Monthly Archives: August 2011

Top Ten Reasons You Do Not Want a DUI

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1. Increased Difficulty Finding Employment

DUI conviction may cause difficulties finding a new job, leading to financial difficulties. In fact, unemployment is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. If you do not find the right DUI lawyer, you may be searching for a bankruptcy lawyer.

2. Higher Insurance Premiums

Many drivers convicted of a DUI will have to purchase special insurance coverage, such as SR-22, which increases the cost of driving.

3. High DUI Fines and DUI Penalties

Even first time DUI convictions can lead to high DUI fines and penalties. A DUI conviction may result in a license suspension, higher insurance premiums, mandatory jail time, mandatory installation of an interlock device and a criminal record. Heavy DUI fines may cause a severe strain for drivers who are already facing a financial crisis.

4. Court-Mandated Counseling

Many drivers have a hectic work and personal schedule, adding mandatory counseling can cost additional money and time for many drivers.

5. Suspension or Revocation of a Driver’s License

Drivers, even those convicted of a first time DUI, may lose their license for up to 180 days. Most states, in fact, allow the motor vehicle department to immediately suspend the driver’s license if they refuse to submit to a blood alcohol test or if they are operating a motorized vehicle above the legal limit (0.08%).

Keep in mind, the loss of a driver’s license may occur before the driver is convicted of a DUI and may be in addition to any criminal charges filed against the driver. The driver, however, may request an administrative hearing to restore their driving privileges and challenge the administrative license suspension.

6. Criminal Record

Drivers arrested and convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol will have a criminal record that can negatively impact them socially, professionally and personally.

7. Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device

Using the Ignition Interlock Device to deter drivers from drinking and driving has become an increasingly popular DUI penalty. This machine measures the driver’s blood alcohol concentration levels prior to driving. If alcohol is detected above the allowable limit (which could be as low as 0.02%) the car will not start.

The cost of an Ignition Interlock Device can be high, and drivers are generally required to pay the cost of installation, rental, and maintenance. The expense of operating an Ignition Interlock Device can be as high as $3.00 per day.

8. Potential Jail Term

First time DUI convictions in some states can carry a 6 month to 1 year jail term, and drivers who are arrested for a second DUI may face 9 months to 1 year in jail.

9. Inability to Plea Bargain for a Reduced DUI Sentence

Increased law enforcement and legislative efforts are focused on preventing drivers from operating a motorized vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. If the prosecuting attorney and the state have strong evidence that a driver was driving under the influence they may be reluctant to plea bargain with the defendant. If you are arrested for DUI it is very important to find a competent DUI lawyer.

10. Cost of Hiring a DUI Attorney

Do not let a DUI conviction ruin your future. DUI laws can vary by state. It is important to contact a DUI lawyer who can review your state’s DUI laws and determine the best course of action for your DUI arrest.  There are many factors that can increase DUI penalties. DUI attorneys can be expensive, but the cost of not hiring a DUI lawyer can be even higher.

This is a guest post provided by Aaron Kruse. Kruse is the content producer for www.duiattorneyhome.com, a lead generation website for attorneys nationwide.  The focus of the website is to give you valuable DUI and DWI information and to assist you if you decide hiring an attorney is right for you.

This Week’s Celebrity DUI Update

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Here is a roundup of the DUI exploits of the moderately rich and famous.

Nickelodeon star Ryan Rottman pleaded not guilty to his DUI on Thursday. Rottman was arrested last month after he was spotted with friends Zac Efron and Rumor Willis.

Jaime Pressly pleaded no contest to her DUI charges. The My Name is Earl actress was arrested back in January for a DUI. She will serve 3 years on probation, attend alcohol education classes, and even have an ignition interlock installed.

Paris Hilton’s ex-boyfriend, Cy Waits, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI that he received a year ago. His felony charges were dropped. During the time of his arrest, Paris Hilton was arrested for cocaine possession and is currently serving a year of probation.

