Proposed Law Seeks to Remedy California Red Light Camera Abuses
Red light cameras receive much of the same criticism as California DUI checkpoints. Opponents claim that they are used to generate revenue more so than to promote public safety.
As reported by the OC Register, new legislation proposed by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) seeks to address concerns about red light camera abuses by establishing statewide standards for the installation and operation of traffic enforcement cameras, and making it easier to challenge unjustified tickets.
The bill was approved on a bi-partisan vote of 36-0 in the State Senate last week.
While Simitian does not oppose red light cameras per se, "they raise issues of accuracy, privacy and due process," he said. "I believe that traffic tickets should only be issued to improve public safety, not to raise revenue."
Specifically, Senate Bill 29 protects drivers' rights by requiring that:
Camera locations be chosen on safety considerations, and not on their potential to generate revenue.
A traffic violation notice intended to identify the driver in an alleged violation - a so-called "snitch ticket" - must make clear that owners of vehicles allegedly involved are not required to incriminate themselves or anyone else who might have been driving the vehicle.
Tickets explain how those receiving them can view the photographic evidence and discuss it by telephone or in person with the agency issuing the ticket.
Tickets identify the company operating the camera and provide contact information for the agency issuing the ticket.
A sign be posted within 200 feet of every intersection with a red light camera.
Further information California DUI laws can be found at the California DUI Guide website. Drivers are also encouraged to contact experienced DUI defense attorney Thomas Wallin if they are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 31, 2011 2:04 PM|Permalink
Timothy James McGowan, 50, could be facing up to two years in jail after he was arrested for three California drunk driving charges that occurred within three days, in three different cities.
The Mill Valley resident was in San Rafael on May 18th when he tried to enter a closed bank, drove off drunk and was arrested for a DUI. The following day, he was arrested for drunk driving in San Francisco and on May 20th, he was in Novato when he staggered into his vehicle before making a wide right turn in front of police.
According to the SF Gate, McGowan has had previous DUI convictions, petty theft, resisting arrest and drug possession and has been arrested four times for public intoxication between January and April.
Our Orange County DUI Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of DUI case; contact us today for a free DUI case evaluation if you were recently arrested for driving under the influence.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 31, 2011 1:44 PM|Permalink
Irvine Held on $1 Million Bail After Fatal DUI Accident
Austin Jeffrey Farley, 26, is being held on a $1 million bail after causing a fatal DUI-related accident that took the life of a 14 year old Irvine teenager late Sunday night.
Farley was driving on Culver Drive when he crashed into an E-Class Mercedes that was being driven by Michael Ghaemi, 48, and carried four teenage girls. Unfortunately, 14-year-old Ashton Sweet was severely injured with irreversible brain injury and is being kept alive with a breathing machine so that the family can donate her organs. Another teen, 15-year-old Krista Merassa, was also injured and is in critical condition.
According to the OC Register, Farley was convicted in 2009 where he pleaded guilty to charges of driving under the influence, battery on a peace officer and driving with a suspended license and is scheduled to appear in court today.
Our Orange County DUI Law Firm sends its condolences to the friends and family members of Ashton Sweet. Contact our OC DUI Defense Lawyers today if you have been arrested for driving under the influence.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 31, 2011 9:54 AM|Permalink
Many California drivers may have heard the term "wet reckless" in the context of driving under the influence, but most do not quite understand what it means.
The term is confusing because you can't actually be arrested for "wet reckless." Instead, prosecutors can offer it as a reduced charge during DUI plea negotiations. It also commonly referred to as alcohol-related reckless driving.
Prosecutors will often reduce a DUI charge to wet reckless when:
The driver's blood alcohol content is close to the legal limit (0.08%); or
The DUI case has other weaknesses.
But the prosecutor still wants to convict the driver of something.
A "wet reckless" charge offers several advantages. The driver may avoid license suspension if the DMV hearing is also successful. In addition, it often results in a lesser penalty than a DUI conviction, including lesser fines and jail time.
However, it is important to recognize that a "wet reckless" conviction will still count as a prior drunk driving conviction if the driver is arrested again within the next ten years.
Drunk driving laws in California are extremely complicated and the facts of every case are different. Therefore, while a "wet reckless" plea may be advisable for some DUI defendants, it may not be the best option for others.
