During the holiday season, law enforcement is cracking down on drunk drivers. In Orange County alone, there were 340 DUI arrests and 4 DUI related fatalities between Dec. 17th and Dec. 26th. Statewide, over 658 DUI arrests were made over the Christmas weekend. The Automotive Club states that over "211,000 drivers were arrested for the offense" and "more than 27,000 people were killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes last weekend". With an increase of 18% since 2001 in DUI arrests, Orange County residence need to be aware of the dangers of drinking while driving. To raise awareness and protect drivers during the end of the year, the campaign "Avoid" is designed to maximizing enforcement through January 2nd. Together with California Highway Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff's Department, police departments will be making sure to keep drunk drivers off of the roads. Several agencies are providing free services to decrease the dangers of drunk driving.

• Automotive Club is offering a free Tipsy Tow service starting Dec. 31st at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1st, 6 a.m. Contact the Automotive Club at 1-800-400-4AAA for a free tow home up to 7 miles.
• Orange County Transportation Authority is offering free bus rides starting Dec. 31st at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1st, 2:30am

Keep yourself and those around you safe this holiday season by taking precautions before going out and drinking. Assign a friend as a designated driver or make prior arrangements in getting picked up. If needed, contact the Automotive Club or OCTA for free New Years Eve drunk driving services.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 9:13 AM | Permalink

After filing for bankruptcy and facing lawsuits from a number of art gallery owners, Kinkade now faces misdemeanor drunk driving charges. Thomas Kinkade is perhaps best known as the "painter of light" focusing his art on landscapes and religious scenery. His company Pacific Metro filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this month after creditors and those seeking compensation on fraud claims were said to be owed millions. California Highway Patrol arrested Kinkade on suspicion of DUI when he was said to have violated a vehicle code. The downfall in the economy has left people hopeless with no way out. Many turn to drinking and drugs as a way to ease the pain. Driving under the influence has grave consequences and can put an additional financial burden on you and your loved ones. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence the first call you should make is to a qualified DUI defense attorney. Our office will help you to understand the law and will make sure that you get the best possible outcome in your driving under the influence case.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 2:12 PM | Permalink

Barstow California Highway Patrol Officer Justin McGrory was struck and killed by 18 year old Rafael Garcia over the weekend. Garcia is charged with felony vehicular manslaughter and child endangerment due to having a 12 year old passenger. While 68 grams of marijuana were found in the vehicle, lab reports have not come back regarding the driver's blood alcohol level or if he was driving under the influence of drugs. Garcia faces a state prison sentence if convicted of the charges. An automobile accident that ends in a fatality is tragic no matter what the circumstances. However, when there are drugs or alcohol involved then you could face serious consequences. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs then you must contact a qualified San Bernardino DUI attorney immediately. Our office is dedicated to DUI defense and will do everything in their power to assist you get the best possible outcome in your case. Fill out our free online San Bernardino DUI case evaluation now and receive an instant call back from a dedicated lawyer.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Newport Beach police officer Monica Aguilar was pulled over earlier this year for driving under the influence in Los Angeles on the 10 freeway. Her vehicle had tinted windows that were in violation of the Vehicle Code. California Highway Patrol officer John Harris indicated that Aguilar tested above the .08% limit. If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence you will likely face a license suspension, jail time, fines and a mandatory alcohol program. Being arrested for a Los Angeles DUI can affect all aspects of your life. It is important to know that two separate actions are initiated following an arrest for a Los Angeles DUI. The first is an Administrative Per Se hearing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the second is a criminal court case through the Los Angeles Superior Court system. Call our offices today to see how we can help.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Joey Porter, former Pittsburgh Steelers player, was arrested for driving under the influence in Bakersfield in a Taco Bell parking lot. California Highway Patrol reports that Porter was uncooperative when questioned. He refused to provide his driver's license and tried to roll up the window. Reportedly, Porter slapped the officer's hand when he tried to unlock the door. A passenger was also arrested. An arrest for a Bakersfield DUI can be costly and affect all aspects of your life. It is important to remember that there are two independent actions that are initiated after an arrest for a drunk driving arrest. The first is through the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not contact the DMV within ten calendar days your license will automatically be suspended. In addition you will be facing criminal charges through the Kern County Superior Court. Call our team of dedicated Bakersfield drunk driving attorneys now for a free initial consultation.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 1:51 PM | Permalink

Russell Leach, former Riverside police chief was charged with drunk driving on February 8, after crashing his city-owned Chrysler into a fire hydrant. Leach, 62, was leaving a club when Riverside police officers stopped him nearly three miles from the crash site. His front two tires were completely missing according to reports. The California Highway Patrol announced that Leach was not only under the influence of alcohol, having 11 drinks before the crash, but also under the influence of prescription drugs. Leach resigned as police chief in February for medical reasons. A Riverside DUI with accident can have very serious consequences. Not only will you have to deal with the criminal court case and hearing through the Department of Motor Vehicles but you have a damaged vehicle and may have suffered injuries. Our team of Riverside drunk driving lawyers can help. We know the laws and will fight hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us now for a free online Riverside DUI case evaluation.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 8:08 AM | Permalink

Kevin Noel Schlueter of the Anaheim Police Department was arrested on March 2 after he crashed his 2010 Jeep Liberty into four parked cars. The 37 year old was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and gave a blood sample back at the station. The officer was also arrested on March 18, 2009 after he nearly slammed into a CHP squad car. While alcohol was ruled out in this instance, prescription drugs were not. Furthermore, Schlueter was pulled over on January 21, 2010 for driving under the influence when he was involved in a single car wreck in Huntington Beach. A 3rd offense DUI in Orange County can have serious consequences, regardless of whether or not you are an officer. The truth is that a person arrested for multiple offense DUI charges will face jail time out of the Orange County Superior Court system. It is vital that you speak with a knowledgeable Orange County DUI defense lawyer. Contact our attorneys toll free now to assist you with your Orange County Drunk Driving case.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 11:04 AM | Permalink