Before going out and drinking, please make sure to have a designated driver or hire a taxi to avoid having to drive while under the influence and potentially have to go through a DUI sobriety checkpoint. Most arresting officials announce the checkpoint prior to its commencement; however, it is not uncommon for the checkpoint to be announced moments before it is to begin. The information below is designed to inform you of the upcoming DUI checkpoints that may be in your area.
Once you are arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced and knowledgeable DUI Defense Lawyer in Orange County. You still have a chance to keep your driving privileges, especially if you act quickly! Call us today at 888-444-7210 to speak with a reputable DUI defense attorney.
Friday, November 25th
Bakersfield: all weekend long - undisclosed location
Norco: 7pm - 3am - undisclosed location
Once you are arrested for driving under the influence in the OC, you will need an experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney who is willing to fight for you and keep you driving.
These DUI sobriety checkpoints are often announced prior to their commencement, however it is not uncommon for them to either not be announced at all or to be posted hours before that begin. Our Orange County DUI Lawyers understand how frustrating it can be to go through a DUI checkpoint, even if you have not been drinking. The best thing to do is to remain calm.
If you happen to be arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as possible. We will look into the details of your case to ensure that the arrest was done lawfully. Call us today at 888-444-7210!
Friday, November 4th
Los Angeles: 8pm - 2am - Florence Ave. between Main St. & Broadway
Modesto: 9:30pm - 3:30am - undisclosed location.
Rancho Santa Margarita: 6:30pm-2:30am - undisclosed location
DUI Sobriety Checkpoints in California 10-7 to 10-9
Our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers want you to be aware of the upcoming DUI sobriety checkpoints that are occurring all throughout California. While most are announced prior to their commencement, it is not uncommon for the checkpoint to randomly occur moments after it being publicized. To avoid being arrested during a checkpoint, please have a designated driver or hire a taxi prior to going out.
If you do happen to be arrested for driving under the influence during a DUI checkpoint, our Orange County DUI Attorneys are here to answer your questions, provide you with legal advice and represent you at both the DMV and criminal court hearings. Fill out our FREE OC DUI case evaluation form to have an attorney contact you directly or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-444-7210!
If you plan on going out this weekend, please check below to see if there are any DUI sobriety checkpoints scheduled to occur. These checkpoints, although usually announced prior to their commencement, oftentimes do not show up until moments before they are scheduled to begin. Many arresting officials believe that by waiting until the last moment to post them will help minimize the amount of drivers who may purposely avoid a specific area so that they do not have to go through the checkpoint.
Our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers want you to be aware of these checkpoints so that you can make an informed decision before you go out; make sure to have a designated driver or hire a taxi so that you are not faced with the potential of being arrested for driving under the influence. If you do happen to be arrested, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as possible. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-444-7210 or fill out our FREE OC DUI Case Evaluation Form to have an attorney contact you directly.
Friday, September 30th
Inglewood: 7pm-3am - Manchester Blvd. at Kareem Court
San Rafael: 6pm - early morning - Eastbound Third St. at Union St. - may relocate to Irwin St. at Fifth Ave.
San Diego County: evening - Valley Center, time and location undisclosed
Ventura: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
Being arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint can be quite stressful. Because of this, our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys want you to be aware of the upcoming and previous DUI checkpoint locations so that you can ensure that you are safe and have a designated driver or hire a taxi.
If you do happen to be arrested for driving under the influence during a checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers to find out how we can help you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-444-7210 or to have a dedicated lawyer contact you directly, fill out our free DUI case evaluation form.
Our Orange County DUI Law Firm wants you to be aware of all upcoming DUI sobriety checkpoints within California. We have compiled the list below of all current checkpoints so that you can make an informed decision before going out this weekend. Please have a designated driver or call a taxi if you plan on drinking as you could lose your license for a year and even have to serve potential jail time if you are arrested for a DUI.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys if you are arrested for driving under the influence. We will answer any questions you may have and inform you of what you could be facing as a DUI offender; call our Orange County DUI Lawyers today at 888-444-7210 or fill out our free Orange County DUI case evaluation form to have a dedicated lawyer contact you directly!
Our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys understand how frustrating it can be to be arrested during a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint. Because of this, we have compiled all the announced checkpoints that are scheduled to occur all throughout California. While most checkpoints are announced prior to their commencement, many are kept secret until just hours before they are to start.
To stay safe, designated a safe driver or hire a taxi if you plan on going out this weekend. Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers if you are arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint; we have the experience and knowledge to handle your case and will ensure that you receive the best possible representation available.
Friday 9/9
Fortuna: 9pm - early morning - 500 block of S. Fortuna Boulevard
Lynwood: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Modesto: 10pm-3am - city limits, undisclosed location
Pacifica: 7pm-1am - city limits, undisclosed location
Sacramento: 8pm - early morning - 5th Street & L Street
Ventura: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
California DUI Facts: Multiple DUI Offenses Can Lead to Severe Penalties
Being arrested for driving under the influence is California can be a stressful experience. This is especially true if it is not your first California DUI offense. For California drivers, being charged with DUI for the second, third, or even fourth time can lead to serious penalties, including jail time.
Below are some of the consequences associated with multiple DUI offenses:
Second DUI Offense
Jail: 90 days to 1 year
Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00+
License Suspension: Up to 2 years
Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
Third DUI Offense
Jail: 120 days to 1 year
Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00+
License Suspension: Up to 3 years
Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
Fourth DUI Offense
Enhanced Charges: Felony DUI charge
Jail: 180 days to 16 months
Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00+
License Suspension: Up to 4 years
Treatment Program: 18 months or 30 months in drug/alcohol treatment program
A subsequent California DUI arrest can lead to life-altering consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Malibu DUI Accident Sends Patrol Car Plummeting Off PCH
Two L.A. County Sheriff's deputies who were parked on the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu were injured when a California drunk driver propelled their vehicle onto the beach below.
According to LA Weekly, the alleged drunk driver was driving a grey BMW 550 when he rear-ended the patrol car, sending it more than 20 feet down an embankment and onto the beach. The California DUI accident occurred at about 1 a.m. last Saturday in the 19400 block of PCH near Las Tunas Canyon, according to a sheriff's statement.
The deputies had stopped to conduct a "safety sweep of the beach" on foot, according to the statement. When they returned to the patrol car, it was hit from behind.
The deputies were trapped in the vehicle, requiring rescuers to use hydraulic saws and jaws to get them out. One of the deputies suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized, while the other suffered minor injuries and was treated and released within hours, according to sheriff's officials.
Meanwhile, the alleged drunk driver, Mark Liebrecht, 44, was arrested on suspicion of California felony DUI. He also suffered injuries and was hospitalized, according to the sheriff's statement. His bail was set at $100,000.
Felony California DUI can lead to serious fines and penalties, such as loss of your driver's license and jail time. Therefore, if you find yourself arrested for DUI, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
California Police Will be Cracking Down on DUI This Labor Day Weekend
In advance of the upcoming Labor Day Weekend, California law enforcement has already stepped up the use of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. Therefore, before you head out to celebrate this holiday weekend, please read the following tips for avoiding a California DUI:
Call a taxi or designate a sober driver. It's that simple. If everyone followed this advice, we wouldn't need to provide the additional tips.
Be informed. You can find information about California DUI checkpoints on Facebook or, for specific information for Orange County, the Orange County DUI Checkpoints website.
Stay calm. Clearly, this is easier said than done. An Orange County DUI checkpoint or DUI stop is nerve-wracking. To avoid the appearance of fumbling for your license and registration, it is important to make sure they are easily accessible.
Be polite. Roll the window down and place your hands on the wheel until the officer gets to your window. Wait until asked to reach for your documents.
Don't volunteer information. Resist the urge to talk your way out an arrest. This almost always does more harm than good. If the officer suspects that you have been drinking, he or she will often ask, "How much have you had to drink?" It is important to realize that you are under no obligation to volunteer this information. Simply return the question with one of your own. You might ask why he or she is asking you this question or if the officer would like to see your documents. If the officer asks again and you think you may be over the legal limit, it is best to invoke your right to speak with an attorney before answering any further questions.
Say no to field sobriety tests. If the police officer asks you to step out of the vehicle, you must comply. However, you do not have to perform any field sobriety tests such as walking on a line or touching your nose with both hands. If you think the tests may give the officer any reason to suspect you are impaired, politely decline to perform them.
Delay the breath test. You should also refuse the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Test. The PAS test is similar to a Breathalyzer and is used in the field prior to arrest. Unless you are under 21, there is no penalty for refusing the PAS Test. This is not to be confused with a chemical breath test or blood test, which is administered after arrest and is required by law.
If you're arrested, submit to a breath test. At the police station, you will again be asked to submit to chemical testing. Under California's implied consent law, you must submit to a breath or blood test. Failure to do so after you are arrested for an Orange County DUI will result in harsher penalties such as jail time and loss of your driver's license for up to one year or more.
If you plan on drinking this Labor Day Weekend, please remember to have a designated driver to get you home safely or call a taxi cab to avoid a California DUI.
Finally, if you find yourself arrested for DUI, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
California Highway Patrol Officer Caleb Miller was just finishing a traffic stop when he heard a vehicle horn blowing at inconsistent intervals and for long periods of time, according to the Hi Desert Star. He followed the sound of the horn until he eventually found the vehicle.
Miller saw a man in front of the house and asked if everything was ok. The man pointed at a woman sitting in the cab of the truck and said she had been drinking.
Upon speaking with the woman, "Officer Miller observed signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication and upon further investigation, learned Ms. Turinsky had driven the truck to the residence on Avenida La Manana while under the influence of alcohol," CHP spokesman Eric Brewer stated.
Turinsky was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or more. She was ultimately charged with felony DUI because she has three prior DUI convictions within 10 years, Brewer said.
A second (or third, or fourth) California DUI arrest can lead to serious penalties. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
There are several DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring throughout the weekend. Our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers want you to be aware of the checkpoints but also want you to know that not all arresting officers post information about an upcoming checkpoint.
If you happen to be arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as possible. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on the automatic suspension of your license; if you retain our lawyers, we will request the hearing on your behalf and represent you in court.
Friday:
Anaheim: 8pm-3am -DUI roving patrol
Irvine: 8pm-3am -DUI roving patrol
Lake Elsinore: evening - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am -
-Figueroa Street & 9th Street in Central Area
-Manchester Avenue &Broadway in Southeast Area
-Sunset Boulevard & Hoover Street in Northeast Area
Lower Lake: 6pm-2am - near Highways 53 & 29
Newport Beach: 8pm-3am - DUI roving patrol throughout the city
Poway: 7pm - early morning - undisclosed location
San Diego: 9pm-4am - undisclosed location
San Bernardino: 6pm - early morning - 500 block of W. 40th Street
San Bernardino County: 6pm-2am - undisclosed locations within the cities of Hesperia, Redlands, San Bernardino, Cal State University of San Bernardino, Upland, Barstow and Chino Hills
Santa Ana: evening - undisclosed location
Santa Barbara: evening - undisclosed location
Santa Monica: evening - undisclosed location
Stanislaus County: evening - within the cities of Modesto & Turlock
Temecula: 9pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Ventura: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
Visalia: evening - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Adelanto: 6pm - 2am - undisclosed location - saturation patrol
Anaheim: 8pm-3am - DUI roving patrol
Buena Park: 8pm-3am - DUI roving patrol
Garden Grove: 8pm-3am - DUI roving patrol
Goleta: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
Indian Wells: 8pm-2am - city limits
Livermore: evening - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 6pm-2am - West Los Angeles area
Santee: 7pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Upland: 6pm - 2am - undisclosed location - saturation patrol
Sunday:
Redlands: 6pm-2am - city of Redlands - saturation patrol
Santa Barbara: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
While crashes are encouraged in a demolition derby, driving under the influence is generally not.
According to NBC Washington, a 36-year-old Kentuckian man was arrested for driving drunk in a demolition derby, just minutes after he won.
David Warner was competing in the Jessamine County Fair's derby, when police officers received several complaints about his driving. Shortly after the event, Nicholasville police detained him and determined he was drunk.
According to officers, he was "staggering" and having trouble standing up. Upon failing a field sobriety test, he was arrested for DUI.
Warner told NEWSFIRST he was plenty sober, at least sober enough for a demolition derby. He did admit having a "a few beers to loosen me up."
"I mean, I'm not denying I wasn't drinking by no means, but I was not drunk. I was under the limit," Warner said. "I'm not perfect, but this has gone too far, and I will fight it," he said.
My Friend Has Been Arrested for California DUI, Now What?
Discovering that a friend or family member has been arrested for driving under the influence in California can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. Not surprisingly, most people don't know what to do or who to call.
Individuals who have been arrested for a California DUI are first taken for initial processing to the police station where the arrest occurred. If you are unsure where your loved one was arrested, you can check with VINELink, which provides information on offenders in custody. You can either use the Internet to search for information regarding the individual's custody status or call the local agency.
If you are unable to locate the individual you are looking for on VINELink, then you should check with local police agencies. Ask for the watch commander and he or she will be able to advise you if the person is in their custody. Be prepared to provide the individual's full name and date of birth.
Following a California DUI arrest, some individuals are released on their own recognizance (OR) after promising in writing that they will appear in court. Many DUI offenders, however, are not released from police custody until they have posted bail. In this case, you can post the bail amount yourself, or you can obtain a bail bond from a licensed bail bond agent. For more information on bail, please read our previous blog post available here.
If you have not yet done so, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney who can help your friend or family member navigate the court process and secure the best possible outcome.
DUI Checkpoint Results in Taser and Arrest of Lake Elsinore Man
A 35-year-old Lake Elsinore man has been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after he attempted to flee from a checkpoint over the weekend.
Bryan Young was seen making a U-turn to avoid a DUI checkpoint that was set up in Lake Elsinore. When officers approached Young, they noticed he exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and admitted to officers that he was in possession of marijuana. Young was then escorted out of his vehicle and began to run from officers before they were able to stop him with a taser gun.
According to the Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch, Young was a convicted felon serving probation for domestic violence and was arrested and charged with resisting an officer, being a felon in possession of a fire arm, driving under the influence of drugs, carrying a loaded firearm and probation violation.
Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers immediately if you were recently arrested at a DUI sobriety checkpoint. We have the experience and knowledge to handle your case and will ensure that you get the best possible representation.
If you plan on going out this weekend, please be aware of the multiple DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring all throughout California. Our Orange County DUI Attorneys have compiled the list below so that you are aware of the times and potential locations of these checkpoints; although most checkpoints are announced prior to their commencement, it is not uncommon for a check point to occur minutes after its time and location has been published.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence at a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers as soon as possible so we can get you the best possible representation.
Friday:
Canyon Lake: 7pm-early morning - undisclosed location
Coachella: 7pm-1:30am - undisclosed location
Cypress: 6pm-early morning - undisclosed location
Dana Point: 8pm-4am - undisclosed location
Lompoc: 6pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Los Angeles County: weekend - multiple cities throughout Los Angeles County - click on link for more!
Montclair: 7pm-2am - undisclosed location
Murrieta: 6pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Orange: 8pm-2am - 1800 West Chapman Ave.