If you are facing a DUI arrest, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI attorney who can help you reach the most favorable resolution for your DUI case.
Further information California DUI laws can be found at the California DUI Guide website. Drivers are also encouraged to contact experienced DUI defense attorney Thomas Wallin if they are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 26, 2011 6:16 PM|Permalink
Happy Memorial Weekend! If you plan on going out this weekend, please drink responsibly and have a designated driver on hand. Multiple cities up and down California will be conducting DUI sobriety checkpoints starting today through Memorial Day. Below is a list of a few CA DUI checkpoints but it is not a complete.
With new state-of-the-art police squad cars, the LAPD is now able to detect potential criminals or those who are driving on a suspended license out on the road without much effort.
The new Chevrolet Caprice PPV, or Police Control Vehicle, is not available in the US except for the use by police officers. Unlike tradition police cars, the new Chevy Caprice utilizes technology and ergonomically designed devices to ensure that officers are more efficient. The old, bulky computer screen has been removed and in its place, officers can find an embedded screen touch screen that controls all features of the vehicle.
Translogic 55 offers viewers a video that showcases vehicle as well as new feature called the ALPR, Automatic License Plate Recognition, scans licenses while the vehicle is on the road without the officer having to manual input the information. An infrared night vision camera that is attached to the front of the vehicle is so sensitive, that it can pick up on footsteps of criminals that may be fleeing. If that isn't enough, the vehicle now includes a clear partition that reduces potential blind spots and the seats are especially designed with cut outs that eliminate potential back pain for an officer while he or she is wearing their belt and gun.
Can a Urine Test Be Positive For Alcohol Without You Actually Consuming It?
If you constantly apply Purell hand sanitizer and have to participate in frequent drug tests for work, you may want to re-think your actions or you may be penalized for a California DUI or consuming alcohol even if you haven't had any.
A new study showed participants who applied hand sanitizer, which contains 62% ethyl alcohol, every 5 minutes for 10 hours a day for a total of three days ended up with 4 ounces of alcohol in their system; that's one ounce more than the maximum bottle size you can carry on a plane. Traditional breathalyzer tests, which are often used to determine whether someone has been driving under the influence, cannot pickup the alcohol content; however, a urine test is capable of coming out positive for alcohol in one's system. According to MSNBC, other products such as cough syrup, aftershave and mouthwash all contain alcohol and exposure to these may add to a positive urine test.
Our Orange County DUI Attorneys understand that being arrested for a DUI in Orange County or any type of drunk driving charge can be frustrating. We are here to answer any questions you may have, provide you with legal advice and assist you throughout your entire DUI case.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 25, 2011 11:00 AM|Permalink
Drunk California Taxi Driver Goes Wrong Way on Highway 1
According to news reports, a California Highway Patrol plane was recently needed to track down a drunk Santa Cruz taxi driver who went the wrong way down Highway 1 in Aptos and subsequently caused two other drivers to crash.
CHP stated that Steve Sharek, 57, entered the highway at State Park Drive just before 2 p.m. on May 16 but drove north in the southbound lanes.
Two drivers subsequently collided with each other when they tried to avoid being hit by Sharek's cab.
After the accident, Sharek fled in his taxi. After receiving several 911 reports about the wrong-way taxi, the CHP contacted the cab company and sent a fixed-wing aircraft up to search for the taxi.
The CHP reportedly found Sharek around 6 pm. on Market Street in Santa Cruz. He was arrested on suspicion of California DUI and hit and run.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, it is imperative to consult with an experienced DUI attorney. Contact our California DUI attorneys today.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 25, 2011 5:06 AM|Permalink
The Brawley man was driving a 1996 Volvo sedan when he failed to stop at a red light and plowed through the intersection. Juan Bernal was driving his 2007 Toyota Rav4 through the intersection when he was hit by Beaver's sedan. A 12-year-old boy in the Rav4 was ejected through the vehicle and landed on the center dirt median and had to be taken to the local hospital to be treated for injuries. Bernal and two other passengers, 10 and 16 year old boys, all suffered minor to moderate injuries.
According to the Imperial Valley Press Online, Beaver ran from the scene of the accident but was later caught and arrested by highway patrol officers and is facing felony DUI charges.
