Posted on 07/26/2005 1:37:14 PM PDT by The Other Harry
There seem to be three main infractions or violations involved with drinking. As a veteran drinker, all are relevant to me
There is DUI (driving under the influence), drunk in public, and drinking in public. Let’s take them one at a time, based on my conversations while in jail for a DUI. Most of those conversations were with people who know more about this than I do.
A DUI is the most serious, as it should be.
Still, there is ambiguity. Driving what, where? A bicycle? A horse cart? One of my cellmates once got busted for driving his car in a Wall-Mart parking lot.
You would think “drunk in public” and “drinking in public” would be obvious, but they are not.
We (my cellmates and I) got into a protracted discussion about the meaning of “in public”. The general consensus was that it means whatever the police want it to mean at the time. In other words, you could theoretically be arrested for “drunk in public” or “drinking in public” if you are in your own home at 11:00 at night. That’s not likely, but they could do it.
This all reminds me of the recent eminent domain decision by the Supreme Court. Whose house is this? Whose property is this?
I used to do my gardening, then go out, sit on the front step, have a drink, and study the fruits of my efforts. There was no harm there.
I will no longer do that.
My own opinion is that some law is good, but we are going too far.
My thought as well. In....pub..lik. LOL
I live in a boating community, tuff to find anyone NOT drinking in their yard!!
I can verify that Sam speaks for the three of us. A The Other Harry Vanity Ping list is needed.
I want on that ping list too !!!!!!
"As a veteran drinker, all are relevant to me"
Veteran drinker, eh? Interesting word choice. Is that your way of saying you've turned pro?
Women Face DUI Charges For Pushing Car
Drunken driving can also be drunken pushing -- at least to police in Portage, Ind.
Kaylyn Kezy and Melissa Fredenburg both face DUI charges after the car they were pushing crashed into a parked car. Police said the women took turns pushing the non-running car while the other steered.
After the accident, officers said both women tested with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
Prosecutor Adam Burroughs admitted the case might be a tough one to prove in court. But he noted that the women were in effect operating the vehicle -- even though the car wasn't running at the time.
It may be tough for the state to prove in court, but the problem on the defendant's side is the cost of arguing.
Where I live (central Virginia), the cost of arguing with an attorney (which you pretty much need), is a minimum of $1000. So even if you "win", you lose.
Interesting article. Thanks!
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