Recent Blog Posts in May 2011

A Mill Valley man has been arrested for driving under the influence not once, but three times, within a three day span.  

According to SF Gate, Timothy James McGowan, 50, was arrested in three different cities all for drunk driving. On May 18 ^th, McGowan was arrested for a DUI in San Rafael, on May 19 ^th he was arrested again but in San Francisco and on May 20 ^th, McGowan was arrested a third time in Novato after he staggered into his vehicle and made a wide right turn in front of police.   McGowan is being held on a $50,000 bail and if convicted, he could be looking at 2 years in jail.

Contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers if you have been arrested for a California DUI; we have been practicing DUI defense for over a decade and will provide you with the legal representation that you need.

An Orange County man has been arrested for causing a DUI-related fatal accident over Memorial weekend.

According to the OC Register, 26-year-old Austin Jeffrey Farley was driving in Irvine when he crashed into an oncoming E-Class Mercedes, driven by Michael Ghaemi, 48.   Four teenage girls were in the Mercedes at the time of the accident; Ashton Sweet, 14, suffered irreversible brain injury but is being kept alive on a breathing machine so that her organs can be donated while Krista Marassa, 15, is also in critical condition.

After further investigation, records showed that Farley had a previous 2009 driving under the influence conviction as well as battery on a peace officer and driving on a suspended license.  Farley is being held on a $1 million bail and is expected to appear in court today.

Our law firm sends their sincere condolences to the friends and family members of Ms. Sweet. Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today if you were in a DUI-related accident. 

With the approaching Memorial weekend, California Highway Patrol and local Police Officers will be conducting several Driving Under the Influence Checkpoints in multiple cities.   Although most DUI sobriety checkpoints are announced prior to their commencement, it isn’t uncommon to find additional ones that have not been listed.

If you are arrested during a CA DUI Checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys as soon as possible as you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to contact the DMV.  

Thursday

Bakersfield: entire weekend – city wide

Lake Elsinore: evening – undisclosed location

Sacramento: 8 pm-evening – Fruitridge Rd & Menocino Blvd.

Yuba City: evening – undisclosed location

Friday:

Canyon Lake: 6pm-2am – undisclosed location

Fortuna: 8:30pm -evening – 1300 block of Main St.

Laguna Beach: entire weekend – city wide

La Quinta: evening – undisclosed location

Los Angeles: 7pm-3am – Topanga Canyon Blvd. between Devonshire St & Chatsworth St.

Modesto: 10pm-3am – Roving DUI - undisclosed location

Moreno Valley: 6pm-11pm – undisclosed location

Newport Beach: entire weekend – city wide

Redlands: 10pm-3am – Orange St, San Bernardino Ave.

Riverside: 6pm-12am – undisclosed location

Roseville: entire weekend – city wide

Salinas: evening – undisclosed location

San Francisco: entire weekend – city wide

San Marcos: 7pm-3am – undisclosed location

Ventura: 8pm-3am – undisclosed location

Victorville: 7pm – evening – undisclosed location

Wasco: 6pm-12am – undisclosed location

Saturday:

Arcadia: 6pm-2am – undisclosed location

Coachella: 7pm-1:30 – undisclosed location

Coronado: evening – undisclosed location

Imperial Beach: 7:30pm – 2:30am – 9^th St. & Palm Ave.

Los Angeles: 7pm-3am – Laurel Canyon at Paxton St. / Florence Ave. between Main St. & Broadway

Modesto: 9pm-3am – undisclosed location

Redlands: 10pm-3am – undisclosed location  

San Jose: 9pm-3am – undisclosed location 

Sunday:

Los Angeles: 12pm-8pm- Northeast area

Monday:

Fortuna: all day – city wide

Salinas: evening – undisclosed location

Residents in Los Angeles can feel safer on the roads as their police officers are now equipped with state-of-the-art police vehicles. With new technology, 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.  

According to Translogic 55, the 2012 Chevy Caprice PPV offers 355hp, 384 lb. of torque and can go 0-60 in under 6 seconds. A 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.  

If you are arrested for a California DUI or driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys for more information.

Testing positive for alcohol consumption even if you haven’t had a lick of alcohol? It is possible! A new recent study shows that individuals who utilize products that contain alcohol may test positive in a urine test. 

