[Timber Loftis]

Well, Lord K, I disagree. I have a friend who, through happenstance, happens to specialize in DUI more than anything else. I know people who've gotten DUI's. They never intended to endanger anyone, but two beers at an office party, and the next thing they know, they're driving with a .10 BAC in a .08 jurisdiction and get popped. These are, btw, the VAST majority of DUI cases.

There are a few problems with DUI's caused by the asshole MADD group and its zero-tolerance-push-the-BAC-into-ridiculous-levels politics. Most states are now .08 jurisdictions. That's ab-frikkin-surd. That's literally one drink in 1 to 2 hours for most people. In translation, .08 BAC = if you drive you CANNOT HAVE ANY DRINKS. This is too much. Balance, people, balance. Going from one extreme to the other is silly. .10 BAC was closer to fair.

Note that for kids a .02 BAC kills their future, if not careful.

Yes, it is horrible and irresponsible to drive drunk. It is a tragedy waiting to happen. But, is .08 BAC significantly impaired?

Moreover, many people screw up once. I'm not saying it's excusable, I'm just saying 3 glasses of wine at an office party, you feel fine, and next thing you know you spend the night in jail. Because of the way alcohol impairs your judgment, it is not unreasonable that you will climb in a car over the limit not knowing it. In fact, a breathalizer station outside a club in Schaumburg, IL was shown on the news the other night. Fully 75% of the people who felt okay to drive ended up not climbing in their cars after they saw their BAC. They didn't INTEND to be irresponsible, but were about to make a mistake.

This lawyer you detest serves his customers, and it is a needed service. In many states, your first DUI is a REQUIRED conviction, even if a first offense -- no plea. So, you're in for a conviction at least, and you need a lawyer to help you navigate the jungle so your one mistake doesn't f**k your whole life. Also, help is needed in returning the license. The FIRST, the VERY FIRST, DUI is an immediate loss of license in almost all states for at least a 60-day period. Suffering through that period is hard enough, but then you got to do legal gyrations and file papers to get your license back. It's hard, and can result in collateral damage -- like the loss of a job (imagine if this happened to you, Lord K, a cabbie, for instance).

So, the fine and punishment you suggest for your first DUI are ludicrous, absurd, and silly in most instances.

Note that a higher DWI (higher BAC) is usually a felony, punishable by more than $1000 and/or more than 1 year in jail. The same is true for multiple DUI's.