Sandra Jean Burnett, 57, has been arrested and charged for a felony driving under the influence causing bodily injury and being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm as well as misdemeanor charges of driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, an addict driving a vehicle and a misdemeanor probation violation.
The Kelseyville woman was driving her 2000 Chevy Prizm northbound on Kelsey Creek Drive at around 2:40pm when she swerved into the southbound lane. According to the Lake County News, Shawn Dale Rogers, 39, was driving a grade school bus filled with 25 students when he noticed Burnett's vehicle coming towards him; he attempted to slow down but was unable to avoid the head-on collision. The crash resulted in four children complaining of pain as well as major damage to Burnett's car and moderate damage to the bus. Once officers arrived at the scene of the accident, they determined that Burnett was driving under the influence of prescription medication and arrested her.
A new bill will emerge that will oblige police officers to stick to specific guidelines when conducting DUI sobriety checkpoints. Unfortunately, it seems as if DUI checkpoints, which are meant to catch those who are driving under the influence, are being used as a way to make more revenue while using tax payer's money to pay for the check point itself.
Although police officers know the guidelines that should be followed, they tend to make up their own rules. By doing this, officers are able to arrest and impound more vehicles than there are actually DUI offenders. In 2009 alone, 24,000 vehicles were impounded which is 7 times more than the 3,200 DUI offenders that were arrested.
This new bill will ensure that guidelines and procedures are followed. According to the Pasadena Star News, these guidelines will include: establish a neutral formula for inspecting motorists, use proper lights and warning signs, perform DUI checkpoints during appropriate times, notify the public of the DUI checkpoint 48 hours prior and refrain from impounding vehicles of unlicensed drivers.
If you are arrested during a California DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers as soon as possible; we will investigate to make sure that the check point was done according to the specific guidelines and if we find a discrepancy, we will take it to court and get you the best possible result.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 23, 2011 11:05 AM|Permalink
Police officers job duty entails protecting the public, ensuring that motorists are safe as well as arresting those who are driving under the influence. Unfortunately, not all officers' main concern is public safety but rather having the most DUI arrests under their belt.
A former Sacramento police officer, Brandon Mullock, has been recently under investigation for lying about a dozen of Sacramento DUI arrests and some domestic violence cases. If convicted to all 34 counts of perjury and filing a false report by a police officer, Mullock could be facing 23 years and 8 months in prison. According to the Sacramento CBS Local, allegations began when there were discrepancies found between Mullock's written DUI arrest reports and his dash cam video.
If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, speak with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Orange County DUI Lawyers as soon as possible. There may be discrepancies in your police report that may help your case.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 20, 2011 6:50 PM|Permalink
This weekend, multiple DUI Sobriety Checkpoints are scheduled throughout California. Although most checkpoints are announced prior to them being conducted, there may be additional stops that have not been noted below. During DUI checkpoints, officers look for signs of intoxication such as blurred vision, slurred speech or even the scent of alcohol and will request drivers to do DUI field sobriety test. If you are arrested at a DUI check point, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers to find out how we can help you throughout your entire case.
Taxi Cab Drives Wrong Way on Highway, Arrested for DUI
An Aptos taxi cab driver has been arrested for driving under the influence and a hit-and-run after going wrong-way on Highway 1.
According to KSBW, Sharek got onto the State Park Drive off ramp and entered the highway going against traffic at around 1:55pm. Two vehicles, a 2001 Chevy Suburban driven by a 47-year-old woman and a 1994 Toyota Avalon driven by a 57-year-old Aptos woman, veered sharply to avoid hitting Sharek but ended up colliding with each other. A witness has been quoted saying that Sharek was "not in the right state of mind". After the collision, Sharek took off and exited the highway and was later arrested for a California DUI at his home in Santa Cruz at 6pm.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you. We understand all the laws that pertain to DUIs and will provide you with the best possible representation.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 18, 2011 2:02 PM|Permalink
Boating Under the Influence in California: What You Need to Know
Boating in California's numerous lakes and bays can be a wonderful summertime activity. However, a California boating under the influence (BUI) arrest could ruin your summer.
Many California boaters may not be aware that boating under the influence has many of the same consequences as driving under the influence.
