DUI Consequences in Mississippi
The Mississippi Bar publishes a brochure titled "DUI Consequences: Student Guide" which is available online as a pdf document, here. Being titled "Student Guide" I suppose that it is distributed to high schools and colleges throughout Mississippi. My opinion of the brochure is that it is not entirely accurate, in that it omits important information, and the tone and imagery (handcuffs and fingerprints) are both a bit harsh. It reads more like scary propaganda than an informative document.
I can't imagine practicing DUI lawyers believe that scare tactics will have any impact on under-age alcohol consumption. I'd rather the Bar provide information that is current and accurate, and leave the scare tactics to another organization. I have previously posted information on DUI consequences and penalties in Mississippi, some of those posts are below.
DUI Penalties in Mississippi
Zero Tolerance for Minors
"Hardship" Driver's License
What are the Alcohol Rules on Campus - I'm Confused...?
A DUI Lawyer: Kind of...
I can't imagine practicing DUI lawyers believe that scare tactics will have any impact on under-age alcohol consumption. I'd rather the Bar provide information that is current and accurate, and leave the scare tactics to another organization. I have previously posted information on DUI consequences and penalties in Mississippi, some of those posts are below.
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18 August 2008, 3:56 PM
Mississippi Criminal Defense Law Blog wrote:
A national campaign against impaired/drunk driving begins today and continues through Labor Day on September 1st. The Oxford Eagle explains that locally the Oxford Police Department will cooperate with the Mississippi Highway Patrol in setting up roadblocks and adding extra officers, as well as putting special emphasis on area bars and their compliance with local alcohol ordinances. The following is excerpted from this Oxford Eagle story: In an effort to crack down on drunk drivers, the Oxford Police Department will join the Mississippi Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies around the state in the upcoming Impaired ...
One thing I don't understand is why this is for "students." From what I can tell (almost) everyone drinks and drives, only some people get caught. Maybe young people are drinking more, or getting drunker. I think in Oxford and elsewhere cops are profiling when they make dui arrests. Some people are clearly drunk, but when they have an older person on the line cops are more likely to let them go than a 20-something on the same intoxicated line.
I also don't think these scare tactics work either. Some people know how serious the consequences are of a dui, or they find out in the process. Smart people simply don't drink and drive, period. Brochures like this are a waste of time and money. If the bar wants to teach about the consequences of dui then get parents and teacher involved, don't put out useless brochures.
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Really nice website, man. I haven't seen it until today. Good on ya!
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Great post about DUI Consequences.
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Great post about DUI Consequences in Mississippi
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I wish we had such a guide in every area of our country because DUI has become a general problem. We are all getting used to dramatic news and statistics, this new guide won't make a big difference but it would be an extra help for all people.
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