The Number of DUI-Charged Women Rising
A recent article in The Seattle Times reported on an alarming trend that can have an impact on motorists anywhere in the country, particularly Los Angeles, where commuting via passenger car is as commonplace as taking the subway is in New York. According to the article, the number of women arrested for driving under the influence nationwide rose 28.8% higher in 2007 than it was in 1998. Interestingly enough, the number of men arrested for DUI decreased 7.5% over the same time period, indicating that woman are now more likely to engage in reckless behavior than they ever have been in the past.
Based on FBI figures relating to arrests, the state of California experienced an increase as well in the number of women driving under the influence. That is, 18.8% of all DUI arrests in California in the year 2007 involved a woman driving under the influence, while, in 1997, women only accounted for 13.5% of all DUI arrests. Numerous explanations have been given as to the reason why this deadly trend is becoming more and more prevalent across the country. Some cite that women tend to drink more at home than men do, and consequently hide their drinking problems until after an accident has occurred, at which point preventative measures to help curb the problem are too late. Others cite the current economic tide as reasoning as to why women are more likely to succumb to driving while under the influence. That is, as more and more men, and women alike, lose their jobs, there is a definite increase in pressure placed upon the shoulders of women, many of whom take on the dual roles of homemaker and financial contributor towards the well-being of the family. This added pressure, unfortunately, has led to increased drinking habits on the part of women.
Regardless of the reasoning for its occurrence, women are being now more likely to be singled out for driving under the influence than ever before. In the event that a woman does face DUI charges, it is important to remember that a variety of extenuating circumstances may have led to and partially been responsible for driving under the influence. Therefore, it is vital that the strongest possible defense is always put forth, ensuring that the rights of any woman who is charged with driving under the influence are upheld in a court of law.
At The Law Office of Lawrence Wolf, our skilled DUI Los Angeles defense lawyers will examine every detail of your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and our attorneys will see to it that you are afforded every right that you are entitled to under the law. Call us toll-free at 866-390-7373.
Source article:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009613225_apuswrongwaycrashwomendrinkers.html