Boaters are often stopped for BUI for going too fast for the waterway, turning aggressively, or forgetting to turn on running lights and other required nighttime equipment.
To ensure you have a fun and safe summer, here is what you need to know about BUI in California.
California's statutes set a zero BAC level when operating water skis and aquaplanes.
The penalties faced by those arrested for California BUI include fines, jail time, and probation.
As with DUIs, BUIs are "priorable," meaning that such convictions will count the same as a DUI offense that occurred within a 10-year period.
For instance, if a California DUI offender is convicted of DUI 5 years before being arrested for the BUI, the current BUI offense will be counted as a second offense (or vice versa) and enhanced penalties may be imposed.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving or boating under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 18, 2011 5:00 AM|Permalink
Syed Ali, 37, has been arrested for causing a DUI-related accident that resulted in a multi-vehicle crash that injured three other drivers.
Ali was driving on the Golden Gate Bridge when he rear-ended his 2007 Mercedes SL550 into a 1990 Mercedes 300CE drive by Mara Lefkowitz. 39 year old Lefkowitz spun out of control and hit the curb of the bridge before it moved back across into oncoming traffic. A 2008 Toyota Scion, driven by Raymond Hung, 35, then hit Lefkowitz's car at the same time that Ali's vehicle sideswiped a 2002 Honda Odyssey van driven by 56-year-old Peter Wittreich. According to ABC Local, Lefkowitz, Hung and Wittreich were all transferred to local hospitals with moderate injuries while Ali was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to the San Francisco County Jail.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today. We are available to answer any questions that you may have, provide you with legal advice and represent you throughout your entire case.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 17, 2011 2:05 PM|Permalink
Although most don't realize it, you can be arrested for a driving under the influence while operating any type of vehicle, whether it is a car, a boat, a bike or in this case, a plane.
The pilot of an AirTran flight was arrested for a DUI after a TSA manager smelled alcohol on his breath. Airport officers were called to administer a breathalyzer test, which came back at .05%.Similar to a commercial driving license, drivers or pilots cannot be over a .04% blood alcohol content level. According to AOL Travel, the AirTran captain has been suspended which the incident is being investigated.
If you have been arrested for being under the influence while operating any type of vehicle, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you. We have the experience and knowledge to answer any questions that you may have and to represent you throughout your entire case.
Check out the news video regarding the pilot being arrested for a DUI.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 16, 2011 1:29 PM|Permalink
Andy Klein, 29, has been arrested for driving under the influence after pulling over on the side of the road to take a phone call.
At around 1:10am on Thursday morning, Klein, the vice mayor of San Carlos, was exiting the Interstate 280 when he received a phone call and pulled over. A San Carlos sheriff's deputy noticed the vehicle and proceeded to stop and see if the driver needed any assistance; upon speaking with Klein, the officer noticed the smell of alcohol. Klein was then asked to perform a DUI field sobriety as well as take a breathalyzer test and give a blood sample. Klein was arrested but not taken to jail; instead, Klein was taken to the county's drop-off center designed to be used as a "sobering" area. According to Mercury News, Klein was picked up shortly after 2:30am by a family member.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today if you find yourself arrested for a California DUI. Our OC DUI Attorneys know the law, will be able to answer any questions that you may have and will represent you throughout your entire DUI case.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 16, 2011 11:04 AM|Permalink
We all rely on our GPS devices to help us navigate around the streets of California, and some may even use their devices to alert them of California sobriety checkpoints.
But is our technology being used against us?
According to PC Magazine, in the case of TomTom GPS owners, this conspiracy theory has some truth.
When you sign up for the TomTom GPS device service, the company asks you agree to allow the company to collect "travel time information." According to TomTom, it uses this information to "create high quality traffic information and to route you around traffic jams and get you to your destination as quickly and safely as possible."
However, it turns out that TomTom also sold this information to local governments.
While this information was intended so that authorities could "better understand where congestion takes place, where to build new roads and how to make roads safer," TomTom recently discovered that local police used the information in an "unforeseen" way to determine where to set up speed traps.
Not surprisingly, many customers were unhappy that their data had been used in this way.
In response, TomTom recently send a letter to its customers that apologized for selling their data to police. "We are aware a lot of our customers do not like the idea and we will look at if we should allow this type of usage," the email stated.
