Maryland Judiciary Press Release

Court Information Office Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building 361 Rowe Boulevard Annapolis, Maryland 410-260-1488
For Immediate Release	CONTACT:	Rita Buettner Sally Rankin 410-260-1488
Film Stressing Dangers of Underage Drinking and Driving to Premiere at National Aquarium With real-life teens’ stories, “Branded D.U.I.” is targeted toward high school students (ANNAPOLIS, Md. — March 28, 2006) The Office of Administrative Hearings and the Maryland State Bar Association Administrative Law Section will host an invitation-only premiere viewing of “Branded D.U.I.” – a film exploring the consequences of underage drinking and driving, at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 9, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The 32-minute film’s release coincides with prom season and delves into the real-life experiences of 11 Maryland teens who had alcohol-related driving offenses. The film, funded through grants from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Transportation, will be distributed to all Maryland high schools. Schools may also request that a District Court or administrative law judge visit to discuss the film with students as part of a related outreach program. “I hope teens will watch this film, see someone who reminds them of themselves, learn from the experiences of their peers, and make better choices,” said Administrative Law Judge Yvette N. Diamond, who interviewed the subjects of the film over a six-month period last year. Judge Diamond produced “Branded D.U.I.” with assistance from the Maryland Judiciary and Maryland Public Television. The film includes the stories of two young drivers who caused fatalities. It also explores other consequences of alcohol-related accidents such as going to jail, losing your driver’s license, being required to attend alcohol education classes, being barred from high school activities, dealing with higher car insurance rates and attorney’s fees, and losing college scholarships. The National Aquarium donated its facilities to show the film and host the reception, while The Classic Catering People and Radebaugh Florist & Greenhouses donated the food and floral arrangements respectively. Media are encouraged to attend and cameras are welcome – although the Aquarium restricts the use of flash photography in some exhibits. For security reasons, to guarantee admittance, media should contact the Court Information Office by Tuesday, April 4. On-site parking is not available for the media. For more information, please contact the Court Information Office at (410) 260-1488. # # # # #

With real-life teens’ stories, “Branded D.U.I.” is targeted toward high school students
(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — March 28, 2006) The Office of Administrative Hearings and the Maryland State Bar Association Administrative Law Section will host an invitation-only premiere viewing of “Branded D.U.I.” – a film exploring the consequences of underage drinking and driving, at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 9, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The 32-minute film’s release coincides with prom season and delves into the real-life experiences of 11 Maryland teens who had alcohol-related driving offenses. The film, funded through grants from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Transportation, will be distributed to all Maryland high schools. Schools may also request that a District Court or administrative law judge visit to discuss the film with students as part of a related outreach program.

“I hope teens will watch this film, see someone who reminds them of themselves, learn from the experiences of their peers, and make better choices,” said Administrative Law Judge Yvette N. Diamond, who interviewed the subjects of the film over a six-month period last year.

Judge Diamond produced “Branded D.U.I.” with assistance from the Maryland Judiciary and Maryland Public Television. The film includes the stories of two young drivers who caused fatalities. It also explores other consequences of alcohol-related accidents such as going to jail, losing your driver’s license, being required to attend alcohol education classes, being barred from high school activities, dealing with higher car insurance rates and attorney’s fees, and losing college scholarships.

The National Aquarium donated its facilities to show the film and host the reception, while The Classic Catering People and Radebaugh Florist & Greenhouses donated the food and floral arrangements respectively.

Media are encouraged to attend and cameras are welcome – although the Aquarium restricts the use of flash photography in some exhibits. For security reasons, to guarantee admittance, media should contact the Court Information Office by Tuesday, April 4. On-site parking is not available for the media. For more information, please contact the Court Information Office at (410) 260-1488.