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From the monthly archives:

August 2010

Michigan Smoking Ban Leads to Fewer Drunk Driving Arrests

August 31, 2010

Michigan’s smoking ban went into effect on May 1, 2010.  Since that time bar and restaurant owners have reported a decrease in business.  For example, at the Blarney Stone Pub in Berkley, the manager says alcohol sales have plummeted after May 1.   Some bar owners have said their alcohol sales have decreased by as much [...]

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Michigan’s Mobile Breath Testing Van Busts Drunk Drivers

August 24, 2010

Michigan’s breath alcohol testing Class IIIB DataMaster Operator’s Training Manual sets forth all of the requirements necessary for a mobile breath testing van in Michigan.  The mobile van was first introduced in 2001. In 2003 drunk driving saturation patrols using the BAT mobile van were conducted in Michigan which netted at least 100 drunk drivers.  According [...]

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Software Soon to Predict Future DUI

August 23, 2010

According to the ABA Journal, software originally designed to assist in determining whether or not serious felony offenders are likely to re-offend is being modified for use in less serious crimes.  This may even include crimes like drunk driving. The article suggests that the software can be used for less series crimes as part of [...]

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Padilla Advisory Required on DUI Cases

August 16, 2010

There are many collateral consequences in a DUI conviction, and the DUI defense attorney is required to advise his client about those that are serious, such as loss of professional license or child custody.

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DataMaster Interference Filters Don’t Always Work

August 9, 2010

I teach a course entitled “Drunk Driving: Law and Practice” at the Auburn Campus of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  One two hour class session is devoted to the science and administration of infrared breath testing.  A special emphasis is given to the DataMaster because that is the instrument used for law enforcement purposes [...]

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Michigan DUI Statistics: Drop Continues for Alcohol-Related Incidents

August 5, 2010

The number of alcohol-related crashes, fatalities and arrests in Michigan continues to drop. But whether increased education and the public’s growing awareness are reasons why remains open for debate. According to the 2009 Michigan Drunk Driving Audit, the decline is offset by an increase in crashes and injuries involving drugs. Last year, 83 additional injuries [...]

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Michigan Medical Marijuana Law Not Retroactive

August 2, 2010

In 2007 Michigan voters passed into law the Medical Marijuana Act (MMA).  Since this time the law has been subject to various interpretations, including that it should be applied retroactively. This would mean that a person who obtains a MMA permit after a marijuana offense is committed would still be protected by the law. Said [...]

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