Oxnard: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Rancho Cordova: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Rancho Mirage: 8pm- 2am - undisclosed location
Redondo Beach: 7:32am - early morning - undisclosed location
Salinas: evening - undisclosed location
San Bernardino County: evening - multiple cities
San Clemente: 8pm-4am - undisclosed location
San Juan Capistrano: 8pm-4am - undisclosed location
San Marcos: 7:30pm-3am - undisclosed location
Temecula: 6pm - undisclosed location
Victorville: 7pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Vista: 7pm - early morning - undisclosed location
Do You Let Your Passengers Drink in Your Car? A Look at California's Open Container Law
Most California drivers are aware that it is illegal to drink alcohol while driving, but do you know that it is also against the law to allow your passengers to have open containers of alcohol?
Below is the California law (California VC 23223) regarding open containers of alcohol:
No driver shall have in his or her possession, while in a motor vehicle upon a highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can, or other receptacle, containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.
No passenger shall have in his or her possession, while in a motor vehicle upon a highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.
The good news is that open container violations are generally only an infraction and will not result in jail time.
For those under 21, however, the law is much more severe. Under California's zero tolerance law, having an open container will result in a one-year license suspension.
Given the potential consequences, if you are facing any type of DUI charge, it is important to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Young Baseball Fan Fighting to Recover from California DUI Accident
A nine-year-old Phillies baseball fan is fighting for his life after being struck by a drunk driver in San Diego following a Giants/Phillies baseball game.
According to media reports, Ryan White and his aunt were struck by a passing 2004 Toyota Tundra pickup truck at the intersection of Mission Street and New Montgomery Street.
"We were crossing with the light," Ryan's father told KRON-TV. "A car came screeching out of the street, hit one car, careened over into the second car, and that was where my son was."
Ryan was sent to a hospital and was being treated for life-threatening injuries. Ryan's aunt suffered a non-life-threatening foot injury.
The driver, Andrew Alan Vargas, a 21-year-old Cal State East Bay graduate, didn't stop and continued to drive after the DUI accident, according to police. However, he was caught a short time later.
As this story demonstrates, a California DUI accident can lead to serious charges. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
California Weekend DUI Checkpoints August 12, 2011
If you plan on going out this weekend, please be advised that there will be multiple DUI sobriety checkpoints in California. Our Orange County DUI Lawyers are here to provide you with the legal advice so that you can make an informed decision in your specific case. If you are about to go through a DUI checkpoint, please stay calm and know that if an officer notices signs of intoxication, they may require you to perform DUI field sobriety tests. Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as you are released from your arrest so that you get the best representation.
Friday: Chula Vista: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Escondido: weekend - undisclosed locations
Gardena: 7:30pm - 3:30am - El Segundo Blvd. at Halldale Avenue.
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Washington Blvd. between Abbot Kinney Blvd. & Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles: 7:30pm-2:30 - Highland Ave. & DeLongpre St.
Los Angeles: 6pm-1am - Westbound Imperial Hwy between Main St. & San Pedro St.
Newport Beach: 9pm-3am - Dover Drive & 16th Street
Santa Monica: evening - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Long Beach: 6pm-2am - North Long Beach
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Sunset Blvd. between Maltman Ave. & Silver Lake Blvd.
Rancho Mirage: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
San Jose: 9pm-3am - undisclosed location
LA County Sheriffs Deputy Charged with California Felony DUI
Deputy Michael Anthony Grundy, a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy, has been charged with two felony drunk driving counts and one felony count of fleeing the scene after a collision, arising from an accident on January 29, 2011.
California DUIs are often classified as felonies when another person is injured or killed following a DUI-related accident.
According to California Highway Patrol, Grundy's blood alcohol level was over 0.15% when he was arrested.
Last week, Grundy plead not guilty today to the charges, which could result in serious DUI penalties, including three years and eight months in jail if convicted.
Grundy is facing serious jail time because it is not the officer's first drunk driving offense. According to his record, he has a past California DUI conviction in Riverside County dating back to 2005.
As we have mentioned previously on this blog, drivers charged with felony DUI face serious consequences. While misdemeanor California DUIs can result in up to one year in a county jail, felony California DUIs can result in a year or more in a state prison.
In addition, all of the fines and penalties associated with a California DUI are increased for a second offense within 10 years.
Chief of Police from Michigan Arrested for Drunk Driving
Mark Sheldon, of West Michigan, was arrested for driving under the influence last week and a dash cam video of his arrest proves that the Chief of Police was in fact driving drunk.
Sheldon was driving his pickup truck when he crossed the center line; officers nearby saw what had occurred and proceeded to pull Sheldon over. Officers noticed signs of intoxication and when they questioned the driver, he admitted to having "quite a few" drinks. After failed DUI sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test that showed his blood alcohol levels of 0.20, Sheldon was arrested and has since been suspended from his Chief of Police duties. According the WWMT.com, Sheldon will be charged under the new 'super drunk' law for first time offenders who are at a blood alcohol level over 0.17.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys today if you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence in or around Orange County. We will investigate the case and provide you with the best possible representation available!
Contra Costa Man Claims Ex-Wife Tricked Him Into California DUI
A California man is claiming that a "dirty" DUI arrest should not be held against him in his ongoing divorce proceedings. David Dutcher faces reduced visitation with his children based on a California DUI charge that he claims came after his ex-wife paid a blonde woman to trick him into driving under the influence.
As detailed by the Contra Costa Times, Dutcher was arrested and pulled over for drunken driving in 2008 shortly after a second date with a woman he had met on Match.com. According to Dutcher, during the date, the woman started chugging shots of hard alcohol and kissing him on the lips. A friend later joined her, and the two women asked him to come home with them and "continue things in the hot tub."
Shortly after leaving the bar, Dutcher was stopped by police. Chemical testing revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.12, and he was subsequently charged with driving under the influence.
His California DUI arrest is now considered one of five "dirty DUIs" tied to Concord private investigator Christopher Butler, and a larger police corruption scandal. (For more information, check out our previous blog post.)
As a result, Dutcher now claims that his ex-wife and her former attorney orchestrated his arrest to gain advantage in the divorce and keep him from his children.
Meanwhile, Susan Dutcher and her attorney maintain that her ex-husband's arrest did not affect the divorce and child custody arrangement. They also point out that no one forced him to drink and drive. Susan Dutcher acknowledges she hired Butler, who was in the restaurant observing Dave Dutcher that night, but told the court she went to Butler only because she was worried that her husband may be driving impaired when transporting their children.
As this story demonstrates, a California DUI arrest can dramatically impact your life. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
California Office of Highway Traffic Safety Announces 2012 Federal Grants Will Target Drugged Driving
The California Office of Traffic Safety recently announced that it has received $76 million in federal funding to support 213 traffic safety grants to state and local agencies for the grant year that begins October 1, 2011.
As in years past, many of these grants will be used to target drunk drivers through the use of sobriety checkpoints and other enforcement tools. New this year is the focus on drugged driving.
According the OTS, major emphasis will still be given to combating drunk driving with sobriety checkpoints, help for special DUI prosecutors, and targeted probation department staffing and warrant enforcement in efforts directed at the most egregious drunk driving offenders.
In addition, educational and awareness programs for youth like Every 15 Minutes, Impact Teen Drivers, Real DUI Trials in Schools, Smart Start, and other programs for high school students will be expanded.
In a new enforcement campaign, special emphasis will be placed on combating drugged driving. As the OTS highlighted, the incidence of drugs alone and in combination with alcohol in fatal crashes has been rising steadily for the last five years. Therefore, new grants will fund increases in drug recognition training, special district attorneys dedicated to drugged driving cases, and new laboratory drug testing equipment.
For a list of 2012 grants, visit the OTS website at www.ots.ca.gov.
If you have been arrested for drugged driving in California, you will need an experienced DUI defense attorney. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Understanding the Implications of California's Implied Consent Laws
Like most other states, California has an "implied consent" law that requires drivers to submit to chemical testing and/or perform field sobriety tests if a law enforcement officer suspects they are driving impaired.
Many California drivers aren't aware that when you apply for a driver's license in California you actually agree to this in exchange for your right to drive on California's roadways.
So how does "implied consent" work? As we have noted on this blog in the past, there is no penalty for refusing to submit to a Breathalyzer before being placed under arrest. Preliminary Alcohol Screening, which is generally conducted on the roadside prior to an arrest, does not fall under California's implied consent laws, but rather is a voluntary test. This, however, does not apply to underage drivers, where special rules apply.
A California driver can still refuse to submit to a breath test after being arrested, but he or she risks automatic license suspension along with possible additional DUI penalties including required installation of an ignition interlock device or jail time.
If you have refused a chemical test after being arrested for driving under the influence in California, you will need an experienced California DUI defense attorney. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you to get the best possible outcome in your case.
DUI Checkpoint Results in Arrest of Al Pacino's Daughter
Julie Pacino, the daughter of actor Al Pacino, was arrested after she drove through a DUI sobriety checkpoint.
The 21-year-old was driving in Manhattan when she went through a DUI checkpoint. According to the Newser, officers stopped her vehicle when they noticed that her eyes were watery and bloodshot, her speech was slurred and they could smell alcohols which are all signs of intoxication. Pacino then confessed to officers that she had had a few beers and smoked pot hours before getting into her vehicle and was then arrested for driving under the influence.
Our Orange County DUI Lawyers understand how frustrating it can be to go through a DUI checkpoint. If you find yourself arrested during a checkpoint, contact our OC DUI Attorneys as soon as possible to find out how we can help you!
Our OC DUI Lawyers have compiled a list of DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring throughout California this weekend. If you plan on going out this weekend, please be aware of these checkpoints and know that although most are announced prior to their commencement, not all give drivers a fair warning so it is best to take extra precaution and hire a cab or have a designated driver.
If you are arrested during a driving under the influence checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as you are released from your arrest.
Friday:
Escondido: 6pm-12am - undisclosed location
Inglewood: 7pm-3am - Imperial Hwy at Simms Ave.
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - La Cienga Blvd, between Rosewood Ave. & Oakwood Ave.
Palmdale: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
San Diego: 7pm-3am - undisclosed location
Santa Rosa: 7pm-1am - undisclosed location
Vista: 7pm-2am - undisclosed location
Yuba City: evening - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Highland: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Manchester Ave., between Main St. & Broadway
Modesto: 9pm-3am - Undisclosed location
Ventura: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
California DUI FAQ: What Happens at a DMV Hearing?
In an earlier post this week, we discussed the importance of requesting a license suspension hearing from the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of a driving under the influence arrest. Today, we want to tell you a little about what a DUI offender can expect at the DMV hearing.
A representative of the DMV conducts the hearing. He or she will review the arresting officer's paperwork and all evidence presented to determine if in fact the suspected California DUI offender's driving privileges should be suspended or revoked.
It is important to note that the California DMV has what is called the "burden" at the hearing to prove that the individual is in fact guilty and should have their driving privileges suspended or revoked. An experienced California DUI attorney will try to keep these and all court documents excused from this review process.
In addition, a California DUI defense attorney can present any rebuttal evidence, call witnesses, and effectively use other strategies to set aside a client's driver's license suspension, including utilizing Title 17 to have any chemical test results excused.
Once both sides have presented their case, the DMV hearing officer will review all of the facts and send a formal written decision to the California DUI defense lawyer handling the case.
If the DMV representative finds that the person is guilty, the person will lose his/her driving privileges for a certain period of time. However, if the DMV representative finds that the person is not guilty, the person's driving privileges will be reinstated.
Since the DMV hearing will determine your ability to keep your license, it is always best to have a California DUI attorney represent you at the hearing.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in California and are scheduled for a DMV hearing, it is imperative that you contact our experienced DUI Defense Attorneys today.
The California Ten Day Rule is one of the first aspects of a California DUI case and arguably the most time sensitive. Since complying with the Ten Day Rule is the best way to avoid an automatic license suspension, it is important to understand how it works.
Under California law, you have only ten calendar days from the date of your DUI arrest to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to prevent your license from being automatically suspended.
To comply with the rule, you must request a hearing on the merits of the automatic suspension of your license within ten calendar days of your arrest. If you fail to do so, you will face an automatic suspension for a minimum of four months for a first offense. This means that you will be unable to drive to work or school and pick up your children or friends.
Many California drivers are not aware that a hearing through the Department of Motor Vehicles following California DUI incident is completely separate from the criminal court case. Moreover, any DUI penalties imposed by DMV are independent of any court-imposed jail sentence, fine, or other criminal penalty imposed when a person is convicted for driving under the influence in California.
For more information, check back here tomorrow when we will discuss what happens at the California DMV hearing.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in California and have questions about the DMV process, contact our experienced DUI Defense Attorneys today.
Bianca Alvarado, 26, has been arrested for a DUI-related accident after she crashed her vehicle into a power pole, taking out the power for over 3,700 Southern California Edison customers.
The accident occurred around 3:08am Monday morning in Stanton after the female lost control of her car while driving northbound on Dale St. near Katella Ave. According to the OC Register, no one was injured and there are no other cars that were reported to be involved in the accident. Once officers arrived at the scene of the accident, Alvarado was booked on suspicion of DUI.
Will you be out drinking this weekend in Orange County or anywhere in California? If so, please check out the following DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring near you. These check points have been previously announced by the arresting agencies that will be performing the check, looking for signs of intoxication and asking motorists to perform DUI field sobriety tests.
If you find yourself arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers as soon as possible. We will inform you of what you could be facing, answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free DUI case consultation and quote.
Friday:
Coachella: 7pm-1:30am - undisclosed location
Fortuna: evening- undisclosed location
Orange: 8pm-3am - 1600 North Tustin St.
Sacramento: 8:30pm - early morning - Del Paso Blvd & El Camino Ave.
Santa Clarita: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Saturday
Folsom: 7pm-3am - Blue Ravine Rd., near Parkway Dr.
Fortuna: evening- undisclosed location
Inglewood: 7pm-3am - Imperial Hwy at Simms Ave.
Lake Elsinore: evening - undisclosed location
Long Beach: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Menifee: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
San Jose: 9pm - 3am - undisclosed location
Can You Be Arrested for California DUI While Riding an ATV?
The short answer is yes. If the police stop you or you are involved in an all-terrain vehicle accident with a BAC over .08%, you may be arrested for driving under the influence in California, just as you would if you were driving a car. In addition, the laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply throughout California, both on and off-highway.
Once an ATV driver is arrested on suspicion of California DUI, the process is much like a typical California DUI case. The penalties are also the same--the California DUI offender faces license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
Just this past week, a Washington man was arrested on a felony charge of California DUI causing bodily injury following a California ATV accident. According to California Highway patrol, Matthew Janes was allegedly drunk and driving too fast when he lost control of his four-wheeler, which ejected his sister, Amy Sons, off the quad and onto the road, causing moderate injuries.
Since you can face severe penalties for California DUI while driving an ATV, should you be arrested, it is important to consult with an experienced California DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
A new California bill is sending members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, into an uproar as it could restrict the ability for officers to enforce certain laws for those who are driving under the influence.
The Assembly Bill 1389, or AB 1389, could allow more DUI offenders to continue driving on a suspended license illegally. According to Mercury News, the new bill called Assembly Bill 1389, or AB 1389, condones driving without a driver's license by preventing law enforcement from enforcing current laws meant to protect people on roadways.
