        14.7.4. Municipal v. state prosecutions. 

                        14.7.5. Plea constitutes jeopardy. 

                        14.7.7. Instances where prosecution not barred. 

                        14.7.8. Direct appeal – when is it available?

            14.8. Motion to sever — or severance. 

            14.9. Plea of autrefois acquittal. 

            14.10. Similar transactions. 

                        14.10.1. Prejudicial impact v. probative value of similar transactions.

            14.11. Motion to recuse. 

            14.12. DUI‑DWI related affirmative defenses. 

            14.13. Obtaining rulings on the record or in writing. 

            14.14. Seeking to Block Use of Prior DUI-DWI due to Expungement.

 

Chapter 15 - The Pros and Cons of Bench Trials

            15.0. Purpose of this chapter.

            15.1. Who gets to opt for a “bench” trial? 

            15.2. Why would your attorney want a non-jury trial? 

            15.3. Who is present at a bench trial? 

            15.4. How long does a bench trial take? 

            15.5. What is lost by opting for a bench trial? 

            15.6. What may be gained by choosing a bench trial?

            15.7. Who testifies at a bench trial? 

            15.8. What is the procedure for conducting a bench trial? 

            15.9. Is a motion for new trial possible after a bench trial? 

            15.10. Is appeal possible after a bench trial? 

            15.11. If you appeal after a bench trial, is punishment deferred? 

            15.12. Would the accused be more likely to testify at a bench trial?

            15.13. Is there a cost savings by opting for a bench trial? 

            15.14. Burden of proof. 

                        15.14.1. Affirmative defenses–the burden to disprove may be on the state.

15.14.2. State's burden to get chemical test results admitted, then the burden shifts to defendant to rebut or explain why an error exists.

                        15.14.3. Presumptions and inferences.

                        15.14.4. Who gets to benefit from inferences? 

                        15.14.5. No presumptions for DUI-DWI drugs.

 

Chapter 16 - Jury Trials: How and When a Jury Trial May be Your Best Option

            16.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

            16.1. When is a jury trial available in your jurisdiction? 

            16.2. When a jury trial is the only option to try to achieve victory. 

            16.3. Jury trials take longer and typically cost more. 

            16.4. Jurors decide the case --- not the judge. 

            16.5. Who will not be allowed to be a juror? 

            16.6. “Striking” a jury:  eliminating the bad jurors.             

                        16.6.1. For cause — unlimited. 

                        16.6.2. Peremptory — both sides limited. 

            16.7. Is jury questioning (“voir dire”) available? 

            16.8. Background information on jurors:  can your attorney get it?

            16.9. How a jury trial can improve your chances on appeal. 

            16.10. What if jurors don’t tell the truth at voir dire? 

            16.11. Mistrial can be raised by either attorney or at the judge’s initiative. 

            16.12. What is a directed verdict (instructed verdict) of acquittal?

            16.13. What happens if you are convicted? 

                        16.13.1. Sentencing. 

                        16.13.2. Appeals/new trial. 

            16.14. What happens if you are acquitted? 

            16.15. Motions for a new trial: why file one? 

            16.16. If you assert but lose the motion for a new trial, can you still appeal? 

            16.17. Burden of proof. 

                        16.17.1. Affirmative defenses–burden to disprove is on the state. 

16.17.2. State's burden to get chemical test results admitted, then shifts to defendant to rebut or explain why an error exists. 

                        16.17.3. Presumptions and inferences.

                        16.17.4. Who gets to benefit from inferences?

16.17.5. Only Nevada and Virginia have presumptions of impairment for DUI-DWI drugs.

            16.18. Motion for directed verdict (instructed verdict) of acquittal. 

                        16.18.1. Winning a directed verdict by exclusion of evidence. 

16.18.2. The judge can decide issue, with or without permitting argument. 

                        16.18.3. Judge cannot direct jury to return verdict of guilty.

            16.19. The stages of a jury trial. 

 

Chapter 17 - The Verdict: Sentencing and Issues Relating to Jail (if convicted), License Loss and Probation Issues after Conviction:  What are the Consequences and the Timing of Enforcement of the Sentence?

