Monday, April 11, 2011

Apple Defies Four Senators’ Request to Remove Applications that “Allow Drunk Drivers to Evade Police Checkpoints”

Unlike RIM of Blackberry, Apple not only ignores four senators’ request to remove DUI checkpoint applications, but instead they just approved a brand new one. The newest DUI checkpoint locator application is called DUI Dodger and went on sale last week. Apple just approved this $0.99 application created by Anaheim Hills resident, Geno Rose. This application informs its users of DUI checkpoints and includes a tool for an infamous standardized field sobriety test that determines if the user can walk a line effectively by holding the iPhone still and flat while attempting to walk in a straight line. DUI Dodger also includes a tool for people to calculate their blood alcohol content. The application bears a disclaimer that states “this result is a rough estimate for entertainment purpose only. Use common sense and just do not drink & drive at all.”

DUI Dodger’s primary focus is to provide DUI checkpoint information for Southern California and allow users to report checkpoints themselves in addition to accessing their contacts to dial a friend for a ride. Rose states that he is using information for his application that he obtains from his contacts at local police agencies. It should be noted that the law enforcement agency conducting the DUI checkpoint is mandated to publicize the checkpoint to the public; however, the specific location does not need to be disclosed. The police agency might only provide vague information such as just the date and time, while this application will give you much more specific information including the exact location of the checkpoint.

If you or someone you love has been stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and arrested for a DUI, it is imperative you contact a skilled DUI attorney immediately. The penalties associated with a DUI conviction may include license suspension, fines, enrollment in a mandatory alcohol program, jail time, community service and installation of an ignition interlock device. With so much at stake, it is essential that you contact the Parker Law Center today to protect your rights!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

DUIs & Financial Impact on California Insurance Premiums

A recent analysis of auto insurance costs in California conducted by OnlineAutoInsurance.com showed the financial impact a DUI or related offense can have on the price of coverage. The site created the car insurance comparisons by calculating prices from three different California insurers for three different age drivers. The company calculated the price of the coverage for each individual with and without a DUI on the record. All insureds were single males who drive 2009 Honda Civics that average 12,000 miles a year. The company selected coverage types that were 15/30/5 liability policies including comprehensive and collision with $500.00 deductibles.

The results of the study revealed that a DUI can raise insurance premiums by at least hundreds of dollars and with some companies thousands. The size of the increase for the person convicted of a DUI is greatly affected by the insurance provider, the driver’s age, and circumstances surrounding the DUI.

The results also revealed that having a DUI without injury on a driving record raised premiums on average 41 percent. The highest the rate was raised was 57 percent and the lowest was 27 percent. The price of a policy for a 19 year old with a DUI is 63 percent more expensive than the same policy for a 35 year old with a DUI. Premiums for identical policies for all the drivers in this study varied as much as 104 percent between carriers and as low as 4 percent.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, it is critical that you contact a skilled DUI attorney immediately. Soaring insurance rate policies is just one of the consequences on a long list of penalties associated with a DUI conviction. Other penalties include fines, jail time, mandatory enrollment in an alcohol program, and license suspension. Contact the Parker Law Center today for a free consultation!