President Obama’s uncle was arrested for a DUI last week and requested to call the White House for bail. No word on whether the President helped him out, but the story gets worse. Onyango Obama is an illegal immigrant and he was previously ordered to report to Kenya. It just goes to show how a DUI arrest can lead to an even bigger criminal violation.

Crazy DUI Stories! You’ll Think You’re Drunk Just Reading Them!

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And you thought YOUR DUI arrest was out of this world! Think again, Estella Warren!

By the way, Estella, way to plead no contest, which is also known as “I’m a hot celebrity and I can get away with anything!”

Here are some stories that cannot get away without a few gasps…

DUI Victim Survives Crash and Impaling

Yes, you read that correctly. A fence pole impaled a passenger in San Bernadino County, CA. Although the passenger is on the road to recovery, the driver of the car, his father, has been arrested and is currently locked up at the Central Detention Center in San Bernadino.

Jesus Can Help You Beat Your DUI

At least that is what Teairra Mari believes. The musical 23-year-old up-and-comer was arrested for a DUI last week and was spotted attending church services in Van Nuys this past Sunday.  Whether or not prayer can save you from the consequences of a DUI, Mari did own up to her mistake and issued a statement, apologizing for her actions.

Which is Worse? A DUI or a Flat Tire?

A man in Tinley Park is still trying to figure that one out. Dean R. Mariucci was pulled over by police for driving with flat tires. Upon questioning, police suspected Mariucci had been drinking and arrested him for a DUI. When will people learn that no one can ever make a smart decision after drinking?!

Busted in a DUI roadblock? It can happen to anyone!

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We are proud to welcome a guest blogger and New Hampshire DWI attorney, Mark Stevens to the 1800duilaws.com blog.  Mark has been practicing New Hampshire DWI for years, and has some great advice for those arrested of DUI in New Hampshire and around the country.

Julie Pacino, the 21-year-old daughter of actor Al Pacino and Oscar-winning star and acting coach Jan Tarrant was arrested after driving through a DWI checkpoint in New York City on Saturday July 30th shortly after 1:30am. She was snared in a drunk-driving roadblock on West Houston Street in lower Manhattan. Pacino, a former UCLA softball player and aspiring film director admitted to drinking three beers and smoking marijuana when entering the OUI checkpoint. Pacino was driving a 2009 Black Mercedes Benz with California license plates and an expired registration tag on the vehicle. Pacino was booked into the Manhattan Detention Complex pending her arraignment where she was later released on her own recognizance.

There are some tips everyone can learn from this highly-publicized arrest. The first is: don’t tell the police you have been drinking and smoking marijuana when you are stopped in a DUI roadblock. The police typically ask “have you been drinking tonight?” near the beginning of an encounter with a driver in a DUI checkpoint. Ms. Pacino’s answer of “three beers and smoking marijuana” guaranteed her arrest.

Second: don’t drive with an expired registration at any time, but particularly avoid it at night on the weekends, when police activity is at its’ height. They are aggressively looking for reasons to stop cars, and the expired registration would have given the cops probable cause to stop this car even if they were not running a DUI roadblock.

Any time the police want to question you about any potential criminal activity, including driving while intoxicated, you are usually best served by exercising your Miranda rights immediately. Ask to speak to a lawyer and clearly exercise your right to remain silent as soon as the question is posed, unless of course the answer to the drinking question is “no”. I have attached a video clip about your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney to this article, called Lawyer Up and Shut Up

Have a safe night.

Mark Stevens

If you get snared in a DUI roadblocks contact New Hampshire criminal defense Attorney Mark Stevens today for a free consultation for your New Hampshire DWI or “aggravated DWI” charges.

Salem, New Hampshire DWI Attorney Mark Stevens
Rockingham County, New Hampshire

Visit our New Hampshire DWI website for more information.

What is a Sobriety Checkpoint?

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On a night out, you may have overheard other people discussing about a sobriety checkpoint nearby, or maybe you read something about the controversy with smart phone companies having apps that list DUI checkpoints.

