Physician-Patient Privilege in Drunk Driving Cases

It is common for a motorist suspected of drunk driving to come into contract with a physician. For example, if the motorist is injured in a traffic accident, first aid may be administered by a physician at the accident scene or the motorist may be taken to a hospital for treatment. In addition, law enforcement agencies often have policies in place that require them to take any motorists that are suspected of being intoxicated to a physician.

Criminal Offense of Failing to Provide Proof of Insurance and Registration

All states require some form of vehicle registration. The registration generally lasts one year and is often renewable on the owner's birthday with the state's department of motor vehicles. Generally a registration is what allows you to get the license that makes your vehicle legal to drive on public roads. Most states require motorist to keep the vehicle's registration with the vehicle at all times. Failure to provide a vehicle registration can result in fines and suspension of your driver's license. Many states will waive or reduce fines where a motorist can subsequently produce a vehicle registration that was valid on the day it was requested.

Criminal Offense of Impeding the Flow of Traffic

It is not uncommon for a state motor vehicle code to incorporate an individual chapter addressing the "rules of the road." One such rule is the prohibition against impeding the flow of traffic.

Auto Insurance for Individuals Convicted of DUI/DWI

Car insurance companies frown upon drunk drivers and enforce serious penalties to those who have been charged with drunk driving, or other alcohol-related driving offenses. Convictions for such offenses will cause many insurance carriers to raise the rates significantly or cancel an insured, either during mid-term or at the end of insurance term.

Breathalyzer versus Blood Tests in Drunk Driving Cases

The most frequently used test in drunk driving cases is the breath test, or Breathalyzer test. The breath test is used more frequently that urine or blood tests to test for the blood alcohol level because it is less intrusive and the apparatus is easily portable and convenient to use, even in the field. Because blood tests are universally relied upon as stronger evidence than breath tests, the prosecution will seek it whenever it can. In many states, a blood test may only be administered in cases involving death or serious bodily injury, or when the motorist required medical treatment and the administration of a breath or urine test was impractical or impossible. ¤Although a motorist may refuse this test, the refusal is usually admissible in evidence against the motorist at the administrative or judicial hearing.