You would think that most people would know the dangers of drinking and driving. Have we not seen enough commercials with beaten up vehicles and ambulances screaming through the streets because of drunk drivers? If you have any questions about this here are three reasons which will show that drinking and driving is not a smart thing to do.

1. It can result in legal problems. There is a certain level of alcohol that is considered acceptable. Although some people will tell you that they can handle more than this legal limit, scientific evidence has shown that when we consume more than the legal limit of alcohol we are no longer in as capable control of ourselves. We are not as careful as we could be and tend to make poor decisions. Driver's licenses can be suspended if you get pulled over for driving under the influence. Defensive driving classes, alcohol rehab and even jail can also occur. So, it may be wise to remember that drinking and driving can cause legal problems and is not a good thing to do.

2. Car insurance rates can increase. Insurance rates increase dramatically due to accidents and drunk driving issues. If you have ever been involved in an at-fault traffic accident you may be aware of this fact. More than likely, adding a drinking and driving event to your insurance record will likely lead to higer premiums. With the present state of the economy, life is quite expensive already. So remember that another downside of drinking and driving is a likely increase in your car insurance rates.

3. It is dangerous to drive under the influence. Although this is common knowledge, it is important enough to emphasize. All of us know that drinking and driving increases accidents, just 1 or 2 can affect our ability to drive safely. The risk is not worth it. So it is good to consider this third reason not to drive under the influence, as it is dangerous to you and other drivers.

All this does not mean that drinking is actually bad. It can sometimes be a way to relax. It is just that driving after that drink is not a wise thing to do. To keep yourself and others safe you might consider hiring a taxi or getting a sober friend to help you get home. It may also be wise to consider drinking at home. If these alternatives are not an option then you may consider staying where you are or even walking rather than drinking and driving.

This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Alcohol plays a significant role in motor vehicle accidents involving teenagers. Although they are less likely than adults to drive after drinking alcohol, their risk of being involved in an accident while intoxicated is much higher than adults. Teenagers are relatively inexperienced with drinking and driving, thus combining these two activities results in frequent accidents, even at low or moderate blood alcohol concentrations (BACs).

One of the proven methods to reduce drinking and driving among teenagers has been minimum alcohol purchasing age laws. For a number of years, the minimum age for purchasing alcohol was 21. In the 1960s and 70s, that minimum was lowered to 18 or 19 years of age. Studies of that change have shown that there was an increase in the number of under-21 drivers involved in fatal nighttime accidents. As a result, states later raised the minimum purchasing age back to 20 or 21, which then brought about a reduction in nighttime fatal crashes.

In 1984, 23 states had returned the purchasing age back to 21 years old. Since it was proven that this age increase saved lives, federal legislation was created to withhold highway funds from states that did not raise the age again. In 1988, all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, followed suit and returned the alcohol purchasing age to 21 years.

Underage drinking is still a problem however. In some areas of the country, 19-20 year olds are still able to purchase alcohol because of lack of enforcement of the laws. Both high school students and college students under 21 have been able to buy alcohol as some purchasers fail to ask for proof of age. Even when buyers are asked for identification, however, students are sometimes still able to purchase alcohol using false identification. In the past few years there has been a push to crack down on underage alcohol purchases. Laws that have been show to curb underage drinking were already in place. The missing factor was that communities needed to step up enforcement of these laws to make them more effective.

There are many health risks involved with underage drinking that should make reducing the prevalence of it a priority. As the body develops through puberty, various hormones and growth factors are released that are vital for normal organ development and function. Excessive amounts of alcohol before or during this stage of development can adversely affect the body. Another example is liver damage. Elevated liver enzymes indicate some degree of liver damage, which has been found in some adolescents who drink alcohol. Most importantly is the brain. Studies on animals have shown that if the animal is given alcohol while the brain is developing, subtle changes that occur can cause long-lasting impairments. It's not entirely clear what changes the alcohol produces, but there is a strong possibility that excessive adolescent alcohol consumption can have lasting effects on memory and learning skills.

The reasons for drinking while underage are many: a chance to be independent, fitting in with friends at school, just another risk-taking behaviors, as well as many others. Whatever the reason, however, the health effects can be severe. Car accidents and brain and body development risks are only a small part of the big picture. Underage drinking is a problem that should be taken seriously by everyone in order to find a solution soon.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Many drivers who are arrested and charged with DUI mistakenly believe that their breathalyzer results, showing a BAC over the legal limit of 0.08%, are all the evidence needed for a conviction. Although breathalyzer results typically comprise a major piece of evidence against the defendant, they are not immune to challenges during the trial process. Truthfully, breathalyzer results are successfully challenged in court every day by skilled and experienced DUI lawyers.