This is an interesting story and raises the question of whether GPS and cell phone data could someday be used by law enforcement to make California DUI arrests.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 16, 2011 5:00 AM|Permalink
Our Orange County DUI Attorneys understand that being arrested during a DUI checkpoint can be frustrating. Many DUI sobriety checkpoints are conducted poorly and against specific guidelines and therefore, our OC DUI Lawyers may be able to help you get the best possible result from your DUI case. The list below is designed to provide you with a few, but not all, DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring starting today, Thursday May 12 and going through Sunday May 15th. Contact our OC DUI Defense Attorneys today for more information.
Thursday, May 12th Moreno Valley: 6 pm-evening - undisclosed locations
Friday, May 13th Coachella: 7pm-2am - undisclosed location
Fontana: 6pm-1:30am - undisclosed location
Hemet: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Indio: 7pm-2am - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 8pm-3am - Vermont Ave. & 3rd St.
Los Angeles: 6pm-1am - Manchester Blvd, between Hoover St. & Figueroa St.
Poway: 7pm-2:30am - undisclosed location
Rancho Mirage: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Santa Rosa: 7pm-1am - undisclosed location
Tracy: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Yuba City: evening - undisclosed location
This DUI story out of Ohio highlights that you can be stopped for driving under the influence just about anywhere you drive your car, including a Taco Bell drive-thru.
As reported by the Plain Dealer, Ohio police say a woman insisted on picking up her fast food before stopping for police.
According to the newspaper, police in suburban North Royalton got a call about a car weaving and going off a road at a little after 1 a.m. earlier this month. A patrolman tracked the vehicle to the drive-thru of a Taco Bell restaurant and pulled up alongside.
The police report says the driver had sunglasses on and her speech was slurred. She was ordered to get out of the line, but first she proceeded to the second window to grab her order.
According to police, the woman's blood-alcohol level tested at nearly twice the legal limit.
This story reinforces what not to do during a California DUI stop. It is always best to immediately pull over when requested to do so by California law enforcement.
If you have been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 12, 2011 5:00 AM|Permalink
Fatal DUI Accident Results in CA Man Being Sent to Prison
Nicholas Arthur Thibault, 28, will spend the next year in prison after driving under the influence of alcohol and causing an accident that killed a man.
Thibault was driving northbound on Interstate 805 on February 27, 2011 at around 6:30am when he lost control of his vehicle and swerved off the University Avenue ramp. Thibault then plowed through a bushy area, ending up on the on-ramp across the street. According to Sign On San Diego, Brent Routley, 47, was camping in the bushes when the accident occurred and was killed. Thibault has pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, will be sent to prison for one year and will be on probation for five years. If Thibault violates his probation in any way, he could be sent to prison for up to six additional years.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys if you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence in or around Orange County. Our OC DUI Lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of DUI case and will fight for you.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 11, 2011 10:52 AM|Permalink
Police Receive Unexpected Surprise at DUI Checkpoint
As reported by several media outlets, police in Plainville, Connecticut, got a surprise when they were conducting a DUI checkpoint last week: a baby!
According to WHDH, Trevor and Bethel Hairston were home on Saturday night when Bethel confirmed it was time to go to the hospital.
The couple got in their car and headed for the hospital in New Britain, but they encountered a sobriety checkpoint.
When police stopped Trevor Hairston and his wife Bethel, they were immediately informed that she was in labor and may be on the verge of delivery.
Although police called an ambulance to the scene, it soon became clear that it would not arrive in time. Ultimately, several officers delivered the Hairston's baby in the front seat of their car.
"They came over and said the baby's crowning. The baby's here," said Bethel Hairston.
At 1 a.m., 10 minutes after they entered the checkpoint, Christian Hairston was born, weighing 5 pounds, 7 ounces.
Unfortunately, not every driver's encounter with a DUI checkpoint will be so joyous.
If you have been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence at a California sobriety checkpoint, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 11, 2011 5:09 AM|Permalink
Every since social media sites have been all the rage, professionals have been utilizing the power of the internet to help increase business or in this case, help solve crimes. Worried about where the next DUI checkpoint will be? Don't worry, there's a California DUI Facebook page dedicated to just that!
