Don’t let a DUI ruin your 4th of July

Last Fourth of July, my family and I attended a fireworks show at a nearby park. On the way out, a police officer was standing in the middle of the two lanes and stopped people as they were leaving the park. I watched as he stopped each car, spoke to the driver for a few seconds, looked through the open window, and then sent the driver on his merry way. And each time he would then use his radio to speak to someone.

When my turn came up, the officer told me he was “just making sure that everyone knew how to get back on the main roads.”  Right!  Based on my experience as a DUI prosecutor and defense attorney, I knew that the officer was actually doing a check to see if anyone who passed his station had the tell-tale signs of intoxication:

1.       Smell of Alcohol coming from their person

2.       Glassy, watery eyes

3.       Slurred speech

…And then radioing his partner down the road to keep an eye on certain vehicles.

This 4^th of July remember, the police are out there in full force to make sure that DUIs and other crimes do not spoil everyone’s holiday. If you choose to drink this weekend, take care, get a designated driver and protect yourself and your loved ones.  Remember, even one or two drinks can lead to a DUI arrest. If something does happen this weekend, contact an experienced criminal attorney to make sure the rights your founding fathers created are protected.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF BRANDON ROSENBLOOM!

Criminal defense attorney Brandon Rosenbloom represents clients who have been accused of crimes, including DUI, traffic violations, theft and drug possession.

A former Fulton County prosecutor, Brandon combines his training, experience and passion to serve those accused of crimes in the greater Atlanta area, including Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

Georgia Drivers ranked 14th Worst Nationwide

According to a recent survey of car insurance companies, Georgia is the 14^th “Worst Driver’s State”. This was based on statistics from the National Highway Traffic Administration, the National Motorist Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

The calculations of “worst driving states” were based on ratings of Fatalities rates, Failure to Obey (traffic signals and seat belts), Drunk Driving, Tickets and Careless Driving (aka Reckless Driving in Georgia). Why is this important?  In addition to considering your personal driving record, insurance companies use this data to determine your rates. 

While you can’t do much about the driving habits of your fellow motorists (as my mother used to tell me “it’s not you I’m worried about, it’s the other drivers”), you can make sure your own record is as clean as possible. If you have open cases, hire an experienced traffic attorney to make sure your rights and record are protected. If you already have convictions for traffic violations, you can take a driver’s safety course once every five years to reduce the points assessed on your driving record by up to 7 points.  This could mean the difference between a higher and lower insurance premium and/or a driver’s license teetering on the point of being suspended.

Or you could do nothing and enjoy the fact that MARTA has a surplus of funds and will be opening new restrooms and extending service routes.