Both the field sobriety tests and blood and breath chemical tests can be given during a traffic stop and arrest but the chemical test is much harder to fight against in a court of law. These tests are more objective, which means it is convincing evidence to the judge presiding over the case or a jury who has to deliberate on the guilt or innocence of the accused. In order for a DUI lawyer to win his/her case, he/she must get this evidence suppressed (meaning it does not get heard and is not admissible in court). A major DUI defense strategy component is to fight the results of the Breathalyzer test.

In measuring the amount of alcohol present in a persons breath, officers employ a wide range of tools and methods. As a result of this, the reliability of the final results is found to vary from method to method. An experienced DUI lawyer will undoubtedly be well aware of this and most likely raise this issue in a clients defense. The accuracy of breathalyzer machine is affected by its calibration. Incorrect calibration will result in less than accurate results. Alongside the machines efficiency, the administering officer will also have to be qualified to use it correctly. In the event that any of these are found to not have taken place, the court may consider the results as being inadmissible in court. Emphasis on the methods used and the qualification of the handling officer are thus some of the more common methods used in disqualifying the results of a breathalyzer test.

Many DUI attorneys have also successfully argued that breathalyzer machines give incorrectly high readings as a result of certain medical conditions. Because a breathalyzer relates the amount of alcohol on the breathe with the amount in the bloodstream, it relies on a standard mathematical formula, although there are naturally-occurring biological variables that can affect this ratio.

Attorneys can also argue the "absorbtion defense" depending on when you were arrested and when the Breathalyzer exam was given. Keep in mind that it takes alcohol nearly two hours to get into your bloodstream. If the alcohol you drank hasn't reached your bloodstream, it hasn't been factored into your BAC number despite the fact that the machine detected it. This means the officer will have an incorrect reading; albeit a wrong high reading.

Taking a breath test is not required. Depending on a persons state, it is possible for individuals to refuse to take a breath test. This will go a long way in providing them with a better chance of beating a DUI charge. However, some states will suspend the licenses of people who refuse to allow the administering of these tests.

A conviction of DUI or DWI can have serious consequences lasting for years, making it critical to fight your case in every way possible to avoid a conviction. In many DUI cases, breathalyzer results play a central role in the prosecution's arguments. Although breathalyzer results can be damaging to your case, they are not ironclad evidence, and can be challenged. It takes a skilled DUI attorney to dispute their reliability in court.

NEVER drive intoxicated.

This tip is yet another of those obvious ones.  But people still do it ALL the time.

To be honest, there really is no excuse for drinking and driving.  Besides simply being responsible and having a designated driver on nights out, there are so many additional services for all different occasions.

If you're not sure of your blood alcohol level:

• Buy a breathalyzer by searching a€œbreathalyzera€ in the Google Product Search.  Prices range from as low as to 0.  Most breathalyzers go for approximately .
• Calculate your blood alcohol level using applications for your smart phone
  • a€œR-U-Buzzed?a€ IPhone application by the Colorado Department of Transportation (Free on ITunes).
    

• Do it the old way. Use a trusty chart.  I recommend you print a copy and have it in your car at all times.

If you went alone or everyone in your party is intoxicated:

• Take public transportation
• Take a taxi. 
  • If you went to a restaurant or bar, they should be able to recommend a few different taxi services.
  • You can also call 1-800-GOOG-411 for no cost and ask for a taxi service in your area.
  • There are also several IPhone applications that connect you to a taxi in your area, using GPS functionality.  Try a€œRocket Taxi,a€ a€œCall A Taxi,a€ a€œCab 4 Me,a€ and many more!
  • Carpool.  Only one sober driver?  Pitch in for gas and ask for a ride.  However, if you suspect at all that that person has been drinking, be safe and don't take the risk.
  • Hire a designated driver.  Search for a service in your area and save their phone number in your phone.  Often times they will let you rent drivers by the hour.  Besides having a sober and insured driver behind the wheel, you have the added comfort of being able to take your car home that night.

