Southaven DUI arrests reflect the increase statewide in Mississippi, in part to citizens taking action by calling in tips to police on their cell phones. “People continually are calling in now somebody weaving in the roadway things like that so we get a lot of those calls.” said Southaven Police Chief Tom Long. Southaven has counted 50 more drunk driving arrests this year, and along with that increase in arrests , Long says his officers are getting more convictions in court too, thanks to witnesses with cell phones.
Along with help from citizens, police departments are devoting more resources to drunk driving, as Olive Branch did recently. DeSoto County Sheriff Bill Rasco also added an additional officer to his DUI detail. Mississippi has long been known as one of the worst states in the nation for its high numbers of alcohol-related deaths, but deaths have decreased for 2010. Mississippi is projected to have only about 232 cases this year, down almost 40 percent from the 384 cases reported in 2007.
In addition to the increase in DUI arrests and convictions in Southaven and across Mississippi, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving group is now lobbying to encourage Mississippi to follow the lead of Arkansas and adopt an ignition interlock device for those convicted of drunk driving. This would require people found convicted of DUI to pass a breathalyzer test before they can start their cars.
Now, more than ever, it is very important not to drive after drinking. However, if you are wrongfully charged with a DUI, it is extremely important for you to consult with a Southaven DUI attorney to help you aggressively fight your case. DUI convictions can result not only in jail time, but also have serious effects on your car insurance, your job, and your life.
“Cell Phones Help Increase DUI Arrests” by Dennis Turner, WREG TV NEWS, November 30, 2010
Leave a Reply