A member of MADD has been quoted saying "Sobriety checkpoints are one of the most critical tools available for law enforcement to deter drunk driving." However, some people do not believe that DUI sobriety checkpoints are as useful as they could be since most cost lots of money to carry out but do not result in multiple DUI arrest.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out more information regarding DUI sobriety checkpoints. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact us as soon as possible so that we can get your case started.
Barron Hilton, the younger brother of Paris Hilton, was arrested for driving under the influence in 2008 and has just been ordered to pay up to $4.9 million to a gas station attendant that he injured.
The 20-year-old, who was 18 at the time of the arrest, received his verdict regarding his previous DUI case on July 7th where the jury ordered him to not only pay the man he injured but also to pay $225,000 in punitive damages and nearly $71,000 in interest. Barron's blood alcohol level was at .14 which is above the California legal limit of .08%.
According to Third Age, Barron was driving the wrong way for several miles on Pacific Coast Highway when he pulled into a gas station and struck a gas station attendant, Fernando Tellez. Tellez's attorney has stated that he was permanently disabled and underwent multiple surgeries and medical procedures since the accident.
Update: Senate Public Safety Committee Approves California DUI Checkpoint Bill
As we previously reported on this blog, a California state assembly bill has been proposed to combat concerns regarding California sobriety checkpoints and provide specific guidelines and procedures that officers must follow. Last week, the bill passed the Public Safety Committee, and it now heads to the Appropriations Committee for approval.
As noted by State Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), without specific guidelines in places, officers at California DUI checkpoints often utilize the stop to seize vehicles of drivers who are driving without licenses; in 2009 alone, more than 24,000 vehicles were impounded which is about 7 times more than the 3,200 DUI offenders who were arrested during these check points.
"Saturday mornings. Sunday mornings. On corridors when people go to work. Outside churches. Schools. Why? Because that's where you'll find unlicensed motorists, immigrant motorists who cannot get a license," said Cedillo.
The new law would require police officers to follow and abide by specific guidelines that 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.
We will keep you posted on the status of the bill as it continues its way through the legislative process.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence at a California DUI checkpoint, contact our experienced DUI Defense Attorneys today. We will make sure that the checkpoint was done in accordance to specific DUI checkpoint guidelines to ensure that the arrest was done correctly.
Fatal Accident Near Disneyland Results in DUI Arrest
A fatal DUI-related accident has resulted in the death of a male passenger and the driving under the influence arrest of the driver of the vehicle.
A 28-year-old female was driving her 2002 GMC S-10 pickup southbound on I-5 in Anaheim, near Disneyland Drive at around 12:15am, when struck the corner of a 1995 Mercury Villager before the vehicle skidded onto a dirt embankment and flipped several times before coming to a stop on the freeway.
According to the OC Register, both the driver and the 28-year-old male passenger were taken to the UCI Medical Center in Orange where the male died at 4:15am and the female was being treated for major injuries; the driver was then arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.
Our OC DUI Law Firm sends its sincere condolences to the friends and family member of the male passenger who passed away. If you or someone you know has been involved in a DUI-related accident, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out how we can help you.
Each weekend, arresting officers throughout California put together multiple DUI Sobriety checkpoints to protect the public and ensure that motorists are not driving under the influence. During these check points, officers look for signs of intoxication, will ask motorists to perform DUI field sobriety tests if they suspect drunk driving and will arrest anyone who's blood alcohol level is over the legal limit of .08%.
Around this time each year, California residents are able to enjoy their summers at the Orange County Fair. With something to do for everyone, including booths that sell alcohol for adults, it is the best place to be! If you are arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint or after leaving the OC Fair or any local bar, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys as soon as possible; we will answer any questions you may have and go over the details of your case.
Friday
Fortuna: 7pm-early morning - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Florence Ave., between Main & Broadway St.
San Bernardino: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Tustin: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Ventura: 8pm-3am - undisclosed location
Victorville: 7pm-early morning - undisclosed location
Whittier: 7pm-3am - Lambert Rd. & Washington Blvd.
The California Alcoholic Beverage Control rewarded the Palm Springs Police Department with $45,000 for their efforts in arresting drunk drivers.
While the efforts of the police department are impressive, the amount of money being spent on DUI enforcement, over $800,000 in grants, is not matching up to amount of individuals that are being arrested for a California DUI. According to an article on My Desert, the police department has decided to use the money in training more individuals in recognizing when a patrol is alcohol- or drug-impaired as well as learning on how to reduce underage drinking at local bars and businesses.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys today if you have been arrested for driving under the influence in or around the OC. We will go over the details of your case and provide you with the legal advice you need to make an informed decision.
Rodney King Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
Rodney King, 46, who is most known as a symbol of police brutality, has been arrested for driving under the influence.
Officers arrested King late Tuesday afternoon after they spotted him committing several traffic violations in a 1994 Mitsubishi and arrested him for a California DUI. It is unclear whether King was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
According to the NY Daily News, since the 1991 brutal attack by Los Angeles police, which resulted in several fatal riots, King has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement and has even appeared on reality shows "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" and "Sober House".
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys if you have been arrested for a driving under the influence charge, regardless if this is your first time offense or you are a multiple DUI offender.
Anyone who has ever consumed alcohol in a group knows that it affects everyone a bit differently. In addition, a person's individual tolerance can also vary depending on the circumstances.
Below are several important factors that may affect how your body absorbs alcohol and ultimately impact your blood alcohol content (BAC) during a California DUI arrest.
Weight: Generally, the less a person weighs, the more he or she will be affected by alcohol. A smaller person's body contains less water compared to a larger person.
Body composition: A fit person will be less affected compared to someone who has a higher percentage of body fat. This is because fatty tissue does not contain much water and does not absorb alcohol well.
Gender: Typically, women are more affected by alcohol than men because they tend to have more fat and less water in their bodies. Approximately 68% of a man's body weight is made up of water and only 55% of a woman's body weight is made up of water.
Food Consumption: When there is food in your stomach, alcohol is absorbed more slowly into the blood stream. The BAC rises more rapidly when you drink on an empty stomach, because there is no food in which to dilute the alcohol.
Various other factors: Of course there are many other factors that may impact your BAC, including your emotional and physical condition and health.
Man Crashes Motor Home, Gets Arrested for Felony DUI
Eric Leslie Harry, 24, has been arrested and booked for a felony DUI after causing a solo vehicle crash on Highway 101.
The Fresno man was driving southbound on the freeway in a 1982 Ford motor home when he veered off. The motor home hit a guardrail, continued out of control and came to a stop after hitting a tree. Out of the four men who were all in the motor home at the time of the accident, both Harry and Jeffrey Clinton Maddox, 31, who was in the front passenger seat, were not injured.
According to the Times Standard, Anthony J. Sherman, 21, received major injuries and 28-year-old Daniel J. Terry received moderate injuries; both men were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Harry was then arrested and booked at a county jail with a felony driving under the influence charge.
If you have recently been arrested after causing a DUI-related accident, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers as soon as possible. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free case consultation and quote.
While robotic cars may not be coming to California quite yet, neighboring Nevada is taking significant steps to pave the way for self-driving cars.
The state recently passed legislation that would allow the state's Department of Transportation to setup rules and safety standards for automated self-driving cars, according to IB Times San Francisco.
One of the advantages touted by Google with regard to its robotic self-driving vehicles is a reduction of drunk driving accidents and fatalities. It is predicted that the use of robotic drivers can eliminate accidents due to faster and more accurate response time. In addition, the incidence of drunk driving accidents could be greatly reduced if the self-driving car proves to be a convenient option of transportation.
As we previously mentioned on this blog, Google is leading the charge with respect to the manufacture and testing of automated robotic cars. Its test vehicles have already logged 140,000 miles on the roads of California.
It is unclear when the robotic vehicles may actually become reality. For now, we advise you to find a human designated driver.
Hines Ward, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Super Bowl most valuable player, was arrested for driving under the influence on Saturday morning.
The 35-year-old, who is also known for being the latest "Dancing With the Stars" champion, was in Atlanta when he was stopped and arrested for drunk driving. According to the LA Times and to Ward's attorney, Ward cooperated fully with police, truthfully answered their questions and was not impaired by alcohol while driving. Ward did apologize to his fans as well as the Steelers organization for the incident. After being arrested, Ward was taken to the local Decatur jail where he was then released on a $1,300 bond.
Our Orange County DUI Attorneys have been practicing DUI defense for over a decade and can handle any type of driving under the influence offense. Contact us today to find out how we can help and represent you throughout your entire case.
If you are arrested during a DUI sobriety checkpoint in Orange County, our OC DUI Defense Attorneys should be the first call you make. Whether this is your first or subsequent DUI arrest, we will provide you with the legal advice that you need, answer any questions that you may have and represent you in both the DMV and criminal court hearings.
Being arrested during a DUI checkpoint can be quite stressful so our Orange County DUI Lawyers will make sure that the arrest was done in accordance to specific guidelines. If you are asked to perform DUI field sobriety tests, we will check to make sure that they were done correctly and help you get the best possible result from your specific case. Make sure you have a designated driver available or are able to hail a cab if you plan on driving this weekend as there will be several DUI checkpoints all throughout California, some of which have yet to be announced.
Friday:
Los Angeles: 6pm-1am - Imperial Highway, between Main St. & San Pedro St.
Los Angeles: 6pm-1am - Eastbound Florence Ave., between Western Ave. & Denker St.
Palmdale: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Salinas: evening - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Modesto Man Arrested After Trying to Ram Police at California DUI Checkpoint
California drivers should read this story as a lesson in what NOT to do if stopped at a California sobriety checkpoint. One man is in police custody after he allegedly tried to ram them with his vehicle at a California DUI checkpoint, News 10 reports.
According to a spokesman with Modesto police, California DUI enforcement officers at a checkpoint at Scenic Road and Bodem Road stopped 22-year-old Luis Reyes. He was then directed into a side parking lot because he didn't have a driver's license.
Instead of turning into the parking lot as directed, he then sped off on Scenic Road. When officers caught up to him, Reyes then tried to ram them, causing one of the officers to put his car in reverse to avoid getting hit.
Reyes eventually lost control of the car while driving on Lucerne Road and hit a parked car. He was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI, assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest.
To learn more about what you SHOULD do if you are stopped at a California DUI checkpoint, click here.
The Fourth of July weekend was a maximum enforcement period for all available California Highway Patrol officers who were on the lookout for motorists driving under the influence.
All available officers were on duty to protect the public from drunk drivers starting around 6pm on Friday and going through midnight Monday. According to the OC Register, around 69 arrests were made for driving under the influence and one fatality, an accident that took the life of Leonardo Montes, 43, was reported. This year in Orange County alone, there were more DUI arrests than last year; during the same weekend in 2010, only about 51 people were arrested for driving under the influence.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys if you were arrested for an OC DUI offense. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on the automatic suspension of your license; hire our OC DUI Lawyers today so that we can request and conduct the hearing on your behalf.
Did you know that the Fourth of July holiday weekend is the most deadly of all holidays in terms of motor vehicle accidents? Many are surprised to learn that the number of fatal accidents on the summer holiday surpasses that of more notorious holidays like New Year's Day.
Here are a few more alarming statistics to consider before you get behind the wheel this weekend (Source: Fox Business):
Statistics gathered over the past 25 years show that, on average, nearly 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol -- although that percentage varies from year to year.
Three years ago, 491 people died in car accidents during the three-day Fourth of July weekend. Out of that total, 43 percent died as a result of alcohol-impaired driving.
By comparison, 423 people died that same year during the four-day period surrounding New Year's Day. In this case, 41 percent were alcohol related.
Last year, there were 108 DUI arrests in Orange County; 844 DUI arrests in Los Angeles County; and 162 DUI arrests in Riverside County.
Given the increased risk for California DUI-related accidents, you can expect local police and California Highway Patrol to step up their enforcement efforts, including the use of roving patrols and California sobriety checkpoints.
If you are charged with California DUI, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI defense attorney who can help you determine your legal options.
Our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers have compiled the following list of DUI Checkpoints and DUI sobriety roving patrols to let you know when and where they will be occurring. However, most arresting officials announce the checkpoint shortly before it begins.
If you plan on drinking this Fourth of July weekend and want to avoid a DUI, have a designated driver or call a cab. There will be multiple roving DUI patrol officers that will be checking for drunk drivers without actually setting up a DUI checkpoint so it's important to drink responsibly.
Contact our OC DUI Attorneys if you are arrested for driving under the influence this coming weekend. We will answer any questions you have, go over the details of your case and provide you with a free quote.
Friday:
Aliso Viejo: 6:30pm - 2:30am - undisclosed location
Brea: 7pm-3am - undisclosed location
Glendora: evening - undisclosed location
Grand Terrace: 6pm-2am - city wide, all weekend
Inglewood: 7pm-3am - Manchester Blvd. at Kareem Court
Imperial Beach: 7:30pm-2:30am - 900 block of Palm Ave.
Lancaster: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Lemon Grove: 7pm-2:30am - 6900 block of Broadway
Livermore: evening - undisclosed location
Loma Linda: 6pm-2am - city wide, all weekend
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Devonshire area, Reseda Blvd & Nordhoff St.
Monterey Park: evening - undisclosed location
Napa: 6pm-all weekend - area freeways and highways
North Hollywood: 6pm-12 am - Lankershim Blvd. & Cumpston St.
Oakland: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Orange County: entire weekend - extra roving patrol for Brea, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda
Pasadena: evening - undisclosed location
Redlands: 10pm-3am - 6th & 8th St.
Riverside: all weekend - city wide
Salinas: evening - undisclosed location
Santa Fe Springs: evening - undisclosed location
San Bernardino County: 7pm-1am - Adelanto & Redlands
San Diego: 9pm-4am - undisclosed location
Santa Monica: evening - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Baldwin Park: evening - undisclosed location
Escondido: 6pm-12am - undisclosed location
Irvine: 7pm-3am - Culver Dr.
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Figueroa St. & 40th Place
Napa - 6pm-1am - unincorporated Napa county, undisclosed location
Pomona: evening - undisclosed location
San Bernardino County: entire weekend - Roving patrol set for: Upland, Rialto, Victorville, Hesperia, Yucca Valley, 29 Palms, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Chino, San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Montclair, Highland and Yucaipa
San Diego: 9pm-4am - undisclosed location
San Jose: 9pm-3am - undisclosed location
Yucaipa: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Sunday:
Los Angeles: 12pm-8pm - Foothill and Harbor areas
Redlands: 10pm- 3am - city wide
Monday:
Redlands: 6pm- 2am - city wide
West Hollywood: 4pm-10pm - Pacific Coast Highway & Temescal Canyon Rd.
A California man has been arrested for driving under the influence after he led officers on a high speed chase on the I-10 freeway near Palm Springs.
The chase began around 5:30pm when officers located a vehicle that may have been connected to a previous hit and run. Once officers attempted to pull the Chevy Camaro over, the motorist took off, hitting speeds of up to 100 mph. According to KPSP Local 2, the driving of the Camaro headed eastbound on Interstate 10 and eventually got onto State Route 62 before he got a flat tire. The driver was then arrested for driving under the influence and is under investigation on whether the Camaro was stolen.