Now, some of these services may cost more than you want to on your one night out.  However, compared to the cost of a DUI, these prices are dirt cheap.  Here are the costs associated with a DUI (not including personal injuries, medical costs, lost pay, or vehicle damages):

• Minimum fine: $ 390
• Penalty Assessment: $ 666
• State Restitution Fund: $ 100
• Alcohol-Abuse Education Fund: $ 50
• Blood or Breath-Testing Fee: $ 37
• Jail Cite-and-Release Fee: $ 10
• Driving/Alcohol-Awareness School: $ 375 (16 weeks minimum)
• License Reissue Fee: $ 100
• Attorney Fees (average): $ 2,500
• Auto Insurance Increase: $ 3,600 - ,600
  (The Auto Club estimates ,200 a year for 3 years)

Total ,828 - ,828

(Credits to FriendsDriveSober.org and Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

To learn more about the dangers of drinking and driving, visit the following organizations:

• Alcohol Alert
• Center for Disease Control
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving

And remember, if you or a loved one is hit and consequentially hurt by a drunk driver, consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  Some consolidated sources to find a personal injury lawyer include:

Car Accident Injury Helpline: http://www.caraccidentinjuryhelpline.com/

Personal Injury Helpline: http:// www.injuryhelplinelawyer.com/

For more tips, please go to my blog at: http://helpcaraccident.wordpress.com/

The legislation requires the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to now impose a one-year driver's license suspension on a person convicted of either DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while impaired) more than once in a five-year period. The law allows the MVA to issue restricted licenses for the suspension period if the person participates in the Ignition Interlock System Program (IISP).

The IISP prohibits drivers from driving any vehicle not equipped with the ignition interlock system, and allows the person to drive only to and from school, to and from work or to and from an alcohol/drug treatment program and health care treatment

The legislature also increased the a€œlook-back perioda€, doubling the length of time, from five to 10 years during which there can be no previous DUI related Probation Before Judgment dispositions in order for the Court to consider a PBJ in the instant case.

Under current Maryland law, drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between .04 and .08 are usually charged with DWI. Those with a BAC of .08 or higher are normally charged with DUI. A first-time DWI conviction means being faced with up to two months in jail, a 0 fine and a driver's license suspension of 60 days. Penalties for a first-time DUI are more severe, including up to one-year in jail, up to a ,000 fine and a 45-day or more driver's license suspension.

A second DUI conviction increases the fine to ,000, a one-year license suspension (followed by one-year of restricted driving privileges) and can mean up to two-years in jail. A second DWI conviction can cost up to 0 in fines and up to a one-year jail term.

The legislature also passed a bill increasing penalties for violating any alcohol restriction on a driver's license. The misdemeanor violation is now punishable by a fine of 0 and two months in jail.

Many people are aware of the general aspects of the driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) rules. What many people between the ages of 18-20 do not know is that these statutes effectively don't apply to them! If you're between the ages of eighteen and 20, you should read on to find out what the law says about your right to drive after you've had spirituous alcohol.

Firstly, know that if you're caught with any liquor in your system and you are younger than 21, you'll immediately lose your driver's license for two years. It is irrelevant if the alcohol is in your body as a result of religious ceremony or possibly a barbecue. Also, in addition to being charged under this statute (ARS 4-244), you'll be charged with whatever section of the DUI/DWI rules apply to your situation.

Since ARS 28-1381(1) provides that you don't need to be over a.08 blood liquor content (BAC) in order to receive a DUI, it has major ramifications. Many persons in this age bracket would not be particularly concerned about driving after a minute amount of liquor had been consumed, whatever the situation (this writer wouldn't presume to judge an adult of any age who consumes alcohol). Because one drink can leave the smell of alcohol on a person's breath, the driver could easily get hit with both statutes when they're really far from impaired.

This is why it's critical that drivers under the age of twenty-one don't consume any liquor before driving. Underage consuming laws notwithstanding, it is absolutely not an acceptable risk to operate a vehicle after drinking even one drink in this situation. It is probable that after a person is automatically charged under ARS 4-244, they will be almost guaranteed to be charged with ARS 28-1381(1), and the former charge being used as leverage for the latter in court.

If it's too late, don't despair. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to look at your case and determine if there is a possibility for a defense or lessening of the charges. In the majority of jurisdictions these days the majority of cases are handled by plea bargain, in response to the massive overcrowding of the legal system. Many DUI attorneys in Phoenix offer free consultations to clients, so you risk nothing by making a phone call.