But, what exactly is a DUI checkpoint? Are you bound to get in trouble if you drive up to one?

A DUI checkpoint or a sobriety checkpoint is a roadblock on a public roadway where police are stationed to monitor for drunk drivers. Additionally, the police are on the lookout for any drivers driving without a license or with a suspended license.

As you approach a sobriety checkpoint, the police officer will signal for you to stop. Some checkpoints stop every car that passes by while ones in heavily trafficked areas may stop every other car.

The officer will ask you to roll down your window and ask to see your license, proof of insurance, and registration. They may ask you a series of questions such as where you came from or where you are headed. While they do this, they are going to be looking for signs of intoxication, such as blurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or if your eyes are bloodshot.

If the officer has no reason to conclude that you have been drinking, he or she will send you on your way. However, if the cop has a suspicion that you are intoxicated they may ask you to take a breathalyzer or perform a field sobriety test.

Police departments are required by law to announce that they will be having a sobriety checkpoint. They’re usually announced very discreetly and specific information such as the exact address may be undisclosed. However, it is easy to assume that a checkpoint will likely take place in an area of your town where people are prone to drink and drive.

5 Places You’re Most Likely to Be Arrested for a DUI

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When we list sobriety checkpoints, you may notice that the police tend to set up checkpoints near the same popular hotspots every week. That’s because DUIs tend to happen in the same locations all the time. You may think that the cops came out of nowhere and pulled you over. However chances are you were probably driving or parked in one of these places.

1. The Obvious One – Bars

Yes, a lot of DUI arrests occur within the vicinity of bars and especially near a cluster of bars. (Think touristy areas in cities.)

2. No Parking Zones

Many times a police officer will see a car parked on the side of the road or on a lot that is closed to public parking. Even if you’re sitting in the car, the officer is allowed to infer that you’ve been drinking and driving if they detect alcohol.

3. One-Way Streets

There have been so many DUI arrests made due to a person going down a one-way street. I understand its appeal. It is a faster route and maybe the police won’t be around this time. So many people take this risk and end up getting pulled over. However, they also end up in way more trouble than they think if they’ve been drinking. Don’t take shortcuts.

4. Drive-Thrus

I’ve read plenty of news stories where a drunk driver pulls up to a drive-thru and passes out while ordering a combo meal. Not a good move.

5. Highways

Highways have their own patrol unit which makes it more likely for you to get pulled over. They also have tollbooth workers, plus more drivers on the road, which means that more people are likely to notify the police of erratic driving.

Are there any other places you think police are likely to suspect a drunk driver? List them below or share on our Facebook page!

The Seven Most Unlikely DUI Offenders

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The 7 Most Unlikely DUI Offenders

You don’t have to be a club-going celebrity or a sports star to get a DUI. It can happen to anyone, even to these unlikely folks. Here are the top 7 people who most of us wouldn’t imagine being arrested for a DUI, but have proven us wrong.

7. George W. Bush


Yes, most people know about Bush’s legal and substance issues. However, this is the President of the United States we’re talking about! If you have been arrested for a DUI, maybe you can take solace in the fact that one of our Presidents was also arrested for one, as well.

6. The Dad from ALF


How could he have gotten a DUI?! He’s so straight-laced and wholesome! However, the actor who played him, Max Wright, has been arrested for two DUIs.

5. Haley Joel Osment


Yes, I know he is a celebrity and an actor. But seriously, I will always see Osment as the kid from The Sixth Sense, no matter how much age takes its toll. Thinking about that little boy getting a DUI pretty much boggles my mind.

4. A Nun

Even the holiest of the holy make mistakes? There was an incident in Wantagh, New York where Sister Lauren M. Hanley was caught with an open bottle of gin in her car. Furthermore, her BAC was 0.18.

3. Thomas Kinkade


The serene wholesome painter of light was arrested back in June of 2010.

2. Bill Gates


If the President can get a DUI, then I suppose it can happen to the richest man in the world. Gates was arrested in 1989 for driving under the influence.