If you have recently been involved in a DUI-related accident or have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today. We will answer any questions you have, provide you with legal advice and represent you throughout your entire case.
Assemblyman's California DUI Arrest Raises Question of Double Standard
When a politician or celebrity is arrested for driving under the influence in California, they do not always receive the same treatment as any other California driver. In fact, many are never even taken to jail. This preferential treatment has caused many to ask if there is a DUI double standard.
In the most recent high-profile California DUI arrest, Assemblyman Martin Garrick was simply cited and released by California Highway Patrol. As reported by KCRA.com, many are angered that he was not taken to jail, as is customary in most California DUI arrests.
"There are circumstances where we do not book individuals because of extenuating circumstances," Adrian Quintero, a CHP officer, told KCRA when asked about Garrick's arrest. The officer's statement is valid--when a California DUI suspect has certain medical conditions or has injuries that require hospitalization, they might not be taken to jail. This is fairly common following a California DUI accident.
However, in the case of Garrick, he was not injured. He was simply cited and released to another licensed driver, which is far more uncommon. Quintero explained, "They sign a document agreeing to take care of the DUI at a later date. The other thing is they lose is (their) driver's license. We suspend that driver's license right there on the spot."
It is not clear what "extenuating circumstances" were involved in the arrest of the assemblyman, which raises the argument of a double standard in high-profile California DUI cases.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence in California, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI attorney who can help you navigate the California DUI criminal process.
25-Year-Old Woman Spins Car on PCH, Gets Arrested for DUI
Claudia Interiano, 25, was arrested for causing a solo DUI-related accident over the weekend that caused the Pacific Coast Highway to be closed for over 45 minutes.
Once officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they found Interiano sitting in her vehicle, which still had the engine running, on the shoulder of Highway 1, facing oncoming traffic. Interiano had been driving under the influence when she hit the guard rail which then spun her vehicle to face the opposite direction. According to the Pacifica Patch, no injuries were reported and no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Interiano was arrested and taken to the local jail for driving under the influence.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys if you find yourself arrested for a California DUI, DUI-related accident or any other type of DUI offense. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV; don't wait to the last minute. Our OC DUI Lawyers will contact the DMV on your behalf and will represent you in both the DMV and criminal court hearings.
New California Study Suggests One Drink May Impair Driving
A new study by UC San Diego researchers suggests that even one drink with dinner may impair drivers and lead to a California DUI-related accident.
The study, published in this month's edition of the Addiction journal, concluded that "buzzed" drivers with a 0.01 percent blood alcohol concentration are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents that cause injuries than totally sober drivers.
To conduct the analysis, the study used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which records all persons in the U.S. involved in fatal vehicle accidents. The data covered the years from 1994 to 2008, covering all counties, every day of the week, and included measurements on blood-alcohol levels in 0.01 increments.
Here are a few key findings:
With a blood alcohol level of 0.01 percent, there are 4.33 serious injuries for each nonserious injury in a car crash.
For drivers with no detectable blood alcohol, the ratio is 3.17 serious injuries per each nonserious injury.
Motor vehicle accidents are 36.6 percent more likely to be severe with a blood-alcohol reading of 0.01 percent than with an entirely sober driver.
The relationship remained even when the results were adjusted for driver inattention and fatigue as well as certain times of day, week and month with higher accident severity.
Compared to sober drivers, buzzed drivers are significantly more likely to speed, to be improperly seatbelted and to drive the striking vehicle.
There is a strong 'dose-response' relationship for all three factors in relation to accident severity (e.g. the greater the BAC, the greater the average speed of the driver and the greater the severity of the accident).
The study acknowledged that individuals handle alcohol differently, causing some people to become impaired with a lower blood alcohol concentration than others.
Nonetheless, the study recommends lowering the legal limit, arguing that doing so could save lives, prevent serious injuries, and reduce financial and social costs associated with DUI accidents.
California drivers are encouraged to contact an experienced California DUI defense attorney if they are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California.
OC DUI Attorneys Providing DUI Checkpoint Locations for 6/24
This weekend, DUI Checkpoints will be abundant all throughout California. The list below is designed to inform you of some, but not, DUI sobriety checkpoints that will be occurring. Although checkpoints are supposed to be announced prior to their commencement, oftentimes that arrested officials do not post the time and location until shortly before the check point is supposed to occur.
If you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence at a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys; we have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of DUI case and will provide you with the best possible representation.
Friday:
Coachella: 7pm-1:30 - undisclosed location
Tustin: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Loma Linda: 6pm-2am - Redlands Blvd.
Los Angeles: 8pm-3am - Florence Ave. & Broadway
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Figueroa St., between 8th and 9th St.
Rancho Mirage: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Santa Clarita: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Santa Rosa: 7pm-1am - undisclosed location
Whittier: 7pm-3am - Florence Ave. & Ringwood Ave.
Vallejo: 6pm-11am - undisclosed location
One DUI Arrest at a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint in Costa Mesa
DUI Checkpoints are designed to protect both motorists and the general public from individuals who are driving under the influence. These DUI sobriety checkpoints are often funded by tax payers as well as state and federal agencies, so everyone is always eager to find out whether they are actually beneficial to the cities in which they are conducted in.
Just this week, a DUI checkpoint in Orange County screened around 700 vehicles, with over 1000 vehicles that actually passing through the check point. The checkpoint occurred in Costa Mesa on Bristol Street at Randolph Avenue near The Lab and The Camp which are two popular hangout locations for teens and adults.
Out of the 700 vehicles that were screened, only one motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Five individuals were asked to perform DUI field sobriety tests, 30 driver licenses were investigated, 10 vehicles were towed and 18 motorists received citations. According to the OC Register, one citation was given to the driver of a vehicle in which the passenger was seen throwing out a beer can as it approached the checkpoint; the passenger was subsequently arrested for an outstanding DUI warrant.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence at a California DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys today. We will make sure that the checkpoint was done in accordance to specific DUI checkpoint guidelines to ensure that the arrest was done correctly.
For one California DUI defendant, the dog is no longer man's best friend. According to KSYB.com, a man who fled the scene of a recent California DUI-related accident was ultimately caught by a police K-9 dog.
The search for the DUI suspect was initiated after the man crashed his vehicle near Avila Beach Drive and northbound Highway 101 around 11:30 p.m. The Sheriff's Bomb Squad happened to be in the area and approached the man after the crash. As they approached, the man took off into a riverbed that ran parallel to the highway.
After a short time, an Arroyo Grande Police Department K9 dog was able to spot the suspect and he was brought into custody. He was subsequently arrested for California DUI hit and run.
Drivers should never leave the scene of a California DUI accident. Although this may seem like common sense, the prospect of a California DUI arrest sometimes causes people to panic and do things they will later regret. However, if you are arrested for both a California DUI and a hit and run, you face enhanced penalties, including a license suspension, higher monetary fines, and longer potential jail time.
If you are charged with California DUI hit and run, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI defense attorney who can help you determine your legal options.
A 15-year-old boy caused a solo vehicle crash and was subsequently arrested for a felony DUI.
The San Jose teenager and a 49-year-old passenger, Steven Gonzales, were driving in a 2004 Lexus RX330 when the teen lost control of the vehicle, veered onto the shoulder and eventually hit a fence. The teen was not injured however Gonzales suffered two broken legs and was taken to the local hospital.
According to Mercury News, the teen was arrested for a felony DUI and was taken to juvenile hall after he was released from the hospital with no injuries. Gonzales was later arrested for illegally possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia as well as being under the influence of drugs.
Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers today if you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence, whether it is your first or a felony DUI.
25 Year Female Arrested for DUI After Causing Fatal Accident
Leylani Simmons, 25, has been arrested for driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury or death.
The East Palo Alto has been booked for investigation of homicide after she caused a DUI-related accident that took the life of 22-year-old Lorina L. Veamatahau. Simmons was driving her Jeep Cherokee when she lost control of the vehicle, killing Veamatahau and causing herself injuries. According to Mercury News, Simmons was taken to the local hospital where she was then arrested on a no-bail warrant for reckless driving, DUI, defrauding an innkeeper as well as on a $5,000 warrant for driving with a suspended license.
If you have been involved in a DUI-related accident, our Orange County DUI Lawyers are here to help. We will answer any questions you have, provide you with legal advice and represent you throughout your entire case.
Over the past several months, we have been chronicling Congressional efforts to shut down the DUI checkpoint applications (apps) offered by various smart phone providers. On June 8, Apple finally relented to the mounting pressure and updated the review guidelines for its App Store, USA Today reports.
Under the revised guidelines: "Apps which contain DUI checkpoints that are not published by law enforcement agencies, or encourage and enable drunk driving, will be rejected."
Google and Apple had initially refused to comply with a written request by several senators, including Harry Reid and Charles Schumer, to ban apps that help drivers find out where police are conducting sobriety checkpoints. It now appears that Google is the only hold out.
As we have continuously argued, DUI checkpoint applications serve as a powerful drunk driving deterrent. Publicizing the location of a California DUI checkpoint will often encourage a driver to designate a driver or call a cab rather than risk a DUI arrest.
Evan A. Green, of Chico, was arrested for a felony driving under the influence charge after he caused an accident that killed two 21 year olds.
Green was driving in San Luis Obispo in a 2004 Saturn when he lost control, tried to overcorrect and sent the vehicle off the road where it flipped several times before it landed on a golf course. According the KRCRTV, Aaron Michael Beaver of Eureka and Marcus Alex Nelson of Castro Valley were both killed while Green and his passenger Jacob Zimmer, of Castro Valley, suffered major injuries. Both Green and Zimmer were taken to the local hospital. Green will be facing felony DUI charges for the DUI-related accident.
Our OC DUI Law Firm sends its sincere condolences to the friends and family members of those who died. If you have recently been involved in a DUI-related accident, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as possible to find out how we can help you.
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - La Brea Ave. between Coliseum St. & Rodeo Rd.
Modesto: 9:30pm-3:30am - undisclosed location
Roseville: 8pm-2:30am - undisclosed location
San Bernardino: 6pm-2am - Kendal Dr. & 40th St.
Wasco: 6pm-12am - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Coachella Valley: 5pm-1am -Mecca, Oasis, Thermal and Vista Santa Rosa
Folsom: 7pm-3am - Folsom Blvd. between Parkshore Dr. & Blue Ravine Rd.
Hemet: 8pm-2am - undisclosed location
Los Angles: 8pm-2am - Ventura Blvd. & Columbus
Modesto: 9:30pm - 3:30am - undisclosed location
Perris: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Sacramento: 8:30pm-evening - Del Paso Rd & Five Star Way
San Jacinto: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Contra Costa "Dirty DUI" Allegations Lead to FBI Investigation
We previously reported on this blog that three former Contra Costa law enforcement officers and a private investigator were involved in a "dirty DUI" scheme that involved setting up California men, often in the midst of a divorce, for California DUI arrests. It now appears that these three men are facing more charges and a potential FBI investigation.
In addition to the "dirty DUIs," federal law enforcement officials will investigate whether the defendants sold drugs outside California, ran a brothel, or were involved in growing marijuana, Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson said in a recent press conference.
The allegations grew so extensive - affecting multiple police departments, other law enforcement agencies and possibly crossing state lines - that it became too much for the county district attorney's office to handle, according to news reports.
Additionally, federal law enforcement has been called in to ensure that the investigation does not appear biased.
"Our office has fulfilled its obligation to independently investigate and prosecute the illegal activities we have discovered to date," Peterson said. "However, the criminal investigation of these individuals must not only be independent in fact, but also, it must be completely independent in its appearance."
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 defense attorney. Contact our California DUI attorneys today!
Many of those arrested for a California DUI are first-time offenders who have never been in trouble with the law before. Therefore, the California DUI bail process is often completely foreign and confusing. Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers.
What is bail?
Essentially, bail is monetary security that is paid to the court to ensure that you show up for a future court date. Depending on the circumstances, bail can range from the low thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When is bail required?
It is generally only required following a felony California DUI arrest; most drivers arrested for a misdemeanor are released on their own recognizance after spending the night in jail.
Because of the severity of a California felony DUI, these drivers are usually detained until they can post bail or stand for arraignment.
How do you post bail?
A professional bail bondsman can assist you with posting bail. In most cases, you will be required to pay the bail bondsman a portion of the total bail as a down payment. If you hire a qualified California Drunk Driving Defense Attorney, then you can most often get a discount in the required down payment.
Is the bail money returned?
The down payment you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned, and if you fail to show up for any court dates, the full amount of the bail will be due.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for felony driving under the influence in California, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI attorney who can help you navigate the California DUI criminal process.
Man Arrested for DUI After Trying to Jump Off Bridge
A 2 hour standoff on the Bay Bridge of a man, who was driving under the influence, who was attempting to jump off ended in success as negotiators were able to coax them man not to jump.
The 40 year old man was spotted getting onto the ledge of the upper bridge in San Francisco around 2:45pm. The CHP closed down several lanes of both the upper and lower bridge, causing a traffic jam for hours. The US Coast Guard also sent one of their boats and rescuers to the bottom of the bridge as an added precaution.
The man was finally persuaded to be brought to safety and was taken to the Sans Francisco General Hospital for a medical evaluation. According to the California Beat, The man was then taken into custody once officers discovered he had been driving under the influence prior to getting onto the bridge's ledge.
Estella Warren, a Canadian synchronized swimmer and actress, was arrested for driving under the influence and has been charged with four misdemeanors.
The 32-year old "Planet of the Apes" actress was driving under the influence in a Toyota Prius when an officer witnessed her slam into three parked cars and drive off. When Warren was finally pulled over, she resisted arrested and kicked a police officer. According to Pop Eater, when Warren was taken to the police department to be booked, she freed herself from her handcuffs and tried to run out the back door. Once convicted, Warren could be looking at 6 months of jail time.
Irma L. Lopez was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after she was pulled over for speeding.
The 29-year-old Woodland woman was driving her 1999 Plymouth on CR-22 officers noticed that she was speeding and began following her. Lopez came up to a red light and stopped halfway into the intersection before officers initiated an enforcement stop. According to the Daily Democrat, officers noticed signs of intoxication, conducted an investigation and proceeded to arrested Lopez for a DUI.
Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today if you were recently arrested for driving under the influence. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on the automatic suspension of your license so it is important to retain an attorney as soon as possible.
The former Kern County supervisor was seen driving on Highway 178 when he was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol. Parra informed officers that he had a few beers at two locations prior to being pulled over. According to Bakersfield.com, Officers noticed obvious signs of intoxication and asked Parra to perform DUI field sobriety tests, which he failed. Parra was arrested and booked into jail as his blood alcohol content was .09%, just above the legal limit of .08%.
Our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys understand how frustrating it can be to be arrested for a California DUI. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
Gregory Murphy, 33, was tasered and arrested for driving under the influence after he refused to cooperate with arresting authorities
According to KSBY, Murphy was pulled over in Goleta around 9pm on suspicion of drunk driving. More officers were called to the scene as Murphy became uncooperative and began kicking the officers. In order to subdue Murphy, officers tasered him and took him into custody. Murphy tested positive for blood alcohol content level that was above the legal limit and is currently being held at the Santa Barbara County Jail.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Orange County, contact our OC DUI Defense Lawyers today. Waiting to hire an attorney could be detrimental to your case; our DUI attorneys will represent you and will conduct the hearings on your behalf so that you don't have to.