1. Watching your car be towed.

2. Examining your car's damage.

3. Looking at new cars.

4. Watching car repairs.

5. Examining the paint job on your old car.

6. Dealing with car rental agencies.

7. Fighting with insurance companies.

8. Reading medical reports.

9. Gasping at medical bills.

10. Meeting with lawyers.

Now here are ten actual tips of advice from a car accident lawyer to follow if you have been in an accident. You can also learn more about how to handle a car accident in Riverside County, or any city, by calling the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson at any of the numbers which can be found on our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com  and learning how we can assist you.

Obviously, if you have had an accident, and you are reading all of this advice, it's probably been at least a few days since the accident. However, if it's only been a few hours or if you ever have another accident, here's what you should do the next time from the start.

First, take a look around and determine if you or anyone, are hurt. If so, taking steps like trying to prevent further injury or loss of blood are the most important thing you can do. Even if some other driver caused you to be injured, it's just good manners to help the other driver if they are hurt. They may even be so thankful that they admit their fault to you. The worst thing you can do is get angry or start a fight.

Second, make sure everyone is safe from being injured further. If you are in the middle of traffic, and you are dizzy, sit down away from traffic. If your vehicle is a traffic hazard and you have accident warning devices like flares or triangles, put them out on the road to warn other drivers and get away from the car. Let the police an other emergency personnel investigate the scene with the vehicles in place and move them more safely at a later point.

Third, call the police. Accident reports are extremely helpful if the police will do such a report. Let the police know you are injured immediately. Answer the police questions honestly. But if you are dazed or confused, let them know you need medical treatment and answer only what you feel sure about. Remember, your statements can and will be used against you if you admit fault, and it will be too late and too fishy to later say you didn't know what you were saying at the scene. Police know that your best recollection is immediately after an accident.

Fourth, get the other driver's information including their names, addresses, driver's license numbers, make and model of their vehicles, license plate numbers, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers as well. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well.

Fifth, if you have a camera on your cell phone or in the car and you aren't too injured, take some photos of the vehicles and the scene. If you can't do it right away, do it after you are released from the hospital.

Sixth, if you are hurt, obtain medical treatment. Don't decline the ambulance or hospital examination to save your insurance company money or to be stoic. Take your valuables out of your car if you can and get checked out at the hospital. If you are not hurt, don't get treatment you don't need. However, remember, after an accident, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that causes you to only start feeling symptoms of pain a few hours later. If you have a health plan that requires you to obtain permission first, call them and find out where you are allowed to seek treatment.

Seventh, call a good car accident lawyer as soon as you have had your initial treatment, so the attorney can gather other important evidence and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you and obtaining such things as recorded statements that you feel fine, when many of your symptoms have yet to manifest themselves. A good car accident attorney can save you from making a great deal of mistakes and can shoulder much of the hassle of knowing what to do about car repairs, car rentals, medical treatment, witness statements and the like. If you think you will save money by not having an attorney, think again. A good car accident lawyer can almost always obtain much higher settlements, obtain reductions of medical bills and insurance liens and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Also, most car accident lawyers advance costs of obtaining police reports, medical records and the like and are paid and reimbursed for these costs only out of any settlement.

Eight, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but since they will want to take a recorded statement from you, just like any other driver's insurance company, it's good advice to retain an attorney first. And if the other driver did not have insurance, remember that it is your own insurance company that will be your adversary. You will also need to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your lawyer can give you the form for this.

Ninth, do not agree to settle your claim privately with the person at fault for the accident. This almost never works out to your advantage. Don't agree not to call the police. Police reports that determine the fault for an accident are golden. Your agreement to not involve the police only affords an opportunity for the other driver to change his story and blame you when the police will no longer investigate the accident.

Tenth, don't pay a traffic ticket without a fight if you weren't at fault or agree to accept a small payment for your vehicle repairs without knowing that the amount will in fact cover the cost of all the repairs.

If you've had a car accident in Riverside County, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Thermal, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your Riverside County Car Accident Lawyer and your Palm Springs Car Accident Attorney. Be sure to hire a California law firm with auto, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, car, bus, train, boat and airplane accident experience, wrongful death experience and insurance law expertise who can ensure you are properly represented and get the compensation you deserve.