            17.0. The purpose of this chapter. 

            17.1. Verdict rendered by jury (or judge). 

                        17.1.1. Read and published in open court. 

17.1.2. Judge will decide whether to accept it and make it the order of the court. 

                        17.1.3. Polling the jurors, by either side. 

17.2. Three possible outcomes for each count (each separate charge against you).

17.2.1. Not guilty — judge discharges you from the case, orders bond released.

17.2.2. Guilty — sentencing will follow (by either judge or jury, depending on jurisdiction). 

17.2.3. Mistrial declared by judge because the jurors cannot reach unanimous verdict.

            17.3. Sentencing (if convicted on any counts) is required to be done. 

                        17.3.1. Merger of lesser offenses with the DUI-DWI offense?

                        17.3.2. Evidence in aggravation. 

                        17.3.3. Evidence in mitigation. 

                        17.3.4. Attacks on prior conduct. 

                        17.3.5. Incarceration. 

                                    17.3.5.1. Maximums and minimums. 

                                    17.3.5.2. Alternatives to regular jail time. 

                        17.3.6. Fines. 

                        17.3.7. Probation. 

                                    17.3.7.1. Conditions of probation. 

                                    17.3.7.2. Community service. 

                                    17.3.7.3. Probation supervision fee. 

                                    17.3.7.4. Restitution. 

                        17.3.8. Probation revocation. 

                        17.3.9. License suspension. 

            17.4. Judge sentences — issues to consider. 

            17.5. Jury sentences — issues to consider. 

 

Chapter 18 - Appeal, Motion for New Trial, Supersedeas Bond, Expungement and Other Post-Conviction Issues that Your Attorney May Assert on Your Behalf

            18.0. Purpose of the chapter. 

            18.1. Having paperwork ready, if an appeal bond will be permitted.

18.2. Deciding whether to appeal or file a motion for new trial or motion in arrest of judgment. 

                        18.2.1. Appeals. 

                        18.2.2. Motion for a new trial. 

                        18.2.3. Motion in arrest of judgment. 

            18.3. Extraordinary motion for new trial, based on newly discovered evidence. 

18.4. What can the appellate court consider in the appeal, and what can they (or will they) not consider? 

            18.5. Is my punishment held in abeyance during my appeal? 

            18.6. Probation oversight or delayed totally until the case is finalized on appeal. 

            18.7. License loss is usually immediate, even if other punishment is held off.

18.8. Expungement of a conviction is controlled by statute and by your state’s decisional authority. 

                        18.8.1. Some states have a mechanism to routinely clear records.

18.8.2. Other states have no statute and poor legal authority to ever remove a prior conviction. 

18.9. If new trial is granted by the trial judge or your case is reversed and remanded after an appeal, will a new trial be required?

18.10. Correcting an error in your sentencing.

 

Chapter 19 - Understanding Habitual Violator (Habitual Offender) Laws in Relationship to DUI-DWI Laws

            19.0. General purpose to this chapter. 

            19.1. Statutory wording. 

            19.2. Penalties for causing the death of another while driving "HV" revoked.

            19.3. The state's burden of proof.

            19.4. Habitual violator status differs from "recidivist" status.

            19.5. Procuring a license from another state does not cure "HV" status. 

            19.6. The origin of predicate offenses leading to "HV" status. 

            19.7. Declaring a person "HV" is not a criminal proceeding.

            19.8. Constitutional considerations. 

            19.9. The quantum of proof required. 

            19.10. Identification of driver. 

            19.11. Identification of victim. 

            19.12. "Operate" is construed broadly.

19.13. Is there a misdemeanor "HV" lesser included offense as a possible plea alternative? 

            19.14. Eligibility for issuance of a license or lack of license is no defense. 

            19.15. Lack of knowledge of "HV" consequences is no excuse. 

            19.16. "HV" status alone will not elevate a vehicular homicide to murder. 

            19.17. The "notice" requirement for "HV" revocation. 

                        19.17.1. Requirement. 

                        19.17.2. Due process. 

                        19.17.3. Prima facie proof. 

                        19.17.4. No presumption. 

                        19.17.5. Sufficiency of notice. 

                        19.17.6. Service by mail. 

                        19.17.7. Personal service of notice. 

                        19.17.8. Constructive notice. 

            19.18. Penalty. 

            19.19. Novel punishment within trial court's discretion.

            19.20. Habitual violator and administrative license loss.

 

Chapter 20 - Boating and Flying Under the Influence and Other Related “Impaired Operation” Laws.

            20.0. Purpose of this chapter. 

            20.1. Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated (BUI-BWI).