How Much Would You Pay to Avoid a California DUI Arrest?
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find someone to serve as a designated driver. Often, the person who says they will stay sober and drive you home ends up drinking too much. Since is never a good idea to get in the car with someone who may be intoxicated, in these cases, it is best to call a cab or friend to pick you up.
But what happens if you plan to drive your own car home but end up having too much to drink? Often, California drivers will convince themselves that they are "ok to drive" to avoid the hassle of finding a ride home and a ride back to retrieve their car the next day. Many of those arrested for California DUI claim that they thought they were safe to drive.
To address this common problem, designated driver services are becoming more available and affordable in California. These services are designed to get both you and your car home safely.
In California, companies like Last Call Sacramento and the Ohio-based Be My Designated Driver, which is expanding throughout California, offer to pick you up and take you home - and bring a second driver to transport your car.
When weighing the costs of a California DUI against the cost of a designated driver service, it seems like a very affordable option.
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.
Woman Arrested for DUI, Stolen Vehicle and Drug Possession
Teresa Gregory, 29, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, drug possession, suspended license and theft of a vehicle.
According to ABC 15, the Prescott, Arizona woman was speeding on Highway 69 when she was pulled over. Officers found she was driving without a license and Gregory initially told officers the vehicle was hers and then changed the story, saying it belonged to a friend. As Gregory's passenger, 34-year-old Jason Benstead from California, was asked to step outside the vehicle, officers noticed a glass pipe on the seat and found three grams of meth underneath the passenger's seat.
Gregory finally admitted to stealing the car in California and even stole a license plate from another vehicle to put on the stolen car. Gregory was arrested on driving under the influence of drugs, theft of a vehicle, display of fictitious plates, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license. Benstead has also been arrested for theft of a vehicle and possession of meth; both Benstead and Gregory remain in custody.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys immediately. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on your behalf and if you retain our law firm, we will request and conduct the hearings on your behalf.
Teresa Gregory, 29, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, drug possession, suspended license and theft of a vehicle.
According to ABC 15, the Prescott, Arizona woman was speeding on Highway 69 when she was pulled over. Officers found she was driving without a license and Gregory initially told officers the vehicle was hers and then changed the story, saying it belonged to a friend. As Gregory's passenger, 34-year-old Jason Benstead from California, was asked to step outside the vehicle, officers noticed a glass pipe on the seat and found three grams of meth underneath the passenger's seat.
Gregory finally admitted to stealing the car in California and even stole a license plate from another vehicle to put on the stolen car. Gregory was arrested on driving under the influence of drugs, theft of a vehicle, display of fictitious plates, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license. Benstead has also been arrested for theft of a vehicle and possession of meth; both Benstead and Gregory remain in custody.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys immediately. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on your behalf and if you retain our law firm, we will request and conduct the hearings on your behalf.
Many drivers who are arrested for driving under the influence in California are actually stopped by the police for a different reason altogether, such as a broken taillight or expired inspection sticker. In the case of Darius Jamal Brown, it was his loud stereo.
Brown, from Union City, was pulled over in his BMW sedan while driving north on Empire Grade, south of Heller Drive in Santa Cruz. Brown was playing his car stereo excessively loud, according to CHP officer Sarah Jackson.
According to the Mercury News, the officer suspected Brown was intoxicated and performed field sobriety tests. During a search of the vehicle, a billy club belonging to Brown was discovered. When the officer attempted to place brown under arrest, he became combative and resisted, Jackson said.
Brown was charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest and felony possession of a dangerous weapon. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail and released on $5,000 bond.
The lesson here--Don't give police a reason to pull you over, particularly if you have had anything to drink. This may lead to a California DUI arrest.
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.
57-Year-Old Man Arrested for DUI After Driving Off Highway
Rolander Cruthird, 57, has been arrested for driving under the influence and cannabis possession after he drove off a highway last week.
The Redwood City resident was driving his 1994 Plymouth Voyager around 11:40pm when he drove off Highway 29 near Robert Louis Stevenson State Park just north of Calistoga. According to the Napa Valley Register, California Highway Patrol conducted an investigation that led them to believe Cruthrid was driving drunk and had a small amount of concentrated marijuana on him; Cruthrid was arrested and booked at the Napa County jail but it is not confirmed if bail was set.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today if you are arrested for driving under the influence in or around Orange County. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV and if you retain our OC DUI Law Firm, we will request the hearing on your behalf.
Multiple DUI Checkpoints will be occurring throughout the weekend in all of California; if you plan on drinking, don't drive and have a designated driver. These DUI sobriety checkpoints are designed to protect the public from those who are driving under the influence.
The list below shows a few, but not all, DUI checkpoints that will be occurring. If you are arrested during a checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys as soon as possible so that you can get the best representation and the best results.
Crystal has been with our firm for over 3 years and has been an important instrument in providing both the attorneys and clients with the information that they need. Our law firm is happy to have helped Crystal learn the ropes of DUI defense and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments.
We wish Crystal the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing her become a successful attorney.
Man in Stalled Car Killed in California DUI Accident
As reported by the Beverly Hill Courier, an alleged drunken driver crashed into a stalled car on the westbound Artesia (91) Freeway, killing the man sitting in the stalled car.
The man in his 20s was stalled in the No. 1 lane with hazard lights on when a woman in her 20s truck his car at about 1:10 a.m., just east of Knott Avenue, California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Gonzalez said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the alleged drunk driver was travelling at a high rate of speed when she crashed into the stalled vehicle. She and her passenger were allegedly coming back from drinking at bars in Fullerton, officers said.
Driving drunk can result in harsh consequences, but when it involves the death of another the offense is far more severe and the potential penalties are far greater. California DUI offenses that involve the death of another person are typically classified as vehicular manslaughter, second-degree murder, or vehicular homicide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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."
As reported by KHTS, a California man was driving under the influence when he crashed his vehicle into a Canyon Country resident's mailbox.
However, what he did next was surprising--he crawled into the back seat of his vehicle and took a nap.
At around 5 a.m., the homeowner discovered the vehicle crashed into his wall and mailbox and 52-year-old Mark Herran asleep in the back seat of the vehicle.
The homeowner woke Herran and then took a picture of the damage. But when he went back inside his house to report the DUI accident to the police, Herran fled the scene in his vehicle.
The homeowner and California Highway patrol quickly caught up with him. After failing a field sobriety test, Herran was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence and for having blood alcohol content greater than .08.
This story can certainly be filed under the "what not to do following a DUI accident" category.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
A California two-time DUI offender has been arrested on a third driving under the influence offense as well as being in violation of probation.
Clinton Hornsby, 30, was driving in his 1964 Plymouth Wagon, in front of a CHP officer, when he failed to make a full stop and ran through an intersection. According to Petaluma 360, the CHP officer noticed signs of intoxication, proceeded to investigate and found out that Hornsby had two prior DUI convictions and was in violation of probation.
Benjamin Arroyo, 44, has been arrested for driving under the influence after he crashed a Vons truck on the Santa Ana Freeway early Saturday morning.
The truck driver was on the freeway in Norwalk when he struck a 30-foot guardrail on the right shoulder and jackknifed into the center median and one lane of the northbound freeway. According to KTLA, the Vons truck then began to burn and exploded, causing minor injuries to the driver. No other injuries were reported and Arroyo was taken to the Norwalk Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, a California man was struck and killed in a California DUI accident on April 19 while walking in the Southeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Walnut Park.
According to California Highway Patrol, a 23-year-old man was traveling east on California Street about 1 a.m. when he failed to yield at a stop sign at Pacific Boulevard. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle and struck the victim, who was walking on the sidewalk.
The suspect did not immediately stop, but rather continued driving down the street. He ultimately collided with a brick wall and overturned. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood with minor injuries, and he was later arrested on suspicion of California DUI and manslaughter.
This story highlights the deadly consequences of 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.
43 People Get Arrested During Coachella Music Festival
Being arrested for a DUI with alcohol and/or drugs can be a stressful time, especially if it's during or right after a weekend long concert.
33 individuals were arrested for providing alcohol to minors, possession of false identification, minors in possession of alcohol and possession of open alcoholic beverage containers. According to KPSP Local 2, undercover officers, dressed in plain clothes, were targeting alcohol and drug violations. On top of this, 10 additional individuals were arrested for the possession of drugs or possession of drugs for sale including marijuana, ketamine, cocaine and MDMA.
Man Crashes Vehicle into Building in Garden Grove, Arrested for DUI
An accident in Garden Grove has resulted in a man being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence late Tuesday night.
A man, driving a pickup truck, was speeding on Knott St. when he ran a red light at West Chapman Ave and struck a vehicle in the left-hand turning lane on the other side of Knott St. According to the OC Register, the pickup truck then continued south for 100 yards before crashing into an abandoned scrapbooking store as 12072 Knott St. Both drivers were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and the male pickup truck driver was arrested on suspicion of a California DUI.
Crash Highlights Dangers of California Motorcycle DUI
As reported by the Daily Breeze, a motorcyclist killed Sunday in a crash on the Santa Monica (10) Freeway near West Los Angeles ran into the rear of another motorcyclist. Both motorcyclists were thrown from their vehicles and hit the pavement, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The motorcyclist who died was a 23-year-old Burbank man. He was found unconscious and was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The second motorcyclist was a 29-year-old resident of North Hollywood. He was treated for injuries at UCLA Medical Center and placed under arrest for California DUI, according to the CHP.
This story should remind motorcyclists about the dangers of drinking and driving. California DUI arrests can be made against any motorist driving while under the influence of alcohol, whether that person is in a car or on a motorcycle.
Furthermore, motorcycle drivers comprise the highest percentage of drunk drivers in fatal crashes, often because motorcyclists' bodies are less protected from collisions.
If you have been arrested for a California motorcycle DUI, you will need an experienced California DUI attorney.
Luis Jimenez, 23, has been arrested for a California DUI and manslaughter after he killed a pedestrian.
Jimenez was driving eastbound on California St. when he did not stop at a stop sign, lost control of his vehicle and hit a pedestrian around 1am Monday morning. According to CBS Local, the 42-year-old man was taken to the hospital where he later died due to his injuries. Jimenez received minor injuries and was booked for manslaughter and driving under the influence.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys if you have been arrested for any type of DUI. Whether this is your first or subsequent DUI, our attorneys will be able to assist you throughout your entire case.
Ronald Hernandez has been arrested for a felony driving under the influence charge after causing a roll over crash that resulted in severe injuries.
The 23-year-old Los Angeles resident was on Highway 101, south of El Capitan State Beach Road, when he lost control of his 2008 Toyota Tacoma. According to Noozhawk, the vehicle then rolled over and blocked both lanes of the highway and caused the passenger, Armen Sarkisan, 27, to receive a fracture to his right leg which was nearly amputated. Hernandez was arrested for a felony DUI before he was released to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Oscar-winning Nicolas Cage has been arrested in New Orleans for being drunk in public after having an argument with his wife.
The 47-year-old Cage was booked on suspicion of domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace and public drunkenness after he was spotted grabbing his wife by the upper hand, pulling her towards a building. According to Entertainment Today, the actor then began to strike cars and tried to get into a taxi cab before an officer ordered him out of the cab.
California DUI Suspect Attacks His Car, Turns on Police
As reported by Coast Central News, a California man already on probation for California DUI is facing charges for DUI, resisting arrest, and battery of a peace officer.
California Highway Patrol first received reports of a man beating a red Pontiac with a baseball bat along Highway 1 in Aptos.
When police arrived, they actually found Sergio Castillo driving the vehicle along the shoulder of the road. According to the newspaper, police are still unsure why the man had been beating his car earlier.
In attempting to arrest Castillo for driving under the influence, an officer was kicked in the face. Castillo was finally restrained and taken to the hospital for chemical testing. While he was at the hospital, he attempted to assault another officer.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
With the weekend almost here, it is important to take note of any DUI checkpoints that may be in your area although this isn't a complete list of potential California DUI sobriety checkpoints. If you are arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys as soon as possible to get the best possible representation.
For more up-to-date checkpoint information, check out our OC DUI Checkpoint page or call us 24/7 at 888-675-7171 for updates on checkpoints in Orange County!
Janice Ho, 25, has been arrested for driving under the influence after causing a three-car accident in California.
Ho was driving a 2000 BMW on Highway 29 when she rear-ended a 2001 Volkswagen Passat; the Passat then hit a Nissan pickup truck. According to the Napa Valley Register, two of the motorists were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries while Ho was arrested for driving under the influence causing injuries and driving without a license. Ho has been booked at the Napa County Jail.
San Diego Officer Under Investigation for DUI Hit & Run
David Hall, a San Diego police officer, is under criminal investigation for allegedly driving under the influence and a hit-and-run.
The 41 year old motorcycle traffic officer was driving his brown GMC when he crashed into a gray Chevy Suburban, driven by a woman, on Murray Ridge Road at the onramp to northbound I-805. According to CBS8, the female driver claimed Hall did not stop after hitting her while the 14-year department veteran says he did stop and only left after the driver said she was okay. Hall later willingly submitted to a breathalyzer test where his BAC was more than 3 times the legal limit.
California DUI Suspect Crashes Three Times Before He Is Finally Arrested
As reported by SonomaNews.com, a Sonoma man was arrested for California DUI after crashing his 1998 Chevy Suburban--not once--but three times.
The first DUI accident occurred when the man reared-ended another motorist on Arnold Drive, according to Officer Jaret Paulson with the California Highway Patrol's Napa office.
After fleeing the scheme of that accident, he proceeded into Seven Flags Mobile Home Park. Shortly thereafter, while driving on Hermosa Parkway, he hit a tree.
The DUI suspect then hit a stop sign on Seven Flags Circle and fled from his vehicle on foot to a residence on English Flag Way.
Because witnesses had reported seeing him with a gun, the Sonoma deputies and CHP set up a perimeter and called for assistance from the CHP helicopter in Napa.
The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor hit-and-run, misdemeanor driving under the influence, and misdemeanor driving while suspended.
This California driver will likely be found in violation of his DUI probation and could face harsh penalties from the criminal court system.
Judge Richard W. Stanford Jr., 63, is the fourth longest serving judge on the Orange County bench with 26 years as a judge as well as 12 years before that as a deputy district attorney. According to the OC Register, Stanford entered guilty pleas on behalf of the defendants but waived fines and fees. An upcoming July 25th hearing could result in Stanford receiving disciplinary actions such as admonishment to a public censure or removal from office.
CA Man Arrested for DUI after Causing Head-On Collision
Patrick Anderson, 60, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after causing a head-on collision.
Around 5:13pm, Anderson was driving his Nissan pickup erratically on northbound Highway 174 when he crossed over the double-yellow line, directly into oncoming traffic. Bill Durant, 67, of Sacramento was not able to avoid the collision and his Jeep collided head-on with Anderson. According to The Union, both men were taken to local hospitals as Durant sustained moderate injuries and Anderson is listed in critical condition. Anderson has been charged with driving under the influence and causing bodily injury.