If you have a personal injury legal matter, a dog bite or if you've lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com  and learn how we can assist you.

Proposition 203 has become a hotly contested issue this election year. Some opponents cast it in a negative light as legalizing cannabis, while supporters claim it is only for the safe medical usage of the drug. I will try below to outline what precisely Prop 203 is about, what it would allow and what it wouldn't.

Proposition 203 is a "revision bill." California's Senate Bill 420 (Clever, California, Clever) legalized marijuana to be used for medical purposes. There's been much criticism lately, however, due to the wording in the senate bill which allowed pot to be used for "acute chronic pain." This opened the gateway for medical marijuana cards to be issued to just about anyone, and is been widely regarded as being abused by 97% (according to a local agency) of its consumers.

Prop 203 used some of the wording from the CA SB420, but alternatively shifted it to be considerably more prohibitive. Az Prop 203 would only allow cannabis for significant debilitating conditions such as cancer and AIDS. In this setting, marijuana will be allowed to buy on a limited basis (around 70g every 2 weeks) to stop trafficking, and would be essentially limited to a moderate in-home usage amount.

Proposition 203's supporters claim that it'll provide a necessary avenue of respite for individuals who are afflicted by these kinds of diseases. Cannabis is a "no hangover" drug, in contrast to prescription pills, and it has many therapeutic uses according to some research. Moreover, the specific wording in Prop 203 would prevent the "California" effect and keep medical marijuana out of the hands of those that would simply use it for recreation.

The opponents to this measure claim that this really is merely a gateway bill. They assert it is a first step to legalizing yet another drug that we don't need in today's world today. The proposition allows for 120 dispensaries to be opened around the state, which some claim is unnecessary. Furthermore, they claim that there are already plenty of legal prescription drugs to help remedy discomfort and anxiety in patients with incapacitating diseases; this is nothing more than an attempt by marijuana users to steamroll acceptance through the legislature

Whatever your stance, Prop 203 is a very specific thing and nothing else. It provides for a small amount of medical marijuana to be regulated and released to really sick people. It does not allow for personal use by recreational pot smokers, and does not decriminalize possession by those not specifically allowed by the bill.

If you are arrested for marijuana possession, speak to a criminal attorney today. A criminal lawyer can look at your case and see whether a compromise can be met because of the circumstances. Many marijuana possession cases are really simple to resolve, if you come with an experienced litigator in your corner.

If you have been arrested for marijuana possession in the greater metro area, contact a Phoenix criminal attorney immediately. A Phoenix criminal lawyer will represent you in court and will be a serious mitigating factor in whether or not you serve prison time. Protect yourself; hire a lawyer. Stay safe!

Being charged with a DUI, driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol) or a DWI, driving while intoxicated, is a very serious situation. The possibility exists that either charge could affect one's future. They can result in substation fines, loss of a driver's license, have implications for future employment, increase insurance premiums, and in some cases, can result in serving time in jail.

When charged with a DUI or DWI, it is important to find someone that will understand what steps must be taken to successfully navigate through the legal processes. A lawyer or attorney can be a great help in these situations. This lawyer will defend the person involved in the situation, and will make sure that his or her rights are protected throughout the whole process.

In the state of Minnesota, a blood alcohol of 0.08 or higher will allow you to be convicted of a DUI charge. Although this is when one can be convicted, it does not mean that driving is impaired prior to this point. Driving skills are affected from the first drink of alcohol. The ability to react, pay attention, maintain coordination, and make good choices are affected more and more with each drink.

Unfortunately, there is no specific number of drinks that can alert you when you are over 0.08. Wine, beer, mixed drinks, and hard liquor all have different percentages of alcohol. It is more important to keep track of the total amount of alcohol that is entering your system over a certain timeframe rather than just counting drinks. A few beers will have a different affect on a person than a few shots of hard liquor. This number is also not the same for everyone, however. Blood alcohol levels are also influenced by gender, age, weight, medications, the amount and type of food that has recently been eaten, and other factors.

If one does end up being pulled over for DUI or DWI by police, a series of tests may be administered, including a blood, breath, or urine test. If these tests are refused, it is considered a Gross Misdemeanor, which can lead to removal of your license for at least year.

