NFL Partnering With Tech Company for App to Help Players Avoid DUI Troubles
The NFL is partnering with the company Uber, which has created a smartphone app that would allow players to hail a cab with relative ease, aiming to help players avoid DUI charges. The program is available in 17 of 31 NFL cities. The app uses GPS to dispatch the cabs, so players will not even need to know their exact location to take advantage of the service.
Players have lost millions of dollars over the years due to DUI troubles. Since 2006, it is estimated that DUI or DWAI charges have cost players $3.3 million. Those costs come from NFL fines and loss of salary. This figure likely does not include the costs associated with dealing with the DUI charges in court.
Cost of a DUI?
Getting charged with a DUI can be a costly ordeal. Those costs are not only monetary, but DUI charges have many collateral consequences that are costly for other reasons. For example, getting charged with a DUI can result in loss of your driver’s license, which can lead to issues with keeping your job or issues finding employment. Colorado has some of the most unforgiving DUI laws in the country. DUI charges, even on a first time offense, are punishable by jail time. If you have even one prior DUI conviction on your record, jail time becomes mandatory. Again, this can create problems with employment and other responsibilities.
With so much at stake, it is important to consult with an attorney. While it may seem as though a DUI case is cut and dry, there are many potential issues that could impact the way in which your case resolves. For example, did the police officer have reasonable suspicion to contact you, did he administer your roadside tests in accordance with NHTSA, did he follow proper procedure when he administered the blood or breath test, did he advise you properly of all your rights, has the district attorney provided you with all of the reports associated with your case, such as any 911 calls, dash cam video, body cam video and/or booking area video? The answer to these questions could have a significant impact on your case, resulting in a more favorable resolution, imcluding at times, dismissal. While DUI’s are undoubtedly costly, not hiring an attorney to help you navigate the system could ultimately end up costing you more in the long run. Please contact us for a free consultation.
Source: New York Times, Ken Olsen, Sept. 4, 2013.