According to an article on MSNBC, frequent use of Purell hand sanitizer, which contains 62% ethyl alcohol, may lead to issues for those who are required to undergo regular drug tests.    A new recent study followed participants as they applied hand sanitizer to their hands every 5 minutes for 10 hours a day for three days which ended up being the equivalent of about 4 ounces.    Unlike an alcohol breathalyzer test that measures the amount of alcohol on your breath, which can dissipate after a few hours, a urine test is usually more accurate and can pick up any type of alcohol, even the kind found in hand sanitizers.

If you have been arrested for a recent driving under the influence charge, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers today so that we can investigate your case and ensure that you receive the best representation. 

A Brawley man has been arrested for a felony driving under the influence after he caused an accident that injured a 12-year-old boy.

Isaac Solorio Beaver, 28, was driving his 1996 Volvo sedan on Worthington Road around 7am on Saturday morning when he failed to stop at a red light. He drove through the intersection and plowed into a Toyota Rav4 driven by Juan Bernal. 

According to IV Press Online, a 12 year old boy that was sitting in the back of the Toyota Rav4, without a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and landed in a dirt median.  Bernal and two other boys, ages 10 and 16, received minor to moderate injuries and were taken to the local hospital. Beaver was arrested for causing a  DUI-related accident after he fled from the scene but was later caught by Highway Patrol officers.

Our California DUI Defense Lawyers understand how difficult it can be to be arrested for drunk driving. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and answer any of your questions.

As reported by the Desert Independent, the gymnasium at Palo Verde Valley High School will be transformed into a real courtroom today.

Judge Sarah Christian of Riverside County Superior Court will preside and sentence a real defendant who has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The California DUI sentencing will take place in front of the entire student body.

The program-known as "Real Choices…Real Consequences"-is designed to teach students about the legitimate dangers of California DUI by allowing them to witness real court proceedings.

During the assembly, students will:

• View an actual DUI sentencing.
• Have an opportunity to ask questions of the judge, attorneys, and the defendant.
• Learn facts and statistics about DUIs.
• Understand the consequences of a DUI on individual drivers, crash victims, and local communities.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California and may soon to entering a DUI courtroom, it is imperative to consult with an experienced DUI attorney. Contact our California DUI attorneys today. 

A Kelseyville woman has been arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs after she collided with a school bus on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Lake County News, 57-year-old Sandra Jean Burnett was driving northbound on Kelsey Creek Dr. when her vehicle merged onto oncoming traffic.   A Kelseyville school bus, driven by 39-year-old Shawn Dale Rogers, noticed Burnett’s vehicle but was unable to get out of the way quick enough and the vehicles crashed head-on.  The bus had 25 grade school children on board at the time of the accident; four complained of pain but none were taken to the local hospital. The bus driver was uninjured however Burnett suffered minor injuries.  

Officers arrested Brunett and she was booked at the Lake County Jail on felony charges of 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.

Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys if you are arrested for a DUI-related accident.  Our CA DUI Lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle any type of drunk driving offense. 

DUI checkpoints are designed to protect the public from those who are driving under the influence. Arresting officers that conduct these DUI sobriety checkpoints have specific guidelines that they should follow in order for the stop and potential arrests are valid.   

Unfortunately, many officers have been known to see the guidelines as a mere suggestion and often form their own rules. Because of this, a state assembly bill has been set forth to combat these issues and provide specific guidelines and procedures that officers must follow.

According to the Pasadena Star News, DUI checkpoints are being used more as a way to generate revenue rather than to protect the public from drunk drivers.  Officers at DUI checkpoints 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.

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.  

By following these guidelines, DUI checkpoints might actually become worth tax payers money as they will begin to protect the public rather than make the checkpoint a hassle for the surrounding businesses.

If you find yourself arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys immediately as you have only 10 days to contact the DMV to request a hearing on the automatic suspension of your license. 

Even though the following story does not involve a California DUI, it is a truly unbelievable drunk driving case. Luckily, this is something we rarely see in the United States.

According to The Telegraph, a nine-year-old boy has been arrested for drunk driving in Cumbria. The boy is believed to be the youngest driver held for DUI in the UK.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a breathalyzer and taken into police custody. But when officers discovered his age they were forced to release him without charge because he was too young to be held legally accountable for his actions.

Safety campaigners alarmed by the child's arrest are demanding action over juvenile car crime, which apparently is a growing concern in the area.

While underage DUI is far too common in California and across the United States, the UK seems to have a much more serious problem.

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. 

Brandon Mullock, a former Sacramento Police officer, is facing criminal charges for lying about California DUI arrests.