                        20.1.1. Statutory wording — common law offense - alcohol.

                        20.1.2. Statutory wording — per se offense — alcohol. 

                        20.1.3. Statutory wording — common law offense - drugs. 

                        20.1.4. Statutory wording — per se offense — contraband drugs.

                        20.1.5. Statutory wording — inhalants or noxious vapors. 

20.1.6. Statutory wording — combination of two or more impairing substances. 

            20.2. "BUI-BWI - prescribed drugs" can call for a higher standard. 

20.3. "Presumptions" (inferences) arising from test results. 

            20.4. Implied consent. 

            20.5. Implied consent not withdrawn by death or loss of consciousness. 

            20.6. Refusal admissible into evidence.

            20.7. Underage boating under the influence.

            20.8. “Nolo contendere” or “Alford” plea — are they allowed?

            20.9. Child endangerment in a vessel.

            20.10. Reckless operation of vessel or other water device. 

            20.11. Homicide by vessel. 

            20.12. Feticide by vessel. 

            20.13. Serious injury by vessel.

            20.14. Implied consent warnings.

20.15. Administrative suspension/revocation of boating (and possibly driving) privileges for refusing to submit to testing.

20.16. Administrative suspension/revocation of boating (and possibly driving) privileges submitting to testing and being over the legal limit.

            20.17. Requesting a hearing — timing and letter requirement. 

            20.18. Term of suspension. 

            20.19. Penalties if convicted. 

20.20. What constitutes reasonable suspicion to stop a boat, versus stopping a motor vehicle on the highway?

            20.21. Is reasonable suspicion even required to stop a boat?

            20.22. Administrative regulations pertaining to boating use. 

            20.23. Flying under the influence. 

20.23.1. Federal law also has jurisdiction, so possible double judicial proceedings since two sovereigns. 

 

Appendix A - Legal Research Tips

            Introduction. 

            Statutory Law. 

            Case law.

            Search engines. 

            Search tips. 

            Conclusion.

 

Appendix B – Glossary

 

Appendix C - Comparison of Fourteen States’ Standards of Proof for DUI-DWI

            South Carolina

            Georgia

            California

            Delaware

            Maryland

            Texas

            Florida

            New York

            Washington

            Tennessee

            Mississippi

            Virginia

            Illinois

            Alabama

 

Appendix D - Limited Issues Determined at ALS/ALR Hearings

            Arizona

            Oklahoma

            California

            Alabama

Appendix E - Samples of Implied Consent (Informed Consent) Warnings

            California

            Michigan

            Florida

            Washington

            Georgia

 

Appendix F - Types of Alcohol

 

Appendix G - Alcoholics Anonymous and Alternatives

 

Appendix H - Penalties for Refusal to Submit to State-administered Testing of Your Blood, Breath or Urine under Implied (Informed) Consent Laws

 

Appendix I - Checklist of Challenging Forensic (Blood or Breath) Tests in DUI-DWI Cases

            A.   Whether the blood sample was timely withdrawn by a person legally qualified to do so.

            D.   Whether the chemical test employed in this case was properly performed by a qualified person.

 

            CHECKLIST FOR DETECTION OF SCIENTIFIC ERROR IN BLOOD TESTING

            A.  The withdrawal, preservation, and labeling of the defendant's blood sample.

            B.  Whether the blood sample obtained from the defendant was representative of the blood needed for testing.

            C.  Whether the integrity of the blood sample was maintained through the completion of testing.

            D.  Whether the defendant's blood sample was properly and accurately tested.

            E.  Whether adequate steps were taken to detect the presence of random or human error in the perfor­mance of the chemical test.

            F.  Whether adequate steps were taken to detect the presence of systematic error in the laboratory or clinic where the blood sample was tested.

 

            CHECKLIST FOR DETECTION OF FOUNDATIONAL ERROR IN BREATH TESTING

            A.  Whether the method of testing used is scientifically accurate and reliable.

            B.  Whether the testing equipment used was in proper working order when the test was administered to the defendant.

            C.  Whether the breath testing equipment was properly operated by a qualified person.

            D.  Whether the breath test was administered within the required period.

 

            CHECKLIST FOR DETECTION OF SCIENTIFIC ERROR IN BREATH TESTING

            A.  The defense of a lower partition ratio.

            B.  The defense of testing during absorption and the rising BAC defense.

            C.  Defenses related to the integrity of the breath sample.

            D.  The defense of simulator test error.

            E.  The defense of radio frequency interference.

            F.  Defenses related to the preservation of a sample of the defendant's breath.

Appendix J – Sample Client Questionnaire

Appendix K – Selected Provisions from the United States Constitution