Harmon, Smith & Vourvoulias Law
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Most of us would like to believe that police officers will respect our constitutional rights, now matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, this is not the case—even at DWI checkpoints. At DWI checkpoints in New Orleans and across Louisiana, officers are required to follow certain protocols to ensure your rights are not violated. In some cases, officers… Continue reading Video: Police Violate Rights at DWI Checkpoint
Look at the clock, right now. Set a timer or alarm on your smartphone for three hours from now. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk-driving crashes claim a victim who was not driving drunk in that amount of time—every three hours. Because of this, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has joined the… Continue reading Nationwide Drunk Driving Crackdown Set by USDOT
As a DWI defense attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, I’m all too familiar with the fact that our state is known for its high number of impaired drivers. There is good news, however: according to a new state report, titled “Impaired Driving Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014,” the rate of fatal crashes… Continue reading Louisiana DWI Numbers Improving, but Still Need Work
With the NBA being such a big part of the sports culture here, I found the recent news of a DWI arrest for a coach quite interesting. According to the NBA, Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was arrested on Aug. 28 for not having working taillights. The trooper said the coach had bloodshot, watery eyes,… Continue reading NBA Coach Charged with DWI
There is a common misconception in our society that athletes are perfect, untouchable role models that (if they hit enough home runs, score enough points, or run for enough yards) can do no wrong. Unfortunately, even in New Orleans, athletes make mistakes. As an experienced DUI attorney, I’m constantly keeping an eye out for DUIs… Continue reading Saints wide receiver’s DUI hearing
As an experienced DWI attorney, I’m constantly watching for any DWI law news around the country. An article from LA Weekly recently caught my eye, highlighting an application that may help to reduce the number of people driving under the influence. As the law struggles to keep up with technology, a Santa Monica, California man… Continue reading DUI checkpoint alert app
There is no question that everyone in America would like to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities that occur on the road each year. In the past thirty years, our country has made great strides toward this goal—reducing drunk driving fatalities by half, from 20,000 to 10,000 per year, according to MADD.… Continue reading Lowering the legal BAC to .05 is the wrong move
Tyler McNeely was arrested in Missouri after a state trooper pulled him over for speeding and swerving. McNeeley failed the field sobriety tests and refused to take the Breathalyzer test. After his refusal, the arresting officer drove him to a nearby hospital, where McNeeley had his blood drawn while handcuffed. And though the officer undoubtedly… Continue reading Supreme Court questions warrantless DWI blood tests
The Jindal administration has long had its sights set on toughening DWI laws in the state. Just last year, Governor Jindal signed into law six bills affecting driver’s license suspension, multiple DWI convictions, and other DWI laws. Members of the Louisiana legislature are often considering bills that would crack down on drunk drivers. One such… Continue reading Tougher DWI bills on the horizon
A recent article in The Times-Picayune poses a compelling argument for more education for individuals who drive under the influence of alcohol. In a letter to the editor, the Executive Director Marjorie R. Esman of the ACLU of Louisiana states, “Arresting them [drunk drivers] doesn’t work, and we can’t afford it. Education and alternatives to… Continue reading Do tougher DUI laws really make our roads safer?