Attorneys lay down the law on the DUI process

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In an attempt to educate Airmen on the process of being prosecuted for driving under the influence, a briefing was held Dec. 6, 2010 by a Fairbanks District Attorney and private attorney.

The attorneys educated the Airmen in attendance about the consequences and processes on the civilian side that occur after being apprehended for a DUI. Their briefing did not include repercussions that would be carried out by the military.

DUI's are serious offenses that can cause damage for possible victims and offenders.

"I don't want to see anybody down in court any more than you'd want to be there. The way to make that happen is to not drink and drive, but it's more than not drinking and driving," said Mr. Arne Soldwedel, State of Alaska assistant district attorney.

Operating under the influence includes a broader range of activities. Operating is being near the car with the keys or having physical control of the vehicle. There have been cases where people have been convicted of OUI for being towed by another car while they steered the snowmobile. If the vehicle is moving it is considered a danger.

A first DUI offense includes consequences that could break the bank, will make daily life much more complicated, and is guaranteed to far outweigh whatever fun a person may have had prior to being arrested.

The offender is given three days in jail, a fine is imposed, driver's license is revoked, their insurance company must be notified, their vehicle is impounded, and this does not include state and attorney fees.

"DUI's are not cheap. For some attorneys to even look at a case it would take about $1,500," said Jason Gazewood, criminal defense attorney of the Gazewood and Wiener law firm.

The costs and repercussions add up. There are many details that can get a person in trouble, by knowing the law and your responsibilities as an Airman and member of the local community you have a better chance of doing the right thing. The risks of drunk driving are grave, sound judgment can spare you from the embarrassment of a conviction, but more importantly, it could save your life or the life of someone you don't even know.