And finally…

1. Santa Claus


No joke, the man you love the most was arrested for a DUI. I mean, just watch this video! (It’s fake, but not unlikely to have happened.)

F.A.Q. the Police! What Are Police Thinking When They Pull You Over?

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It’s hard to know what police are after when they pull you over. They keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how much trouble you’ll have to endure. It’s nerve-wrecking. However, most police officers throughout the country follow the same tactical guidelines when pulling a driver over. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Why did the police pull me over to begin with?

Yes, the police are looking for drunk drivers, but it can be difficult to assess if a driver has had a little too much to drink just by his or her driving. Officers will look for tiny offenses such as not stopping at a stop sign or forgetting to use your blinker. To avoid getting pulled over, be sure to follow all traffic laws and signs.

How will the police suspect that I am drunk, even if I am sober?

The police will examine your behavior and see if you do or say anything that resembles being in a drunken state. If you’re angry or violent, they will suspect that alcohol or drugs might be a factor in your behavior. Additionally, there have been cases where a driver gets pulled over and he or she is tearing though their glove compartment, bags, or backseats, trying to find their registration and proof of insurance.  If you get frazzled, police might suspect you’ve had something to drink. Always make sure these documents are accessible when driving.

Why is the cop asking me all these questions?

Again, the cops are looking for signs of you being intoxicated. You should remember that you do NOT have to answer any question except for telling them your name and showing them the required documents. You should politely say, “I prefer not to answer any of those questions without my lawyer present.” Be sure to be polite because if you show any attitude, the officers will have a reason to suspect you’ve been drinking.

Why is the cop telling me to walk in a straight line, or say the ABC’s, or put my finger on my nose?

This, as some of you probably know, is a field sobriety test. Police use this test to find more evidence of you being intoxicated. It can be a nerve-wrecking situation, especially if you have a physical handicap or are anxious. However, the good thing is that you do NOT have to take a field sobriety test. The only test you have to take is BAC test.

Above all, there are three requirements you must do when the police pull you over on suspicion of a DUI. You must show them the required documents, tell them your name, and take a BAC test.  For everything else, it is best to use your own judgment.

Top 10 Athletes Arrested for a DUI

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Getting a DUI practically comes with the job if you are a professional athlete. With the fame, money, and luxuries offered to them, we always see our favorite sports stars go too far and find themselves being arrested for a DUI. Some of these athletes recover. Heck, even Babe Ruth got arrested for speeding. Who knows – maybe he could’ve been coming from a speakeasy! However, other athletes are never able to restore their original splendor, and they become the face of a career gone downhill. Here are the top athletes who have been arrested for a DUI.

10. Hines Ward


NFL star turned Dancing with the Stars champion was arrested for a DUI in DeKalb County, Georgia about a month ago.

9. Nikolai Khabibulin


This all-star NHL goalie became the first Russian to ever win the Stanley Cup. He also has two Olympic medals. He was able to stare at these awards day and night during his house arrest after a 2010 DUI conviction.

8. Tonya Harding


Amongst more famous incidents, Harding was arrested for a DUI in 2002, as well as violating her probation from a former conviction.

7. Mike Tyson


Who could forget! Tyson has two DUI arrests on his record.

6. Leonard Little


The former defensive end on the Rams was involved in a very tragic DWI in St. Louis, as well as one on Interstate 64.

5. Dominic Rhodes


The running back for the Indianapolis Colts pleaded guilty to a DUI back in 2007 and was suspended for 180 days.

4. Coco Crisp


Crisp was arrested back in March while the Oakland Athletics were undergoing spring training in Arizona.

3. Darryl Strawberry


Strawberry suffered from, amongst other conditions, a bad addiction to painkillers. He was arrested at gunpoint for driving under the influence of prescription drugs and attempting to flee the scene.

2. Al Unser Jr


Unser must have forgotten he wasn’t on the racetrack because he was arrested for a hit-and-run and driving under the influence in 2007. He has since spoken out about his addiction to alcohol and does a lot work with the alcohol educational program, LIVE Outside the Bottle.

