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

On January 10 at around 2:00 am, Matthew Van McDaniel crashed his Mercedes-Benz S550 into a tree at the James Musick Correctional Facility in Irvine. When Orange County Sheriffs tried to detain McDaniel he punched one in the face. McDaniel pleaded guilty to 2 felonies including aggravated assault on an officer and misdemeanor DUI charges. His nine year prison sentence is a negotiated plea deal with the Orange County District Attorney's office. McDaniel was facing 24 to 28 years in prison due to his prior felony assault with a deadly weapon. Driving under the influence in Orange County can have serious consequences, depending on the charges you could face jail time, hefty fines, a lengthy alcohol program and a license suspension. If there are felony charges you could face a state prison sentence. It is important not to give up hope. We can help. Call our offices at 888-444-7210 if you have been arrested for an Orange County DUI and we can assist you with all aspects of your case.

Posted by Thomas Wallin at 9:03 AM | Permalink