Los Angeles County Criminal Lawyer Blog

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drunken driving has decreased in the United States over the last five years.

U.S. News & World Report takes a different angle on the numbers, reporting that men make up about 81 percent of all drunk drivers, most of whom got behind the wheel after binge drinking.

The comprehensive study -- done by calling 210,000 Americans -- showed that the number of people who drink and drive in America has fallen drastically since 2006. Strangely enough, millions of people are arrested each year for DUI in Los Angeles and nationwide, despite the declining numbers.

Ventura DUI lawyers see people from all walks of life charged with DUI -- from school teachers to police officers to everyday construction workers and college students. It's a crime that doesn't take a well-thought out plan to commit. It requires a few drinks over a short period of time and perhaps an underestimation of the level of intoxication.

Yet because of the penalties -- possible probation, jail time, community service, fines and fees, ignition interlock device, DUI-related education programs -- and the out-of-court consequences -- injured reputation, job loss, added stress -- these charges must be fought aggressively.

The study found that drunk driving incidents are down 30 percent from 2006 to 2010 and in 2010 they were at their lowest level in nearly 20 years. While some may look at the time frame and say that they are down because of the economy, it's unclear if there's anything to back up that claim.

It could also be that people simply don't drink as much as the police would have you believe. Law enforcement has done a great job of making it seem as if people are driving drunk all over our roads and putting us in danger. They buy billboards, hold DUI roadblocks and take out television advertisements in a never ending public relations campaign about the dangers of driving under the influence.

And that's fine; people should be aware. But that doesn't mean that every person charged with DUI is guilty of DUI. The study looked at demographics, as well. It found that of the people called, men 21 to 34 made up 32 percent of all drunk drivers, though they only make up 11 percent of the U.S. population.

All told, men represent 81 percent of drunk drivers, the study found. It's unclear why that number is so high, but it must be noted that the numbers are based on only 210,000 people. While a large number, it's nothing compared to the country's population.

Regardless of the numbers, it doesn't matter whether a person is arrested, but whether they are convicted of the charge. Many people are arrested by police only to have the charges dropped once prosecutors see the problems with the case. Or, once an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer gets involved and starts pecking away at the evidence -- field sobriety testing, breath testing and officer's observations.

An arrest can cause a lot of damage to a person, so don't increase the problems by allowing the state to secure a conviction. Fight back if you've been charged.