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Economic Downturn Escalates the Incidence of Alcohol Use and Charges for DUI Across the Nation

Economic downturns have traditionally increased the incidence in the use of alcohol and the consequent charges of DUI.

CALABASAS, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- DUI Defenders, a nationwide network of DUI defense lawyers based out ofCalabasas, California, announces a significant escalation in alcohol use and consequent charges for DUI due to the recent and ongoing downturn in the economy. According to Mintel International, aChicago-based market analysis firm, in 2008 the sale of alcohol for home consumption reached $77.8 billion dollars, an increase of 32% over the 2003 level. Additionally, according to a 2001 peer reviewed study published in Health Economics, there was novel evidence that indicated that even among the unemployed, binge drinking increased substantially during economic downturns. This report reflects not only a simple increase in drinking from excess leisure time, but also an increase in drinking attributed to the influence of economic stress.

The current economic downturn is having a significant impact on criminal defense lawyers. The majority of individuals charged with DUI, have traditionally had little personal savings and are often forced to take out loans against their homes. With the current depression in property values most individuals do not have enough equity to borrow against their homes. According to DUI Defenders, competition among DUI/DWI attorneys has been growing steadily over the past few years, will get far worse. This competition is getting more price competitive rather than quality competitive.

About DUI Defenders:

DUI Defenders http://www.dui1.com offers one of the largest directories of DUI attorneys on the Internet and is one of the highest ranking DUI legal sites. According to Frank Vessels, VP of Marketing for DUI Defenders, "Just over the last year we have experienced a significant increase in traffic to our site. This increase will likely continue as more and more people choose to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. There is little doubt," says Vessels, "that increased use of alcohol due to financial stress is putting more drunk drivers on the road. DUI charges by law enforcement are spiking. Part of our efforts," he says, "include public awareness programs encouraging those with substance abuse problems to seek the help they need."

http://www.dui1.com

SOURCE DUI Defenders