1. Charles Barkley

In 2008, Sir Charles took time off from being a commentator on TNT to address his DUI that he got in Arizona. He pleaded guilty but had his jail sentence reduced after going to an alcohol treatment program.

California DUI Checkpoints – Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th

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Here are a few checkpoints that have been posted in the California area. Does anyone know of any checkpoints happening in Los Angeles? If so, please share them on our Facebook page!

San Rafael – Friday evening, southbound Grand Avenue and East Francisco Boulevard-

Newport Beach – Friday from 9pm to 3 am, Dover Drive and 16th St

Bakersfield – Saturday at an undisclosed location within the city, most likely in a location where drunk driving incidents are prone to happen.

Weekend DUI Checkpoints – August 12th and 13th

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Here are some locations where police will be setting up checkpoints. If you know of any, please share them on our Facebook page!

Florida

Temple Terrace – Friday at 10 pm – On 56th Street, North of Fowler Ave

Illinois

Waukegan – Checkpoints will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10pm to 3am in the following locations:

McAlister Avenue and 8th Street

McAlister and Helmholz Avenue

Williamsburg Drive and Georgetown Lane

2100 block of Lorraine Avenue

Walnut and Edwards streets;

10th Street and Lincoln Avenue

McAree Road and Cornelia Avenue

Connecticut

Clinton – Roving checkpoint on Friday between Route 1, Route 145 and Route 81

Berlin Turnpike – Friday, South of Route 160, Deming Rd, exact time undisclosed

Arizona

Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley – Roving patrols and special patrols throughout Tri-City area through the rest of August

New Jersey

Monmouth County – DWI Checkpoint on Friday from 11pm to 3 am on Route 34 in Wall

Twilight Star Arrested for DUI! Thankfully, Not R-Patz!

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I’ve been so conflicted for so long whether I was Team Edward and Team Jacob, I’ve encountered yet another plot point in the Twilight drama that runs through my head on a regular basis.

The Twilight Saga star, Kiowa Gordon, has been arrested for a DUI in Arizona. For you under-the-rock dwellers, Gordon plays a member the Wolf Pack, Embry.

Oh boy, Jacob is going to be pissed.

According to police records, there had been a warrant out for Gordon’s arrest for failure to appear court (probably because he was in wolf-mode) after drug possession charges.

So, for now, in Embry’s sake, I guess I’m Team Experienced-DUI-Attorney.

Kid Arrested for 2010 DUI

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Crazy DUI of the Week: Guy Gets DUI on Motorized Cooler

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I don’t understand how someone could be in the courtroom for a case like this and not laugh. This is ridiculous.

A guy in Australia was caught drunk driving in a resort town. However, he was driving a motorized beer cooler. He was even driving this beer cooler without a license!

To see a motorized beer cooler in action, check out XTreme Coolers. Why anyone would want a drink after it was practically been between someone’s legs is beyond me…

When Brides Go Bad – Our 5 Favorite Drunk Brides

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They’re the brides you love to hate – drunk brides!  These women get a little tipsy on their wedding days, and we reap the benefits.  Here are our top five favorite drunk brides:

5.  No beating around the bush here – this bride is drunk and falling over.  This video also wins the award for shortest video on the list.  It’s 7 seconds, folks.  Watch the darn clip!

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4.  In this video, the bridesmaids get in on the fun!  I don’t think we need to wonder whether or not they had an open bar.  This video speaks for itself!

drunkbride2

3. “Are you f*&#ing kidding me?”  This bride is certainly one of the most outspoken drunk brides in the group.  She really classes up this parking lot.  I’m sure everyone on the Las Vegas strip has seen this scene a million times.  For those of us who don’t see this type of wedding every day, this bride’s friend caught it all on tape!

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2. I’ve never noticed how great a toilet looks when it’s surrounded by taffeta.  This bride looks like she’s thoroughly enjoyed her day.  I hope the day after was just as fun! 