DUI checkpoints are designed to protect both motorists and the public from those who have been drinking and driving. The list below provides you with DUI checkpoints that may be near you however it does not include other check points that may occur throughout the weekend. If you are arrested during a California DUI checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys to learn more regarding DUI charges and what you could be facing.
Friday:
Bakersfield: evening - undisclosed location
Costa Mesa: 7pm-1am - Newport Blvd. & 17th St.
Escondido: 6pm-12am- undisclosed location
La Habra: 7:30pm-3am - undisclosed location
Lompoc: 6pm-12am - undisclosed location
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - La Brea Ave between Coliseum St. & Rodeo Rd.
Newport Beach: 9pm-3am - Jamboree Rd & Santa Barbara Dr.
Santa Clarita: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Yorba Linda: 7:30pm-3am - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Gardena: 7:30pm-2:30am - Rosecrans Ave. at Denker Ave.
Long Beach: 6pm-2am - West Division area
John Hines, 38, a captain from the Long Beach Fire Department, has been arrested for a felony DUI and felony hit and run.
The incident occurred at around 1:34pm when Hines was driving his Chevrolet truck on Westminster Ave. east of Bolsa Chica Rd. Hines's vehicle swerved into the bike lane and struck a cyclist at approximately 60 mph, causing the biker to be thrown onto the road's dirt shoulder.
According to the OC Register, witnesses of the accident noticed Hines did not stop to check on the bicyclist and followed him as he drove away. The bicyclists was taken to a local hospital with major head trauma but is expected to be released. Hines was arrested for felony driving under the influence as well as felony hit and run; he has since been released on a $50,000 bond.
California Man Arrested for DUI after Weaving on Freeway
Douglas J. Tadlock was arrested for a California DUI when he was spotted weaving on the freeway.
The 42 year old Woodland man was driving a 1992 Ford SUV on County Road 102 when he was spotted weaving. According to the Daily Democrat, officers noticed Tadlock weaving around 1:05pm before they pulled him over. Officers noticed signs of intoxication and proceeded to investigate and noticed an open bottle of alcohol on the front seat; Tadlock was then arrested for driving under the influence.
California Man Arrested for DUI after Road Rage on I-5
Warren Neal Hawkins, 66, has been arrested for driving under the influence after he rammed a man's truck twice and yelled death threats out his window.
The Cottonwood man was driving his 1998 Ford Explorer on the 5 freeway at around 6:40pm. Hawkins's was driving 52 mph in the fast lane when another driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Gasik passed him up. According to Redding, Hawkins did not appreciate being cut off and drove up close behind Gasik, yelling and making hand gestures before pulling up alongside of Gasik's Toyota Tacoma to continue yelling.
Hawkins then got back behind Gasik's truck and proceeded to ram the rear of the Tacoma twice. Once both men got off the next exit, Hawkins proceeded to speed towards Gasisk's stopped car and began yelling death threats from his open window. Hawkins was arrested for driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon and making terrorist threats.
Several high school teens are being presented with a graphic visual stimulation of a drunk driving accident to help them understand the horrors of driving under the influence.
The program "Every 15 Minutes" is dedicated to making sure teens learn the severity of consequences that are associated with drinking and driving or even texting and driving. According to Parent Dish, once teens watch a simulation of a DUI accident on the school parking lot, a masked Grim Reaper pulls selected students out of class every 15 minutes to symbolize their death due to a DUI and an officer reads an "obituary" to the class that was written by that student's parents. For the next 24 hours, selected "dead" students cannot make any phone calls, text or even speak. This program teachers teens the dangers of driving under the influence or driving while texting to ensure their safety as well as the safety of other motorists.
Long Beach Police Officer Sentenced for California DUI
As reported by the Belmont Shore Patch, a Long Beach police officer has been sentenced to community service after pleading guilty to misdemeanor DUI.
Officer Eddie Sanchez, 30, was also ordered to complete three months of first-offender alcohol-awareness classes and to attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Program, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Sanchez also received three years of informal probation.
According to the district attorney, on May 24, 2010, Sanchez left a Long Beach bar about 4:30 p.m. Witnesses reported that he was driving erratically before stopping at a red light in Garden Grove. He idled there after the light changed to green and even after drivers began honking at him. Finally, a motorist walked up to his car, reached inside, and turned off the ignition. Sanchez's blood-alcohol level was measured at .16, twice the legal limit, the prosecutors maintained.
This case highlights that courts are increasingly utilizing sentencing alternatives in lieu of jail time. The MADD Victim Impact Programs sentencing alternative as well as some others are more specifically designed to help rather than punish California DUI offenders.
Fullerton Man Causes Head-on Crash, Arrested for Felony DUI
Faustino Barcenas, 49, has been arrested for a felony California DUI after causing a head-on collision.
The Fullerton resident was driving west on Highway 46 at around 11:15pm when he drifted into the eastbound lane. A driver in a Nissan Altima witnessed Barcenas drifting and pulled over on the side of the road to avoid a collision; Barcenas sideswiped the Altima before continuing down the road where he then struck Maria DeJesus Garcia, 37, head-on. Garcia and Barcenas both had to be extricated from their vehicles and be transported to nearby hospitals as they suffered major injuries. Barcenas was then arrested for a felony California DUI due to the severity of the injuries that Garcia has sustained.
Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers if you have been in a DUI related accident or have been arrested for a felony DUI. We have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of DUI case and will ensure that you receive the best representation.
There will be several DUI checkpoint and DUI roving patrols throughout California this weekend. During DUI sobriety checkpoints, officers will look for signs of intoxication and will request motorists to do field sobriety tests. Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys if you are arrested during a DUI checkpoint in California to find out how we can help you.
Los Angeles Resident Arrested For DUI, Car Full of Unregistered Guns
Aaron Pyke, 42, was arrested Wednesday for driving under the influence and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
The Los Angeles man was speeding on the 2 freeway when he was pulled over. Officers noticed signs of intoxication and began to investigate when Pyke mentioned that he had guns in the vehicle. Officers uncovered multiple guns with over 547 total rounds of ammo; only one gun was found to be registered. The Pasadena Star News states that Pyke was arrested and book on suspicion of driving under the influence as well as carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Our Orange County DUI Attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have about your most recent DUI offense and will represent you throughout your case.
Scott Balbirnie, 39, led officers on a chase through three Orange County cities before he was arrested for driving under the influence.
According to the OC Register, the Long Beach man was driving erratically on Beach Boulevard and Westminster Boulevard when officers tried to pull him over at 3am. Balbirnie did not stop and took officers on a chase through Huntington Beach and Westminster, before coming to a stop in Seal Beach. Officers asked Balbirnie to exit the vehicle but instead, the driver refused and officers used the bean-bag round to break his window. The male driver proceeded to resist and end up punching the K-9 who then began biting him. Once officers used a Taser to get the driver into custody, they realized that he was nude from the waist down. Balbirnie was treated for dog bites before he was booked at the Orange County Jail for driving under the influence, drug possession, drug use and assaulting a police dog.
Contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today if you have been arrested for driving under the influence. We are available toll free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or you may fill out our free case evaluation form to have a dedicated DUI Lawyer contact you directly.
Shelly Corinne Davis, from Sacramento, refused to stop when officers tried to pull her over for registration and mechanical violations at around 1:10am. According to the Modbee, Davis was driving a 1999 Toyota Tacoma truck near Colony Road and the Highway 99 onramp when the chase began; Davis reached speeds of over 100 mph before officers were able to use a spike strip to stop her.
Thousands of Vehicles Impounded During DUI Checkpoints
According to the Huffington Post, California traffic safety officials impounded 17,419 vehicles during DUI sobriety checkpoints.
In 2010 alone, more than 1,050 state-funded DUI checkpoints were conducted throughout the state of California. Although these checkpoints are designed to deter motorist from driving under the influence, it seems as if the DUI checkpoints are meant to make the city money rather than protect the public. For every DUI arrest made, officers impounded six vehicles, making these DUI checkpoints a waste of tax payer's money.
Nathan Gordon Johnson Meyer has been arrested for driving under the influence after he crashed and rolled his vehicle early Friday morning.
The 21 year old Rancho Cordova resident was driving northbound on I-5, south of I-505 at around 70-80 mph when he lost control of his 2003 Ford Ranger. According to the Daily Democrat, Meyer ran off the road, hit a metal fence and rolled his truck after which he was taken to the local hospital with minor lacerations to his face and pain in his left hand. Meyer was then arrested for driving under the influence.
Our Orange County DUI Lawyers know how frustrating it can be to be arrested for driving under the influence in California. We will fight for your and make sure that you receive the best possible sentencing in your specific case. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to have a dedicated OC DUI Attorney contact you directly.
U.S. Senators Ask Apple to Shut Down DUI Checkpoint Apps
As reported by CNET News, several members of Congress have sent a letter to Apple Inc. requesting that it remove applications that alert users to the presence of DUI sobriety checkpoints.
The letter was sent by U.S. Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and was addressed to Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software, Scott Forstall.
The letter highlights apps that "contain a database of DUI [driving under the influence] checkpoints updated in real-time" as well as one that sends out real-time alerts about the existence of these checkpoints.
The senators claim that "providing access to iPhone and iPad applications that alert users to DUI checkpoints is harmful to public safety."
Apple has not yet issued a public response.
It is important to point out that not everyone necessarily shares the senators' opinion regarding DUI checkpoint applications. District attorneys, police officers, and even officials at Mothers Against Drunk Driving have all voiced their approval of such services as a powerful DUI deterrent.
The senators' letter also does not seem to consider that law enforcement officials are required by law to publically announce certain information about the locations of future DUI checkpoints. Many of these applications simply gather this information and share it with the public.
California drivers who wish to be informed of California DUI checkpoints have no need to worry about Apple's policy regarding these applications. The locations of California DUI checkpoints are always available on this blog as well as Twitter.
Residents of Orange County can also visit the Orange County DUI Checkpoints website to find out about checkpoint locations.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California at a sobriety checkpoint, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
Hit-and-Run By a 21 Year Old Results in DUI Arrest
Jose Espinoza, 21, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a hit-and-run accident.
Espinoza, from Spring Valley, was driving eastbound on Jamacha Road in his 2000 Chevy pickup truck through a red light when he sideswiped a 2001 Lincoln Navigator who was driving on a green light. According to Sign on San Diego, Espinoza fled the scene however officers were able to find him 20 minutes after the accident occurred. The driver of the navigator was taken to a hospital with head injuries while Espinoza was arrested for driving under the influence, felony hit and run as well as causing an injury.
If you plan on going out this weekend, please be aware of several California DUI Checkpoints that will be conducted. Police officers will be looking for signs of intoxication and will require motorists to perform field sobriety tests. If you are arrested for a DUI during a checkpoint, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today.
24 Year Old Woman Killed After Causing DUI-Related Accident
A 24 year old Norwalk woman was driving drunk when she was killed when she crashed her vehicle into a tow truck.
Alma Berenice Limon Arredondo was driving on southbound on the 710 freeway, just north of the 105 freeway when she crashed her 2005 Ford Mustang under the back of a tow vehicle that was carrying a truck. The female driver was pronounced dead on the scene while the tow vehicle driver, 34 year old David Celis, was not injured.
According to the Contra Costa Times, the female driver had been drinking with her boyfriend but after they got into an argument, she took off. The boyfriend followed her on the freeway in a separate vehicle and is being under investigation for chasing her at the time of the accident; the boyfriend has been arrested for driving under the influence.
Our OC DUI Law Firm sends their sincere condolences to the friends and family of Arredondo. If you have been arrested for a California DUI, contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers today.
California DUI laws require chemical breath testing following an arrest for driving under the influence; however, you are not required to take a breath test prior to being arrested unless you are under the age of 21. As outlined below, the penalties also differ when the driver is under the age of 21.
For how long will my driving privilege be suspended if I took the chemical test?
If you are 21 years of age or older, took a blood or breath test, or (if applicable) a urine test, and the results showed 0.08% BAC or more:
A first offense will result in a 4-month suspension.
A second or subsequent offense within 10 years will result in a 1-year suspension.
If you are under 21 year of age, took a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test or other chemical test and results showed 0.01% BAC or more, your driving privilege will be suspended for 1 year.
How long will my driving privilege be suspended for not taking the chemical test?
If you were 21 years of age or older at the time of arrest and you refused or failed to complete a blood or breath test, or (if applicable) a urine test:
A first offense will result in a 1-year suspension.
A second offense within 10 years will result in a 2-year revocation.
A third or subsequent offense within 10 years will result in a 3-year revocation.
If you were under 21 years of age at the time of being detained or arrested and you refused or failed to complete a PAS test or other chemical test:
A first offense will result in a 1-year suspension.
A second offense within 10 years will result in a 2-year revocation.
A third or subsequent offense within 10 years will result in a 3-year revocation.
If you find yourself arrested after a chemical test, contact your local California DUI Defense Attorney to find out more information on what you could be facing as a DUI offender.
According to the Contra Costa Times, the female was driving in a Lexus IS300 down the 5 freeway, north of East Burbank Boulevard, when she hit the back of a truck. The truck driver was not injured, however the Lexus driver was taken to the hospital for a precautionary check; the female driver was then taken to the local Glendale jail and has been booked on DUI offense.
A repeat DUI offender from Petaluma, California was recently arrested after a police stakeout at a bar under the state's DUI Habitual Offender Stakeout Program.
Under the terms of his DUI probation, Steven Roetter, a two time DUI offender, was prohibited from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in his system, possessing or using alcohol, and entering locations where alcoholic beverages are the primary item for sale including liquor stores and bars.
Officers from the Habitual DUI Offender Stakeout Program spotted Roetter's vehicle parked outside a bar in Petaluma. After driving a minimal distance from the bar, officers stopped Roetter and conducted chemical testing. He was subsequently arrested with a blood alcohol level of 0.11 percent, above the legal limit in California.
Roetter is being charged with DUI with two prior convictions and violation of DUI probation. The Habitual DUI Offender Stakeout Program is funded by a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Being arrested on suspicion of California DUI can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming. Although it is best not to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking, it is important to know what to do should you be arrested.
1. Record Your Recollection of the Events
Although you may feel like your DUI arrest will haunt your memory forever, you will inevitably forget details over time. Therefore, it is important to write down everything that you remember about the events leading up to and following your arrest. It is best to write down every detail, no matter how irrelevant it may seem, Names, times, and locations are all integral when putting together a DUI defense.
2. Don't Procrastinate
When you are arrested on suspicion of California DUI, the clock starts ticking against you. A driver arrested on suspicion of California DUI has only 10 days after arrest--including weekends and holidays--to request a DMV hearing. If a hearing is not requested within 10 days, the DMV will automatically begin the process of suspending your driver's license. You also want to make sure you keep track of any upcoming court dates and deadlines to avoid additional penalties.
3. Talk to an Experienced Attorney
The best defense to a drunk driving arrest is to consult an experienced and knowledgeable California DUI attorney. Not all doctors are the same--some treat heart conditions and others treat cancer. The same is true for attorneys. An attorney who specializes in California DUI cases will be best equipped to challenge any breath, blood, or chemical tests, dispute the validity of the original traffic stop, and best protect your license.
