Many people assume that there is a certain stereotype that defines a driver who is charged with DUI and that it could never happen to them. This stereotype is fueled and promoted by organizations like MADD that condemn those charged or convicted of DUI. The presumption is that those who engage in drunk driving are irresponsible and that a DUI arrest reflects some sort of character flaw. In reality, people from all walks of life have found themselves facing DUI charges regardless of social-economic background or education level. Whether it is simply a one time mistake or a habitual struggle with alcohol, a very broad range of people are arrested and charged with DUI. The more successful and affluent that someone is the more that a DUI conviction could cost.
Consider the case Dr. Ashok Padhiar, a successful 56-year old anesthesiologist, despite wealth, education and professional success, he was sentenced to four months to four years in prison following his 8th DUI conviction. The seriousness of Dr Padhiar’s situation is reflected by the facts surrounding his arrest. He had two and a half-empty bottles of cognac in his vehicle, and his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was three times the legal limit of .08 percent in Pennsylvania. His string of prior DUI’s convictions followed him across three states included five DUI convictions in Ohio, one in Illinois and one in Michigan.
While this story may seem like an anomaly, it is really just reflective of the fact that drunk driving is not limited to the poor or less affluent in society as with some other Pennsylvania criminal offenses. Alcohol addiction is often prevalent amongst highly successful individuals in high stress occupations. Most data indicates that habitual drinkers who suffer from alcohol dependency cause a disproportionate number of fatal drunk driving accidents. Repeat offenders also tend to have higher BAC levels when arrested, which may be connected to the tolerance level of habitual drinkers.
The bottom line is that the tendency to apply erroneous stereotypes and judgmental attitudes to the issue of drunk driving distracts from the fact that many arrested for DUI are successful people struggling with a serious illness. Diverting resources toward rehabilitation as opposed to punishment may be the best way to combat drunk driving.
Michael V. Worgul, an experienced DUI lawyer in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania has handled over a thousand Pennsylvania criminal cases including DUI and vehicular homicide. We are here to defend you as well as protect your rights and your future so call him today at (412) 475-9217.
