| Reckless Driving Violations |
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| A person commits the offense of reckless driving if the person drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. The phrase "willful and wanton" means that the motorist showed deliberate and conscious indifference to the safety of others. The essence of reckless driving lies in the manner and circumstances of the vehicle's operation, not merely in the act of operating a vehicle. More... |
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| Physician-Patient Privilege in Drunk Driving Cases |
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| 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. More... |
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| Criminal Offense of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs |
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| The criminal offense of driving under the influence of drugs is similar to the criminal offense of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The crime of driving under the influence of drugs is codified and defined in the same statute as drunk driving in most states. The elements of driving under the influence of drugs are also virtually identical to the elements for drunk driving. More... |
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| Warrantless Inventory Searches of Impounded Vehicles |
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| Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, every search or seizure by a government agent must be reasonable. In general, searches and seizures are unreasonable and invalid unless based on probable cause and executed pursuant to a warrant. However, certain kinds of searches and seizures are valid as exceptions to the probable cause and warrant requirements. One such exception is an inventory search of an impounded vehicle. Court have upheld inventory searches of vehicles lawfully in police custody, including searches of the passenger compartment, glove compartment, trunk, engine compartments, and any containers in the vehicle. More... |
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| Vehicle and License Plate Sanctions for DUI/DWI |
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| When a defendant is convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, the defendant is usually subject to a license revocation or suspension, fines, and possible jail time. In addition, many states provide for penalties that affect the defendant's vehicle and license plates. More... |
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