According to the Evening Post, Facebook has helped police departments gather additional information about crimes being committed and have helped inform the public of missing persons or other important safety issues. Since 2008, there has been an increase of 1000% where callers have mentioned Facebook when providing officials with tips or information. Two police departments in the United Kingdom have reported over 3,000 calls, both emergency and non-emergency related, where the word "Facebook" was mentioned as a source.
With a growing number of computer-savvy individuals, Facebook allows users to find out all sorts of information, from warnings of wanted individuals, to information about upcoming California DUI checkpoints or even information on how to get in touch with a leading local Orange County DUI Attorney.
It is great to know that one can find all sorts of information that is both helpful and available with a simple "like" button. Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers today for more information regarding California DUI charges.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 10, 2011 12:40 PM|Permalink
According to San Diego 6, Officer William Johnson, a12-year department veteran, was off duty when he rear-ended a vehicle at a stop light on Telegraph Canyon Road. Johnson was arrested after causing a DUI-related accident that left other motorists with minor injuries. While the San Diego DUI case is pending, Johnson has been assigned to work a desk assignment. Johnson is the ninth member of his department to be facing criminal charges or be under investigation for possible misconduct
Orange County DUI Checkpoints are designed to protect the public as well as other motorists from potentially fatal accidents. However, many times these DUI sobriety checkpoints cause more of a headache for motorists and do not net as many DUI offenders as officials would like. Tax payers' money ends up going towards these checkpoints but is it really worth it?
A great example comes from this weekend's OC DUI checkpoint that occurred in Irvine, at Campus Drive and Bridge Road. The DUI checkpoint was scheduled for several hours near the university where one would imagine many college age kids drinking and driving. According to the OC Register, officers stopped 545 vehicles during the scheduled OC DUI checkpoint. Out of almost 600 vehicles that passed through, officers conducted 9 DUI sobriety field tests and only arrested 2 DUI offenders.
The 19-year-old from San Rafael was driving at around 1:25am in a green Pontiac Firebird when she was pulled over for weaving and straddling lanes Highway 101. Officers conducted DUI field sobriety tests and arrested Outwater on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the San Rafael Patch, officers discovered Outwater was in possession of three fake IDs from Hawaii that had her name on them but with different dates of birth. In addition, Outwater also was carrying two expired licenses, one from California and the other from Minnesota, which belonged to two women with physical features similar to Outwater.
Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers today if you have been recently arrested for driving under the influence. Our OC DUI Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of DUI case.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 9, 2011 11:01 AM|Permalink
California DUI Checkpoints - Cinco de Mayo Weekend
Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Our Orange County DUI Attorneys have compiled the list below of all potential DUI checkpoints that will be going on starting tonight through the weekend.
DUI Checkpoints are designed to protect the public from drunk drivers; however some the arrests made are not done in accordance to specific DUI checkpoint guidelines. If you find yourself arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers to find out more information on how we can help you get the best possible representation.
Andy Dick, 45, was arrested for a public drunkenness charge after becoming belligerent at a Marie Callender's restaurant late Monday night.
The actor and comedian entertainer was arrested after becoming argumentative and refused to leave the Temecula restaurant. According to PE.com, Dick was at the restaurant alone and was not in any condition to care for himself. Officers jailed Dick around 9:20pm but he was later released after he sobered up. This is Dick's 2nd arrested for public drunkenness, with the most recent being in 2008 at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Murrieta.
Law Enforcement Not Immune to California DUI: Off-Duty Sheriff's Sargent Crashes into His Own Cruiser
As reported by the Merced Sun Star, a Merced County sheriff's sergeant was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence when he crashed his personal vehicle into his patrol car outside his Le Grand home.
California Highway Patrol responded to the DUI accident after a witness reported seeing a gray GMC Yukon crash into a parked Merced County patrol car. The witness also reported that the driver of the Yukon walked into a residence after the crash.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers observed that the bumpers of the two vehicles were touching but did not notice any damage. The right rear tire of the GMC was on top of the north curb edge of the street, with the other three wheels on the roadway.
Officers subsequently spoke with Sgt. James Pacheco, 43, at his residence and, after an investigation, determined that he was the driver of the GMC and had been operating the vehicle under influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor California DUI.