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1.We saved the classiest for last.  This is our favorite drunk bride.  She really looks very lovely in her wedding dress, even though she’s sitting on a tile floor in the bathroom.  Gold has never looked so good.  We’re sure you’ll agree!

drunkbride5

Tiger Woods’ Mistress Gets DUI

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Another mistress of a famous person was arrested for drunk driving.  It’s just another day in Hollywood! Jamie Jungers, who reportedly had an affair with Tiger Woods for 18 months, was arrested on Friday. She’s charged with a DUI, suspended registration, and driving without proof of insurance.

For those of you who were keeping track, Jungers is mistress number 4.

This Week in Football, er… DUI

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Hello, sports fans!  It’s August, which means that the world of football is starting to pick up steam.  I’m sure you’re just excited as we are at 1800duilaws.com. You may enjoy the touchdowns and, let’s face it, the cheerleaders.  We’re more interested in the DUIs.  This weekend was particularly exciting for us, so without further ado, here’s your DUI / football round-up!

Darryl Stonum, Michigan wide receiver Poor Darryl.  He just plead guilty to his 2nd DUI.  The May 6 arrest resulted in a June 3 guilty plea, which resulted in a one-year suspended jail sentence and mandatory sobriety court program.  In addition, he will be red-shirted this season.  What does that mean for Michigan?  It’s a big blow, considering he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players.  What does that mean for Stonum?  Potentially the end of a pro career before it starts.  Sitting out an entire season is not great for any college player.  Scouts are looking at the players on the field, not the players on the bench.  (If sitting on the bench was a talent, I would be a professional athlete, myself!) Oh, and did I mention it’s his senior year?  Yikes!  At least he’ll have more time to devote to his sociology studies…

Rhett Bomar, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nice way to start the season, Rhett!  It’s so sad when the young ones fall so soon.  Bomar, who is 26, is relatively new to the Vikings franchise.  He’s also a 4th string quarterback for the team.  He was a long-shot to begin with, and getting a DUI between practices Saturday and Sunday is certainly an interesting career move for someone so close to the edge. That said, Coach Frazier has quite a soft spot for his DUI players (you know, Everson Griffen and Chris Cook).  Maybe it’s all part of Bomar’s master plan.  Shrewd!

Carl Brusch, Monday morning quarterback Our favorite football DUI of the week is Carl Brusch.  If the name doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry – you’re not out of the loop.  His name doesn’t ring a bell for the Florida Gators, either, although Brusch claimed that he played for them.  After he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Florida, he asked if it would make any difference if he was a player for the Gators.  Apparently, he was just taking a survey, because he is not even enrolled at the school – much less a player on the football team.  For the record, the answer is no.  (Just ask Carlos Dunlap or Frankie Hammond.)

So long for now, football fans!  Don’t worry – we’ll be back with even more football DUIs next week.  In the meantime, get your fill of celebrity DUIs right here.

DARE Officer Gets DUI

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Talk about practicing what you preach! Or not.

In Salem, Indiana, a police officer driving with a DARE trailer got arrested for a DUI. Not only was this officer transporting property of DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), it was found out that he’s also in charge of the DARE program for seven area schools.

What a role model, am I right?

This Week in Moderately Famous DUI Arrests

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Is this the week where people associated with celebrities are getting DUI’s? We’ve already got some major names in the six-degrees of separation realm with handcuffs on their wrists.

First, there’s the former first lady of young Hollywood drunks. Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan’s ex-girlfriend, was arrested for a DUI in California on Monday morning. Way to start the week off right! She was driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, making the poor decision that she didn’t drink to excess in the Puritanical city of Las Vegas.

Then, we have Julie Pacino, the daughter of Al Pacino, who did not have a happy weekend.  She got arrested for a DUI in New York City on Saturday. Not one for making public statements, Al Pacino (or a rep for him) declined to comment. The young Pacino was let out of jail on her own recognizance, but I like to think it’s because her dad is a Corleone.