Texas DUI Statistics: A Dubious Distinction for Alcohol-Related Fatalities
Texas regularly ranks among the highest drunk driving accident and fatality rates in the United States, and that sad fact remains the same in the 2012 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) statistics.
In 2012, there were 1,296 DUI fatalities in Texas, up from the 1,216 fatalities in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In fact, nearly 40 percent of all traffic deaths in Texas during 2012 involved alcohol.
National comparisons reveal how serious the problem of drunk driving is here in Texas. Though Texas is not alone in seeing an increase in alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2012, it leads the pack. A total of 32 states and Puerto Rico saw increases in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2012, but Texas has the dubious distinction of having the largest increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, up by 80 deaths.
DWI lawyer Jason Trumpler in Austin is familiar with DUI statistics. As both a successful prosecutor and DWI defense attorney, he has seen the ramifications of DUI/DWI accidents from both sides of the law. He understands when the law has been applied fairly, and the times when justice has not been served.
Having successfully dealt with thousands of DUI/DWI cases, he sees the whole picture. There are times when otherwise reputable people make mistakes. And there are times when law enforcement makes mistakes. When that happens, harm can be needlessly inflicted on innocent people.
DUI/DWI Defense
DUI/DWI fatalities are tragic. But poor enforcement of the law and erroneous accusations serve no one. When cases are mishandled or when inaccurate tests lead to accusations that threaten a person’s economic future or livelihood, individuals accused of DUI/DWI may need expert guidance to defend themselves.
The sobering economic and social consequences of a DUI/DWI charge should cause you to give serious consideration to challenging an arrest. DWI attorney Jason Trumpler can give you a realistic expectation regarding your chances of either winning your case or reducing the charges, which is another tactic that can significantly improve your outcomes.
Though blood and breath tests or field sobriety tests seem set in stone, there are actually many ways to mount a DWI defense against these “facts.” The truth is, DUI/DWI tests are subject to many variables that can open the door to a successful challenge:
- Blood and breath tests require expertise. If they are done wrong or mishandled, it could invalidate the results.
- The testing device may not have been properly maintained or calibrated, which can make the results inaccurate.
- Field sobriety tests - such as walking a straight line or standing on one leg - are highly subjective, raising questions about credibility.
Legal questions around the circumstances of your arrest can also lead to a successful challenge of charges against you.
What to Consider
Your reputation and economic future are on the line in a DUI/DWI arrest. Your most important asset may be an experienced DUI attorney.
DWI attorney Jason Trumpler has successfully challenged thousands of DUI/DWI arrests. Perhaps more importantly, having trained law enforcement officers on drunken driving cases, he knows where law enforcement mistakes are made and how to turn that to your advantage.
Whatever the circumstances around your arrest, everyone should get a fair shake from the legal system. Please call today to assess your chances of a better outcome.