When a DWI conviction does happen, there are a number of legal and financial consequences, which vary depending on how many offenses one has been charged with. For the first DWI offense, it is usually a Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum fine of ,000 and/or ninety days in jail. A court may order you to attend an alcohol treatment program, and maybe revoke your license for at least 90 days. This is the case if the driver's blood alcohol reading is under 0.20%. If the reading is over 0.20%, or the person is convicted with a child in the car, it is considered a Gross Misdemeanor, which can lead to a maximum fine of ,000 and/or a year in jail. If a second offense is committed within ten years, it is also considered a Gross Misdemeanor.

When a third offense is committed within ten years of two prior offenses, one will either have a minimum of 90 days in jail, or an intensive probation program which will include at least six consecutive days in jail as well. Police will most likely take a person's car away at this point, and a lawyer will be needed to help deal with financial consequences of this seizure. After three offenses in Minnesota, the state will also be likely to cancel one's driver's license as this person is seen as a threat to public safety.

The fourth offense within ten years of three prior offenses will result in a Felony. This conviction will result in at least three years in prison and a fine of not less than ,000. A judge my decide to reduce this three year term, but there is still a mandatory sentence of at least 180 days in jail, 30 of which must be served consecutively.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a very serious situation. Not only is the driver's life in danger, but also the driver's passengers, and any other car or pedestrian that happens to be on the road during that time. The results of a DWI conviction can lead to fairly severe penalties. Ideally, one would not place him or her self in a situation where one can be convicted, meaning to not drive while under the influence. When one does happen to be pulled over and charged with this offense, however, a lawyer who will be able to protect one's rights and will be able to lead a person through the legal process can be an invaluable asset.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

As this 2008 Presidential Election generates more interest than any election before it, and people from cities such as El Cajon, Carlsbad and La Jolla in San Diego to cities such as Newport Beach, Anaheim, Irvine and Yorba Linda in Orange County, from Santa Barbara to Ventura to Oxnard and Camarillo to Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana and Fullerton to Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta want to know more about what they can contribute, both individuals and candidates have questions about campaign election finance laws and are looking for a California campaign election finance attorney who can advise them. 

Many people don't realize that in federal elections, the biggest source of campaign contributions comes from individuals. The second biggest source is political action committees (PACs).

Soft money is funds spent by organizations that do not expressly advocate support for or against a certain candidate and is money not contributed directly to an individual or a political party.

Bundling is the effort of one donor gathering donations from numerous individual donors and presenting that gathered amount to a campaign.

It is this last type of money, money raise through bundling that has in recent years been the subject of much abuse. Campaigns actively seek out bundlers but when they are accused of wrong doing, they can reflect badly on a campaign.

But when soft money became more difficult to run through corporations and other organizations, bundling became more important.

Political parties may contribute funds directly to political candidates and can make unlimited expenditures to support or oppose federal election candidates.

Contributions by individuals to federal PACs are limited to ,000. Federal multicandidate PACs can give ,000 to an individual candidate, and ,000 to a national party committee. Federal non-multicandidate PACs can give,300 to an individual candidate, and ,500 to a national party committee.

A multicandidate PAC is a political committee with more than 50 contributors which has been registered for at least 6 months and, with the exception of state party committees, has made contributions to 5 or more candidates for federal office.

Different rules apply to state and local elections. An individual intending to campaign for any elected office needs to know election finance rules and should consult with a political campaign finance attorney at an early stage in their campaign decisions and certainly at the first sign of trouble.

News Note - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has set a new campaign contribution record with his announcement that his campaign fundraising efforts brought in 0 million in the month of September 2008. This gives Barack Obama a huge advantage which is reportedly allowing him to outspend John McCain by as much as 4 to 1 in some swing states. The campaign added 632,000 new donors for a total of 3.1 million donors to date. The average donor contribution to the campaign is .

If you have an election legal matter of any kind, we have the knowledge and resources to be your San Diego Election Lawyers, and Orange County Election Attorneys. For this reason, be sure to hire a California law firm with election lawyers who can represent you from Palm Springs, Rancho Cucamonga, Orange County, San Luis Obispo, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar, Anaheim, Irvine, La Jolla, El Cajon, San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Temecula, Palm Desert, Yorba Linda, Carlsbad, San Diego, Costa Mesa, Westminster, and Murrieta, to Indian Wells and La Quinta.

If you have an election legal matter of any kind, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com  and learn how we can assist you. You can also call us to speak directly to Sebastian Gibson on the phone about your legal matter.