4. Seek Support
The days and weeks following a DUI arrest can be an emotional rollercoaster. Therefore, it is important to seek support from friends and family and develop a plan to move forward.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
California DUI Checkpoints - St. Patrick's Day Weekend
St. Patrick's Day and the weekend will be filled with DUI Checkpoints all throughout California. Our Orange County DUI Attorneys want you to be aware of certain times and locations so that you can drink responsibly. During these DUI sobriety check points, officers will be looking for signs of intoxication and will be conducting DUI field sobriety tests. Being arrested for a DUI can be frustrating as it could lead to serious consequences; contact an OC DUI Law Firm today to find out more information.
Thursday 3/17:
Hollywood: 8pm-2am - Highland Ave & Odin Street
Long Beach: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Modesto: 10pm-4am - undisclosed location
Were you arrested during a California DUI checkpoint? If so, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers immediately to find out how we can help you.
Lake Forrest Deputy Christine Chang arrested three people with nearly 50 heroin-filled balloons and is being recognized for her achievements, productivity and professionalism. According to the OC Register, two other Deputies are being recognized for their efforts in drunken-driving enforcement; one officer is being recognized for his third year in arresting more than 100 suspects who were driving under the influence.
Unfortunately, because officers get rewarded for the amount of DUI arrests they make in a year, most are encouraged to be overzealous in the arrests. Because of this, officers tend to make up reasons for the stop, keep their videos off until after the stop is initiated and are even trained to perform DUI field sobriety tests off camera in order to avoid inconsistencies in the report. Officers also tend to not give proper instructions and will exaggerate at how poor people perform on the tests.
Our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you fight your DUI. We have been trained by the NHTSA, know all the DUI laws and will be able to determine whether the initial stop as well as the field sobriety test was done lawfully. Contact our OC DUI Attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Should I immediately report a California DUI arrest to my insurance company?
No. Because individuals are innocent until proven guilty, there is no need to contact an insurance company unless you are convicted of DUI. In some circumstances, human and computer error may also result in your insurance company never finding out about your DUI arrest or conviction.
If I don't report it, can the insurance company still find out?
Maybe. The reporting period for DUI offenses is 10 years. Therefore, if your insurance company runs a check of your DMV record, it will likely discover your DUI. Fortunately, many insurance carriers review their policyholders' driving records only once every three years or when they apply for a new policy.
Your insurance provider will also discover your DUI conviction if you are required to file a SR-22 certificate. Because SR-22's in California are only required when a person is arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, requesting one from the insurance carrier is like waving a red flag that announces that the driver was arrested for a California Drunk Driving incident.
What is an SR 22 Certificate?
An SR 22 Certificate confirms that you meet this state's minimum requirements for auto insurance liability coverage. When the DMV suspends or revokes your license following a DUI arrest, it requires that you obtain SR 22 coverage before it will reinstate your driving privilege. An SR 22 Certificate is obtained through your insurance carrier and then forwarded to the DMV.
Will a California DUI conviction cause my premium to increase?
Unfortunately, a driving under the influence conviction usually causes an insurance carrier to raise a driver's rates substantially or cancel the policy altogether.
What happen if my insurance company cancels my policy?
If your insurance policy is cancelled, you need to get new insurance right away since it is illegal to own or operate a vehicle without liability insurance in California.
If necessary, individuals unable to obtain insurance through their regular insurance company may have any agent or broker file an application to the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP).
Because the penalties for California drunk driving can be severe, including the loss of insurance coverage, it is important to hire an experienced California DUI Defense Lawyer who can lessen such affects.
According to Mercury News, Turner intentionally ran over her 48 year old boyfriend, Sendy Thomas, on January 9, 2010. Records show that Turner was drunk and had cocaine and marijuana in her system when she ran Thomas over. Turner's attorney stated that the woman feared Thomas and that he had jumped in front of Turner's car.
Estimated costs for first DUI conviction according to AAA:
Fine (minimum): $390 or more
Penalties (typical): $780
Vehicle tow/storage: $187
15-week alcohol education classes: $500
Victim restitution fund: $100
DMV licensing re-issue fee: $125
Booking, fingerprinting, and photo fee: $156
Auto insurance rate increase: $7,424 over a ten year period
An experienced attorney can help individuals charged with their first DUI to negate or reduce the costs listed above. If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
California Woman Impersonates Sister, Arrested for DUI
Rachel Kathleen Zock, 20, was arrested on suspicion of a DUI, impersonating another to avoid prosecution as well as obstruction and delaying an officer.
According to the Napa Valley Register, the underage Napa woman was stopped after she was speeding 76mph in a 60mph zone. Officers asked the woman to perform a DUI field sobriety test after they smelled alcohol in her vehicle however Zock then began to punch and kick the officers.
The woman was taken to the Queen of the Valley Medical Center for blood tests where hospital personnel recognized the woman; officers then realized that Zock had been impersonating her 21 year old sister to avoid being arrested. The 20 year old has been booked into Napa County jail and is being held on bond.
Once you are arrested for driving under the influence, you could also be charged with enhancements such as speeding or child endangerment. If you have recently been arrested for a California DUI, contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys to learn more about what you could be facing and how we can help you.
San Diego Man Arrested for DUI after Causing Fatal Crash
A San Diego woman has been killed in a suspected DUI vehicle crash that occurred around 2:10am.
According to Sign on San Diego, a man was driving a white sedan northbound on Interstate 5 when he lost control of his vehicle. The car rolled over and trapped the female passenger who died at the scene of the accident and sent another passenger to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the sedan was not injured and was arrested for a DUI with accident.
California residents will be seeing several DUI/drivers license checkpoints throughout several cities starting today, Friday March 11th and going all the way through Sunday. These checkpoints are designed to protect the public and defer them from driving drunk. Officers will be looking for signs of intoxication and might require some motorists to go through a DUI field sobriety test.
Friday, March 11th: Hemet - 8:00opm - 2am - undisclosed location
Newport Beach - 9pm until 3am - northbound Dover Drive at 16th Street
Pacoima - 8pm - 2am - Van Nuys Blvd, between Osborne and Nordhoff Street - Friday
San Jacinto - 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Saturday, March 12th: Bakersfield - evening - undisclosed location
Costa Mesa - 7pm-1am - Adams Avenue at Mesa Verde Drive West
Escondido - evening - undisclosed location
Huntington Beach - 9pm - evening - undisclosed location
Los Angeles - 6pm - 1am - Eastbound Manchester Ave between Broadway St. & Figueroa Street
Modesto - 10pm-4am - undisclosed location
San Jose - 9pm-3am - undisclosed location
Sunday, March 13th: Santa Monica - 6pm-10pm - unknown location
Sergeant Steven E. Sexton was arrested for a California DUI on Monday afternoon in eastern Woodland.
According to the Daily Democrat, the 52-year-old Woodland sergeant was driving his 2004 Triumph motorcycle near Schlotz Court and Burns Way. California Highway Patrol stopped Sexton, noticed signs of intoxication and proceeded to arrested him for driving under the influence.
California Man Causes 8 Car Accident, Arrested for DUI
A 25 year old California man has been arrested for driving under the influence after causing a major vehicle collision.
According to Marin Scope, Shiloh McGillicuddy crashed his 200w Saturn SL1 into the center divider while driving north on Highway 101. Once his vehicle stopped, he was then hit by several other cars causing an 8 car pileup, sending one 50 year old to the hospital with minor injuries and causing two unlicensed drivers to be cited.
OC Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Accident
Anaheim resident, Jessica Lynn Shekell, 23, was sentenced to 6 years in prison for two counts of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunk-driving causing injury.
According to the OC Register, on October 26, 2010 Shekell was driving the wrong way on the 91 freeway in Orange County when she caused a head on collision. The driver, Sally Miguel, age 49, died at the scene while her sister Patricia Miguel, 30, died hours later; the sister's two nieces, ages 15 and 11, suffered major injuries but survived the crash. Shekell's blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit at 0.26%.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, an Orange County DUI Attorney will be able to provide you with legal advice as well as answer any of your questions and represent you throughout your entire case.
Plan on drinking in or around Newport Beach this weekend? Please be aware of an Orange County DUI Checkpoint on Friday, March 11th.
From 9pm until 3am, the Newport Beach police department will be conducting a DUI/ driver's license checkpoint. According to the Newport Beach Police news release, the checkpoint will occur on northbound Dover Drive at 16th Street. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for obvious signs of intoxication and will have motorists conduct DUI field sobriety tests to confirm their suspicions.
Young Driver Arrested for DUI After Crashing Vehicle
A 22 year old Arcata driver was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI after she caused a crash.
Nancy J. Sierra and her 26 year old passenger Amanda L. Nikola were driving in Sierra's 2000 Honda Accord at around 2am Tuesday morning when the driver lost control, went off the road and hit a power pole. According to Contra Costa Times, both women were taken to the Mad River Community Hospital; Sierra suffered minor injuries while Nikola suffered a broken clavicle.
An Orange County substitute teacher is under investigation after allegedly showing up to class drunk.
According to the OC Register, a substitute teacher was called into a Mission Viejo K-8 school to supervise a music class. The substitute teacher had started a dance contest and had kids dancing on chairs and tables Friday afternoon when a school employee noticed; the substitute teacher reportedly stumbled out of the room and a strong odor of alcohol was detected. When questioned, several students told officers that the teacher was acting weird and three sixth-grade boys said the teacher "engaged in misconduct" with them. No arrests have been made; however, the substitute teacher could be facing numerous consequences.
Harry M. Teinowitz, 50, has been arrested on suspicion of DUI in Skokie Friday night.
According to the Huffington Post, the ESPN 1000's hit radio show personality, known for the show The Afternoon Salon, was driving his Nissan SUV on Greenwood Street when officers pulled him over for improper lane usage. Officers arrested Teinowitz after they noticed signs of intoxication and is being held on a $1,000 bond.
Pedestrian in California Killed, Veil Man Arrested for DUI
A 29-year-old Veil man has been arrested on suspicion ofCalifornia DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
David Matthew Perzanowski was driving his 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee on South Frontage Road near Elkhorn Drive when he struck Lewis Edward Cook III. The 32 year old man was unresponsive when officers arrived on the scene. Perzanowski was arrested and is being held on $15,000 bail. Our California DUI Law Firm sends our condolences to the friends and family of Cook.
A former Ventura children's store owner has been arrested on suspicion of a California DUI as well as vehicular manslaughter after a hit and run that turned deadly.
43 year old Shannon Richard was driving her 2008 Mitsubishi when she hit 40 year old Jose Luis Carmona as he was walking alongside his bike; unfortunately, Carmona died from blunt force injuries. According to keyt.com, officers found Richard at her home nearby where she claimed she thought she hit an animal.
Husband Drives 35 Miles with Wife on Hood, Arrested for DUI
A 36 year old man has been arrested and booked for attempted murder and suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after he drove 35 miles with his wife on the hood of the car.
According to the Huffington Post, Christopher Carroll had an argument with his wife when he got into his vehicle at around 12:30am; the wife got onto the hood of the minivan to stop her husband, however, she got stuck and he took off with her clinging for her life. Carroll drove for 35 miles at speeds of up to 100 mph from Manteca to Pleasanton where the wife was able to roll off of the car onto the highway. The woman was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for hypothermia.
A California man is facing charges for drinking and plowing. South Lake Tahoe police say 55-year-old Steve Beattie took out a light and traffic sign while driving a front end loader on Ski Run Boulevard.
When police tried to stop him, officers say he drove the loader towards a patrol car attempting to hit the officer inside while making an obscene gesture.
The officer was able to back his car up and escape.
Eventually Beattie was apprehended when he drove the tractor into a dead end street. However, he did not exit the loader right away even after several commands were shouted from the police.
Beattie is charged with driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempting to evade police as he put up a struggle once he exited the tractor.
Police say he admitted to using illegal drugs and conducting snow removal work with no sleep for several days.
It is advisable to contact an experienced California DUI attorney if you are arrested or cited for driving any vehicle (including a tractor) under the influence of alcohol.
A North Bay mother has been arrested for a California DUI after she crashed her SUV.
According to KTVU.com, the 23-year-old woman was driving in Santa Rosa when she crashed her SUV into a guardrail and went over an embankment. The woman and her two daughters, ages 4 and 6, were ejected from the car while her 4 year old son, who was strapped in a car seat, remained in the vehicle. The 6 year old sustained the most injuries; however, all four individuals were taken to local hospitals. The woman, who has been booked on suspicion of driving under the influence may also be looking at other charges such as child endangerment and speeding.
Christina Aguilera Arrested for Being Drunk in Public
The "Genie in a Bottle" and "Beautiful" singer was arrested early Tuesday morning for public drunkenness.
LA Times Blog states that Christina Aguilera, 30, was a passenger of a car when the driver was pulled over in West Hollywood and arrested for a DUI in California. Aguilera was taken into custody for being drunk in public but was later released on $250 bail.
Special Concerns for Underage California Drivers Arrested for DUI
In 2009, 1,260 drivers under the age of eighteen were arrested for DUI in California. California DUI penalties are very severe, particularly for underage drivers.
Under California's "Zero Tolerance Law," anyone under 21 years of age with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.01 or greater will be charged with DUI. This means that consuming just one alcoholic drink can lead to a DUI.
California DUI penalties for underage drivers include the following:
1. Underage drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.01 percent or higher will automatically lose their license for one year.
2. It is a crime for anyone under the age of 18 with a blood alcohol level of .05 percent or higher to operate a motor vehicle.
3. Underage drivers with a blood alcohol level at or above 0.08 percent can be arrested and prosecuted for driving under the influence.
4. Underage drivers who are arrested for any alcohol or drug offense will have their license suspended for at least one year and be subject to fines.
5. Underage drivers may also be required to enroll in an alcohol education program or perform community service.
In addition to the penalties outlined above, a DUI arrest could also affect an underage driver's current and future goals. High school students may be suspended from extracurricular activities. College applications and admissions can be negatively effected by a DUI conviction, as can future employment.
If you or a friend or family member (son or daughter) has been arrested for underage DUI, you will need an experienced California DUI attorney.
San Diego Man Arrested for DUI After Hitting & Killing Transient
A 27-year-old San Diego resident has been charged with suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
According to SFGate, Nicholas Arthur Thibault lost control of his vehicle as he was exiting Interstate 805 and swerved off of the ramp. A transient was camping behind the bushes at the time of the accident when he was hit and killed. The young driver is being held without bail at the San Diego jail.
According to AOL News, the 48-year-old was driving her vehicle when she was spotted veering across lanes of traffic at 1:10am. Once officers pulled her over they noticed she had bloodshot and dilated eyes and smelled of alcohol, which are all signs of intoxication.
Oberlin told officers she had only four beers before driving, however, after she struggled through the DUI field sobriety tests and breathalyzer records show Oberlin was at .234 and .239 (which is almost three times that of the state legal limit) she was arrested and booked at the local jail.
California DUI Sobriety Checkpoints - February 25-27
If you plan on going out this weekend, please be aware of the DUI checkpoints that will be around you. The list below is designed to inform you of a few times and locations around California, but it is by no means a complete list of DUI checkpoints in California.
Friday:
Inglewood: 8pm-3:30am - on Florence Avenue at Centinela Avenue
Los Angeles: 8pm-2am - Ventura Blvd. between Noble Ave & San Diego Freeway Sherman Oaks
Riverside: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
San Marcos: 7pm-2:30am - undisclosed location
If you were arrested for a DUI during a sobriety checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers. We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with legal information and represent you in both the DMV and criminal court hearings.
