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In spite of US expenditures of $625 million in counter-narcotics operations in Columbia between 1990 and 1998, Columbia was able to surpass Peru and Bolivia to become the world's  largest coca producer.  Additionally, "there has not been a net reduction in processing or exporting refined cocaine from Columbia or in cocaine availability within the United States."

Source: U.S. General Accounting Office: Drug Control; Narcotics Threat from Columbia Continues to Grow (Washington DC: USGPO, 1999), pp. 3, 4, 6.

An ignition interlock is a sophisticated system that tests for alcohol on a driver's breath. It is a device that ...   more »

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of police departments have paramilitary units, and forty-six percent (46%) have been trained by active duty armed forces.  The most common use of paramilitary units is serving drug-related search warrants (usually no-knock entries into private homes). Twenty percent (20%) of police departments use paramilitary units to patrol urban areas. (Source: Kraska P. & Kappeler V., "Militarizing American Police: The Ris and Normalization of  Paramilitary Units, " Social Problems, Vol. 44, No. 1 (Feb. 1997)).  For the majority of our existence, use of the military as police on U.S. territory has been illegal. (See the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878).  The drug war coincided with the amendment of the Posse Comitatus Act in 1981, which allowed limited military involvement in policing.  A descent down the slippery slope quickly followed. 

The saying at the top of my blog is a motto that my son and I devised and recite every night before bed. "Work Hard! Play by the Rules! Never Quit!"  It quickly became the motto of my practice because it sums up my obligation to my family, my collegues and my clients.  We also look for quotes, stories and songs that build on the motto.  I found this in Proverbs:

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gatereth her food in the harvest."   Proverbs 6:6-8.

A new report reveals that zero tolerance policies in schools is ineffective in reducing alcohol abuse or other problems.

According to the report: Zero Tolerance, Zero Evidence: An Analysis of School Disciplinary Practice," there is no credible evidence that zero tolerance is effective. Furthermore, school suspension and expulsion result in a number of negative outcomes for both schools and students.

The report, conducted by the Indiana Education Policy Center at Indiana University School of Education, reviewed the use of zero-tolerance policies since their inception in the 1980s.

"Zero tolerance is a political response, not an educationally sound solution," said Dr. Russell Skiba, author of the report. "It sounds impressive to say that we're taking a tough stand against misbehavior, but the data say it simply hasn't been effective in improving student behavior."

Source:  AScribe News, May 15, 2001; www.jointogether.org/, May 17, 2001.

Client: I was stopped by a Beavercreek Police Officer, but I was outside of Beavercreek.  I had crossed into Fairborn.  Will my case be dismissed?

Many people (including attorneys) have the mistaken belief that an officer may only effectuate a traffic/DUI stop in his or her own jurisdiction.  The Ohio Revised Code, section 2935.03 provides that not only may an officer arrest within the jurisdiction, but may also do so outside of the limits in certain circumstances.  DUI, as a first degree misdemeanor offense, is such a circumstance.  My own 2nd District Court of Appeals, in State v. Cox, 1999 WL 980345, at 4 (Ohio Ct. App. 2d. Dist. Greene County 1999), decided that the above-cited statute was "effective only in those areas where the jurisdictions are contiguous." The Twelfth District decided upon a test to be used to determine when a police officer could stop and detain a motorist outside the officer's jurisdiction. (1) the officer receives a report of erratic driving within the officer's geographical jurisdiction, and (2) the officer initiates immediate pursuit without delay from the officer's jurisdiction.  This test was upheld even though the cop did not observe erratic driving until the accused was in a neighboring jurisdiction.

Source: Ohio Driving Under the Influence Law, 2005 ed., Judge M. Painter.

Canadian law, specifically the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, R.S.C., ch 27 para 36 (2001), may bar entry into Canada for any person convicted of a DUI.  The exception may last five years from the date of sentence and may require the person seeking admission to satisfy the Minister of Immigration that rehabilitative measures have been taken. Id. at pt.3, paras 17 and 18 (2002).  If you are granted entry the temporary resident permit can be cancelled at any time. Id. at ch. 27, para 24(1)(2001).  Further, a person issued a temporary residence permit is required to be examined upon arrival in Canada.  If you are traveling to other countries it would be wise to check and see if a Drunk Driving offense would bar your admission into the country.

Source: Taylor, Drunk Driving Defense, 6th Ed., 2006

It isn't  always being fast or even accurate that counts...It's being willing.  I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing.  They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull a trigger... I won't!

John Wayne as J.B. Books in the Shootist.

So I was sitting in my cubicle today and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it.  So that means that every single day that you see me, that's on the worst day of my life.

            Peter Gibbons, "Office Space"