Police officers in Maryland and across the country regularly use breath analysis testing devices (commonly known as "Breathalyzers") to determine the blood alcohol content of suspected drunk drivers. If the result is .08 percent or above (or just .01 for a driver...
Month: March 2017
A DUI can impact college admission and financial aid
When teens are convicted of DUI, they may encounter difficulty getting accepted at the college of their choice. It may all depend on how they handle it.One of the questions asked on college applications is whether a student has a history of any arrests or convictions....
Do you have to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test?
When law enforcement officers pull someone over for suspected drunk driving and put him or her through a battery of tests at the side of the road, they aren't just making up things to amuse themselves or embarrass the driver. There is a Standardized Field Sobriety...
4 things college students should know about DUIs
Spring break: For many, it was a time to enjoy a weeklong break from studying and lectures. With just a few months left of the spring semester, the countdown to summer has officially begun.Unfortunately, though, during your Spring Break, you may have run into a few...
The legal implications of a spiked drink
You are not culpable for your actions unless you intended to commit them. The law has evolved to include numerous definitions for “intent” and how it is treated. Typically, you need an overt action that leads to the criminal behavior. Under this standard, the...
A review of the law and designated drivers
Picking a designated driver is standard practice to drink and get home safe. Before the days of Lyft and Uber, it was often the only way to ensure that you got home safely. So, how does the law treat designated drivers? Are they subject to stricter rules? If so, what...
What rights do juveniles have in prison?
Criminal laws vary greatly from state to state but one universal truth is that juveniles are entitled to enhanced protections compared to adults. Juveniles are entitled to same protections as adults, such as the Eighth Amendment protection against cruel and unusual...
Supreme Court considers sex offender ban on social media
The Supreme Court is considering a case involving a North Carolina ban on sex offenders using social media. It is common for states to impose strict rules on sex offenders, to prevent them from coming into contact with minors. Most of these bans are focused on...
You can lose your license if you refuse the breathalyzer
It is a basic premise in criminal law that driving is not a right, it is a privilege. Under that construction, the state can take away your privilege to drive, even if you are not convicted of a crime. The most prolific example occurs when an either fails or refuses...
Are DUIs a deportable offense?
You have probably noticed the good or bad press (depending on your perspective) surrounding the recent crackdown on illegal immigration. You probably already know that breaking the law is justification for deportation. But, how does the government define breaking the...