Yesterday I was in my car on the hunt for some lunch. That's a big deal for me because I am often too busy to eat lunch, so I was in a pretty good mood. It was a glorious sunny day and I did my level best to ignore that fact that the road conditions were a sloppy mess and the melt off from the ro...

Over thirty years of practicing DUI defense, I advise clients that there is one alcohol beverage that everyone should avoid. Especially if the cocktail is being poured by a bartender.  This beverage is Redbull and vodka.   Redbull, especially diet, is super sweet.  The sweetness of the beverage m...

I think it's time to finally reveal the million dollar tip. Close your eyes and imagine fireworks, bright colored party balloons falling to the ground, circus ponies prancing, and disco balls strobing.  Good.  I now have your full attention. This is big and could be you saving grace from ever rec...

I haven't forgotten about my previous blog where I posted that I would reveal my most important tip to avoid getting a DUI in the first place.  Before I get to that, let me ask you a simple question.  What masks mouth odor the best?  Do you think mouthwash is a good idea? What about Listerine str...

If you have ever had a concussion or brain trauma, you are not a candidate for the horizontal gaze nystagmus test.  This is the eye test the Officer performs when they are investigating a DUI offense.  If you have ever been knocked out, you are not a candidate for this test.  When I was five, I w...

What's the difference between a misdemeanor vs. felony DUI?  Alaska has a ten year look back period.  The Court will calculate the time period from the date of the first conviction to the date of the next offense date.  If you have had three previous DUI convictions within a ten year period, you ...

Congener by definition means this- minor compounds other than ethanol that occur naturally in alcohol beverages as a result of the distilling or fermenting processes. If you are reading my blog, you know a little bit about alcohol. What you may not know is that pure alcohol has no odor.  When it ...

Isn't this the question that every person who has an alcoholic drink and decides that they are not impaired and operates a vehicle? How do you avoid DUI detection when an officer is speaking with you at the driver's side window?  Isn't this the million dollar question? To avoid DUI detection at a...

Officers are trained to use their nose to smell for the odor of alcohol during a DUI/OUI investigation. An Officer isn't really smelling alcohol during the investigation, but congeners which are flavorings put in alcohol to give the product a particular taste.  For example, hops flavors beer.  If...

YES! If you are under arrest and transported to the station for processing, the Officer must have probable cause to request a breath sample from you. Once at the station, you MUST provide a breath sample, even if you (erroneously) believe that you should not.  In Alaska, when you receive your dri...

It is very important to keep your license plate clear of snow and/or dirt so it is readable to law enforcement.  All too often after a big snow dump, a license plate will be obscured by snow.  Remember, an officer will have Reasonable Suspicion to pull your vehicle over even if a few license numb...

If you are stopped by law enforcement for suspicion of driving under the influence, NEVER agree to perform the standardized field sobriety tests.  Most drivers do not realize that these tests are optional only.  You should never attempt to perform them.  In fact, if you decline these tests, you c...

During the Holidays, people are out eating, drinking, and spending time with their friends and family.  It is important to know what to do to avoid drinking and driving during the holidays.  The Law Office of Leigh Ann Bauer put together three tips to help you avoid getting a DUI this holiday sea...

Under Alaska law, it is a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  This means that even though you may be taking medications legally because a doctor prescribed them or purchased them at a pharmacy, you can still be charged with a DUI.   WHAT DOES IT ...

Understanding DUI Arrests in ALASKA and the One-Leg Stand Test If you have ever been pulled over by a police officer in ALASKA, even if for a simple traffic violation, you know it can make you nervous. A nervous state, however, is not your friend if that traffic stop turns into a drunk driving i...

Those facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge may feel like they are out of options. However, there are several ways that defendants can protect their rights with the help of an experienced defense attorney. Learn about Alaska's DUI laws and how to handle the aftermath of a DUI charge....

CAN YOU ONLY GET A DUI IN A CAR? Contrary to popular belief, a car is not the only vehicle in which you can be charged with a DUI. Learn the other vehicles in which you may be charged with a DUI to stay informed and protect your rights. NON-AUTOMOBILE DUI Driving under the influence (DUI) can ...

HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU FOUND THE RIGHT ATTORNEY Like all Alaskans, it is the time for us to get out and enjoy the wonderful summer days and nights.  However, with all the fun comes drinking and sometimes people can make a mistake by drinking and driving. Getting a DUI can be overwhelming fo...