In another out-of-state story, a DUI defendant reminds those facing a California DUI of what not to do during your DUI court appearance.

According to the Times-Herald Record, a Swan Lake, New York man facing a felony DUI charge arrived at his pre-trial court hearing carrying a bag full of beer.

The DUI defendant, Keith Gruber, showed up about an hour and a half late carrying a black bag that contained four cans of Busch beer, authorities said. He also was carrying an open can and was clearly intoxicated.

The bag was confiscated by court security and was presented to Judge Frank LaBuda. Before Gruber arrived in court, LaBuda had already allowed Gruber's attorney to withdraw from the case.

LaBuda asked Gruber if he enjoyed his "liquid lunch." Gruber indicated he did and apologized to the court.

Gruber was subsequently held without bail.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 9:44 AM | Permalink

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.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI attorneys today.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 9:28 AM | Permalink

Orange County DUI attorneys Thomas Wallin and Frances Prizzia were in attendance at the Orange County Bar Association Meeting to hear Judge Biggs speak in regards to DUI court. DUI court is an intensive program that is monitored by the Orange County Superior Court. As an alternative to mandatory jail time, DUI court is beneficial to those who are facing an addiction to alcohol. While DUI court is not advocated for every person charged with an Orange County DUI, under the right circumstances it serves as the most successful alternative to a mandatory jail sentence. With meetings similar to AA and an SB-38 multiple offense alcohol program, good candidates are those who have received second or third DUIs in a short amount of time. To learn more about the benefits of DUI court, contact our team of knowledgeable Orange County drunk driving lawyers. We are dedicated to DUI defense and will give you a free consultation regarding your case. Don't wait, contact us today.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 8:11 AM | Permalink