California drivers are reminded that the best way to avoid a California DUI is to designate a driver or call a taxi. However, if you find yourself arrest for driving under the influence, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI attorney.
Posted by Thomas Wallin on May 3, 2011 6:56 PM|Permalink
A Desperate Housewives actor has been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and is currently being held in jail on a $25,000 bond.
Ricardo Chavira, 39, known for playing Eva Longoria's on-screen husband Carlos Solis, was driving in LA around when he was pulled over around 2am. Officers pulled him over for a routine traffic stop but noticed the smell of alcohol and proceeded to investigate. According to Radar Online, when Chavira refused to take the blood/alcohol test, he was arrested and booked at the Los Angeles jail.
"Jessie's Girl" singer, Rick Springfield, has been arrested this past weekend in LA for driving under the influence.
The 61-year-old 80's rocker was pulled over around 8pm for a traffic violation when officers noticed the smell of alcohol. According to US Magazine, Springfield was asked to perform a DUI field sobriety tests and blow into a breathalyzer that confirmed Springfield was over the legal limit. Springfield was then arrested and booked at a nearby jail but was released on bail.
Actor's 17 Year Old Daughter Cited for Alcohol Possession
A famous actor and actress's daughter was cited for underage alcohol possession over the weekend in Southern California.
According to Pop Eater, Tallulah Belle Willis, 17, was with a group of three underage girls who were spotted leaving a vehicle at around 11:00pm in Hollywood, carrying alcohol bottles. Once officers detained the girls, they were cited but had to wait for their parents to be notified before they could be released. Tallulah called her father, actor Bruce Willis, but it was her mother, actress Demi Moore, who arrived to pick up her daughter.
Could a Judge's Empty Stomach Influence Your California DUI Case?
Maybe. A new study suggests that even judges may be influenced by hunger pangs. As reported by Discover Magazine, California DUI defendants may receive more favorable verdicts when the judge is ruling on a full belly.
A 10-month Israeli study of eight judges considering more than 1,100 applications for parole found that the judges were more likely to grant parole at the start of the day as well as after breaks for a morning snack and lunch.
Specifically, the study found that the likelihood of a prisoner winning parole started off at 65 percent, then plummeted over a few hours, and returned to 65 percent after the breaks, before plummeting again.
However, this does not mean that the rulings were not also founded in law. Prisoners deemed likely to commit another crime, or who weren't part of a rehabilitation program, were still less likely to win parole.
With respect to the results, Nita Farahany, a professor of law at Vanderbilt University, says, "To me, this study underscores that decision-making is complex and does not occur in a theoretical or formalistic vacuum."
As she also acknowledged, "[I]mprovements in the justice system may likewise require that society acknowledge the effects of biological contributions to legal decision-making."
Disclaimer: The material and information contained in this website is provided solely for general informational purposes. The contents of this site should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter and is not a substitute for legal advice on any subject matter. No recipient of content from this site, client, whether current or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting based on information at this site. The Thomas Wallin Law Offices expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site. Nothing in this website creates or establishes an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship can only be created or established by a written agreement signed both by client and attorney
Red light cameras receive much of the same criticism as California DUI checkpoints. Opponents claim that they are used to generate revenue more so than to promote public safety. 
Many California drivers may have heard the term "wet reckless" in the context of driving under the influence, but most do not quite understand what it means.
A new study showed participants who applied hand sanitizer, which contains 62% ethyl alcohol, every 5 minutes for 10 hours a day for a total of three days ended up with 4 ounces of alcohol in their system; that's one ounce more than the maximum bottle size you can carry on a plane. Traditional breathalyzer tests, which are often used to determine whether someone has been driving under the influence, cannot pickup the alcohol content; however, a urine test is capable of coming out positive for alcohol in one's system. According to 
According to 
Boating in California's numerous lakes and bays can be a wonderful summertime activity. However, a California 
We all rely on our GPS devices to help us navigate around the streets of California, and some may even use their devices to alert them of 
This 
As reported by several media outlets, police in Plainville, Connecticut, got a surprise when they were conducting a 
As reported by the 
Maybe. A new study suggests that even judges may be influenced by hunger pangs. As reported by 