Sonoma County Agriculture Commissioner Receives Three Years Probation for First-Time California DUI
Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner Cathy Neville recently pleaded no contest in Sonoma County Superior Court to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.
Judge Shelly Averill immediately sentenced Neville to three years' probation and two days in the Sonoma County Jail. Neville was previously in jail for two days and was given credit for time served.
The judge also fined Neville $2,326 and ordered her to enroll in a first-offender DUI program within 21 days.
The California Highway Patrol arrested Neville, 53, for DUI and resisting an officer around 9 p.m. on September 10 near Graton in unincorporated Sonoma County. CHP officials said Neville's 2006 Nissan sedan was weaving and driving over the white line at the edge of westbound state Highway 116.
Neville ran a short distance from the CHP officer during a field sobriety test, and the officer "had to take Neville down to the ground in an attempt to gain control over her," CHP officials said in a written report.
Assistant District Attorney Diana Gomez said Neville was not charged with resisting an officer because prosecutors do not believe that charge could be proven to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.
Chico Man Crashes into Stopped Car, Arrested for DUI
James McFadden Jr., 57, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after officers watched him hit another car.
According to Chico ER, California Highway Patrol was on its way to intercept a vehicle that was said to be driving recklessly near Highways 149 and 70. Officers noticed a car matching the description taking the off ramp; once officers started to follow the vehicle, they watched McFadden crash his Mercury Mountaineer into a Ford Escape that was stopped at a stoplight. There were no injuries but minor damage to the vehicles. Officers had McFadden perform field sobriety tests and booked him into the Butte County Jail.
57 Year Old Man Hits & Kills Pedestrian, Arrested for DUI
Leopoldo Tobilla, 57, was arrested on suspicion of DUI as well as leaving the scene of an accident and vehicular manslaughter.
According to Mercury News, Tobilla was driving on Skyline Boulevard when he hit struck and killed a man who was walking in the lanes of traffic. After striking the pedestrian, the Pacifica man left the scene of the accident and returned 30 minutes later. Officers determined Tobilla was under driving under the influence when the accident happened and he has been booked at the San Mateo County Jail.
Oakland has the lowest number of DUI arrests and DUI-related accidents among California's thirteen largest cities, according to a recent study by the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Data was collected from agencies such as the Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol. In 2009, 312 DUI-related arrests were made, and 131 people were killed or hurt in DUI-related accidents in Oakland.
Law enforcement officials attribute the low number of DUI arrests to a number of different factors, including Oakland's active participation in Alameda County's Avoid the 21 program. Oakland law enforcement officials are regularly involved in saturation patrols and DUI sobriety checkpoints in an effort to curb drinking and driving in the city.
"We congratulate both the people of Oakland and the police department for having such a low DUI fatality figure. It's good news when you are the best in the state as far as fatalities and injuries go. The whole point of this is to save lives," said Chris Cochran of the Office of Traffic Safety.
If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI in Oakland, it is imperative to contact a qualified DUI lawyer. Contact our knowledgeable Alameda County DUI attorneys today.
An all-star baseman for the Detroit Tigers has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida.
Miguel Cabrera was on the side of the road when officers pulled up to check on him. Fox Sports Detroit states that officers noticed obvious signs of intoxication such as the scent of alcohol, bloodshot and water eyes as well as slurred speech. On top of this, officers state that they observed Cabrera take a drink out of a bottle of James Buchanan Scotch. As officers were trying to get him into the patrol car, Cabrera resisted. The baseman was booked into the local county jail but was later released on a $1,350 bond.
California DUI Risk High for Many Fans Leaving Sports Stadiums
As football season ends and baseball season approaches, California sports fans should consider a recent study regarding alcohol consumption at sporting events.
The study--the first of its kind--found 8% of fans leaving sports stadiums are legally drunk. On the basis of these results, after a sold-out game at Angels Stadium, 3,600 fans are at risk for a California DUI.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota used a Breathalyzer to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) of 382 adults following 13 baseball games and 3 football games in 2006. They found one in twelve fans had a BAC of 0.08 or higher, above the legal limit.
The study also revealed that tailgaters were 14 times more likely to be legally drunk, while those under 35 years of age were 9 times more likely to be legally drunk.
Michael Hilton, deputy director of the division of epidemiology and prevention research for the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said it's reasonable to assume that many people leave sporting events too intoxicated to drive home safely.
"The implication is that a lot of these people are probably going to be driving," he said. "It should be an area of concern. This is really very much a pilot study, but it definitely says things that are worth following up in future studies."
As a result of this study, the researchers and others are calling for efforts to address this problem, including training alcohol servers in stadiums, discouraging tailgating, and increasing DUI checkpoints around stadiums.
If you or someone you know has been arrested during a sobriety checkpoint, contact a qualified California DUI attorney for more information regarding your specific case.
Turlock Checks on DUI Offenders Who Fail To Show Proof of Ignition Interlock Device
Once you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you could be facing serious consequences that could include license suspension. However, if you are eligible to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, you will be allowed to keep your license and continue driving.
An ignition interlock device or an IID is an effective way to allow previous DUI offenders the privilege of driving. To start the vehicle, the driver must blow into the IID and have it register at or below the predetermined blood alcohol level; these test results are then periodically sent to the District Attorney for review. Once you are allowed to use an IID, you must show proof of installation to your local DMV.
Several DUI offenders in Turlock found out just how important it is to provide this proof. According to the Modest Bee, Turlock officers visited 116 high-risk DUI offenders, 29 of which were in violation. Out of all of these, 6 were in compliance and 22 had their licenses suspended. One individual resisted officers and was booked in jail on an obstruction charge and had his license suspended.
If you were arrested for driving under the influence, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys to find out more information about ignition interlock devices.
According to a press release from the Costa Mesa Police Department, the checkpoint will occur between the hours of 6pm and 11 pm on the 2300 block of Placentia Avenue. Officers will be looking for signs of intoxication and will require motorists to perform field sobriety tests.
If you have been arrested for a DUI during a checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out more information.
According to the OC Register, 22 people performed DUI field sobriety tests, 11 cars were towed, 18 people were cited for multiple driving violation and 17 driver's licenses were investigated. This checkpoint was funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety and out of the 429 vehicles that traveled through the checkpoint, only 1% of them were actually related to DUIs. This raises the question on whether these checkpoints are an effective means of protecting the public or whether taxpayer's money should be spent in a better way.
California Man Backs Into Police Car, Arrested for DUI
A 75 year old man from Corning was arrested on suspicion of a DUI after he crashed his 1999 Chevy Silverado into a California Highway Patrol officer's vehicle.
Red Bluff Daily News states George backed into the officer's vehicle after he was pulled over while driving west on South Avenue. The CHP officer did notice signs of intoxication and blood test results showed George was over a .08%. George was arrested for a California DUI and violating a court order.
Woman Leads Cops on Chase, Causes DUI-related Accident
Tina Adame has been arrested after causing a DUI-related accident following a high speed chase.
The Fresno woman was driving at high speeds when, according to ABC Local, she failed to stop when officers tried to pull her over. Adame sped through multiple stop signs and red lights before she crashed her vehicle into a tree on Olive Ave. Adame had two other passengers in the car; however, no one was hurt in the accident. Once arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Adame was taken to the county jail and is being held on a $52,000 bail.
Been arrested for a Fresno DUI and not sure what to do next? Contact our knowledgeable Fresno DUI Defense Lawyers with any questions hat you may have; we will represent and guide you throughout your entire case.
California City Attorney Crashes, Arrested for DUI
A Lakeport city attorney has been arrested for a California DUI after he hit a car and fled from the scene.
The Lake County Record Bee states that Steven John Brookes, 53, who works as a city attorney and operates a private practice, was driving his Volvo eastbound on Main Street Kelseyville when he crossed into the westbound lane, striking a Ford F-350 who was pulling out of a gas station. Brookes drove away but was later located on Konocti Road and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. At 9:30pm Brookes was booked into county jail but release at 11:10pm.
This weekend, several cities throughout California will be conducting DUI checkpoints. These controlled sobriety check points are designed to ensure that motorists are not drinking and driving. Officers will be looking for signs of intoxication such as bloodshot or water eyes or slurred speech and will have motorist go through DUI field sobriety tests. If you fail any of these tests, you could be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
This list is compiled to provide you with the location of several checkpoints. If you are arrested during a check point, contact a California DUI Lawyer to find out how we can help you.
California Man Crashes Into Home, Arrested for DUI
A 26-year-old driver crashed his vehicle early Friday morning and has been arrested on suspicion of a Ventura County DUI.
The Ventura County Star was on the road in Ojai at 1:38am when he lost control of his vehicle, causing it to go through a fence, hitting a gas line and striking the side of a home. Residence of surrounding homes were evacuated for approximately 30 minutes due to the gas leak, however, no one was harmed. The driver was arrested and booked into the Ventura County jail.
Sergio Montgomery of Santa Clara County has been arrested without incident and taken to county jail on suspicion of a California DUI.
Officers used a spike strip to catch a man who they suspected had been driving drunk. Officers tried pulling Montgomery over at around 1 am but he fled from the cops which then caused them to place a spike strip on the highway near Granite Creek Road. According to Mercury News, Montgomery's truck's tires blew out, allowing officers to arrest him.
Have you recently been arrested for driving under the influence? If so, speak with our qualified California DUI Lawyers today to find out more information regarding what you could be facing and how we can help you.
MTV reality star Shane Sheckler has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in San Clemente.
The 18 year old "Life of Ryan" actor was driving erratically in his white GMC truck when officers pulled him over Saturday morning. OC Weekly states that Sheckler showed obvious signs of intoxication, was booked into a nearby jail but was released hours later.
48 Year Old Woman Crashes Golf Cart, Arrested for DUI
Deborah Selna, 48, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after she crashed a golf car that she was driving.
The Lake County Record-Bee states that Selna, along with two other women, were driving in a red 200 Yamaha golf cart at a fast speed when Selna lost control of the cart. The golf cart hit a tree before it rolled over and landed on its roof. The driver along with one other passenger suffered major injuries while the third women suffered moderate injuries; all three women were transported to the local hospital.
Teenager Arrested for Causing DUI-Related Fatal Accident
A South San Francisco teen has been arrested for vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence after the car that he was driving slammed into another vehicle, causing a 17-year-old girl to die.
Sean Quintero, 18, was driving his mother's vehicle around 3:20am on Highway 101 when he caused the accident that left one girl dead and three other passengers, all between the ages of 17 and 18, injured. According to the Mercury News, Quintero is being held without bond and once he's convicted, he could be looking at over 11 years in prison.
If you or someone you know has been in a DUI related accident, speak with knowledgeable and qualified DUI Defense Lawyer to find out what you could be facing and how we can help you!
A Highland man has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicle manslaughter when his vehicle crashed into another vehicle that was parked on the side of the road.
Russell Hanson, 32, was driving a 2007 GMC Yukon when he slammed into a 1994 Lincoln Town Car, killing a 77-year-old backseat passenger and critically injuring the other passengers. According to the Redlands Daily Facts, the crash was so severe that officers had to use a tow truck to pull the vehicles apart and firefighters had to cut out the window and part of the roof to remove the injured passengers.
If you plan on partying to celebrate the Super Bowl, assign a designated driver or hail a taxi as there will be plenty of DUI checkpoints all throughout the weekend.
Starting Friday evening and going through Sunday, police officers in multiple cities will be checking for motorists who show signs of intoxication and may require them to perform DUI field sobriety tests.
If you are arrested for a DUI at a checkpoint, contact our DUI Defense Lawyers to find out how we can help you.
Friday: Oakland: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Oxnard: 6pm-2am - undisclosed location
Redlands: 10pm-3am - undisclosed location
Riverside: 6pm-12am - undisclosed location
San Bernardino: 6pm-2am - 200 block of E. 40th Street
Vallejo: 6pm-11pm - undisclosed location
Saturday:
Encinitas: Evening - undisclosed location
Modesto: 9pm-3am - undisclosed location
San Francisco: 8:30pm-1am - Geary Blvd. and Steiner Street
Santa Marina: 6pm-1am - undisclosed location
A man suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a natural gas line in a La Habra neighborhood, forcing 70 people from 20 homes to evacuate Thursday evening.
The crash occurred at around 9:34pm when the SUV driver crashed into a fence, breaking the gas pipe and causing it to hiss. According to the Contra Costa Times, a worker at the scene states that the pressure was 30 pounds per square inch, meaning it was not a small leak but a "gusher". The gas pipe was finally shut off at 1:30am and the OC Register confirms residents were able to return to their homes early Friday morning.
The semi-truck was heading eastbound on the 101 Freeway around 6:10am near Laurel Canyon when it hit a center divider before crashing into a minivan. According to JusticeNewsFlash.com, the crash caused the minivan driver to sustain moderate injuries and both the driver and the trucker were taken to the local hospital for treatment.
Popular OC Bar Under Investigation For Too Many DUI's
A local Orange County bar is being investigated for the amount of drunk drivers that are pulled over once they have left the bar.
According to the Huntington Beach Independent, the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control is investigating Baja Sharkeez in downtown Huntington Beach after Police Chief Ken Small sent in a letter outlining his concerns. Based on the DUI arrest data, 72 Sharkeez customers were arrested for driving under the influence in a 22 month period. Sharkeez owner Ron Newman believes that the police are preying on his bar because it is popular and says that officers are constantly stationed outside of the bar, waiting to arrest patrons.
If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today to find out what we can do for you.
A Chico woman has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after she crashed and rolled her car.
Elizabeth Ann Holmes, 51, was driving on the Skyway just west of the Tuscan Ridge Golf when she leaned over to eat Chinese food and failed to realize there was an upcoming right turn. Holmes overcorrected but sent her car off of the road, causing it to overturn; she was wearing a seatbelt and suffered moderate injuries. According to ChicoER.com, Holmes was arrested for a California DUI with accident but was released for transportation to the local hospital.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyer today for more information.
Raymond Carter, 29, is suspected of driving under the influence after the Porsche that he was driving at over 100 mph hit a curb, became airborne, hit a light pole and landed on its roof under the 241 toll road in Mission Viejo.
The OC Register states that both Carter and his 32-year-old passenger, Brandon Whitaker, were taken to the Mission Hospital where Carter is in a coma and Whitaker is in stable condition. Whitaker, from Lake Forest, informed officers at the scene of the crash that he has been drinking and authorities are investigating the cause of the crash whether they can arrest Carter for an Orange County DUI.
David DeRoo, a rocker known for being in the band Adema, has been arrested for a previous DUI causing bodily harm.
The singer and bassist was charged with driving under the influence after a collision January 2011 in Bakersfield and pleaded no contest in 2008. Upon violation of probation, a warrant for DeRoo's arrest was put out in June 2010. According to Courant.com, DeRoo was about to take stage for a concert in Connecticut when he was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from justice and is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI or is in violation of probation due to a previous DUI offense, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers today.
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Should I immediately report a California DUI arrest to my insurance company?
When police tried to stop him, officers say he drove the loader towards a patrol car attempting to hit the officer inside while making an obscene gesture.
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