According to the Sacramento CBS Local, Mullock is facing 34 counts of perjury and filing a false report by a police officer for mostly DUI as well as domestic violence cases.   Mullock was under investigation last year when there were discrepancies were found between the officer’s dash cam video and his written reports.   If convicted, the former police officer could be looking at spending the next 23 years and 8 months in prison.

Unfortunately, not all DUI arrests are done according to specific guidelines but because of this, our California DUI Attorneys are able to investigate the arrest and bring up any discrepancies at court to ensure that you receive the best possible result. 

What is a DUI Checkpoint? A DUI Sobriety Checkpoint is a scheduled stop conducted by local arresting officers to ensure the safety of drivers. During a checkpoint, officers look for signs of intoxication such as blurred vision, slurred speech or even the scent of alcohol.     If officers suspect that you are driving under the influence, they will request that you conduct a DUI field sobriety test. If you are arrested at a DUI check point, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys to find out how we can help you throughout your entire case.

Friday:

Coachella: 5pm-1am – undisclosed location

Escondido: 6pm-12am – undisclosed location

Lompoc:  6pm-1am – undisclosed location

Los Angeles: 8pm-2am – Canoga Ave between Victory Blvd. & Burbank Blvd.

Sacramento: 8:30pm-early morning – Bruceville Rd &Imagination Parkway

Saturday:

Costa Mesa: 6pm-12am – undisclosed location

Los Angeles: 8pm-2am – Manchester Ave. between Main St. & Broadway

As reported by the Visalia Times Delta, a Garland, Texas, man was arrested Sunday night after being suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a four-car collision in Orosi, according to Officer Scott Harris of the California Highway Patrol.

What happens in cases like this when the driver has an out-of-state license?

If you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California and your license was issued to you by another state, the police cannot take your driver's license. However, that does not mean that you are free and clear of the drunk driving charge. 

As a result of the Interstate Driver's License Compact (IDLC), drivers who are arrested for drunk driving in California may still suffer suspension or revocation of their driving privileges in their home states as well as in California.

The IDLC process differs by state. Some states will enhance any penalties imposed by the California DMV and  California courts and even require that the driver pay additional fines to them. Yet other states may only recognize or take action upon notification of a California DUI conviction in court.

In some cases, the home state will never find out about the DUI arrest because of errors and omissions in the notification process.  If the driver's home state fails to take action to rescind driving privileges, then the driver will still hold a valid driver's license. 

An experienced California DUI lawyer can advise out-of-state drivers whether the IDLC will affect their driving privileges and what they can expect.

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 California DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out how we can help you; we will answer any questions that you may have and provide you with legal advice throughout your entire case. 

A Colma man has been arrested for driving under the influence after he caused an accident that involved multiple vehicles and injured 3 people.

According to ABC Local, 37-year-old Syed Ali was driving his 2007 Mercedes SL550 on the southbound lane of highway 101 on the Golden Gate Bridge when he rear-ended Mara Lefkowitz, 39, who was driving a 1990 Mercedes 300CE. Lefkowitz’s vehicle then spun out of control and was then hit by Raymond Hung, 35, who was driving his 2008 Toyota Scion in the northbound lane.  

During all this, Ali continued to cross into the northbound lane, sideswiping a 2002 Honda Odyssey, which was driven by 56-year-old Peter Wittreich, which then overturned and came to a stop on its side.   Lefkowitz, Wittreich and Hung all suffered moderate injuries and were taken to local hospitals for treatment while Ali was not injured but was arrested and booked into the San Francisco County Jail.

Contact our California DUI Attorneys if you have been involved in a DUI-related accident. Our CA DUI Lawyers understand how frustrating it can be and are here to provide you with the legal advice that you may need.

Throughout the month of May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing driver safety awareness among teens and encouraging them to adopt safer driving practices.

The timing of Youth Traffic Safety Month coincides with the height of the prom and graduation season, which is often associated with a rise in the number of teen motor vehicle accidents, including DUI-related accidents.

This campaign is extremely important because teens between the ages of 15 and 19 are more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident than from any other cause.

Today, most teens have been educated about the dangers of drinking and driving through school-based programs, including the Every Fifteen Minutes Program. Unfortunately, some teens still ignore the dangers. Despite efforts to prevent California DUI among underage drivers, 1,260 drivers under the age of eighteen were still arrested for DUI in California in 2009.

To further understand the negative consequence of drinking and driving, underage drivers are encouraged to consider the legal consequences of a California DUI.

• California's severeDUI penalties for underage drivers are some of the strictest in the nation.
• 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.
• For teens, this means that consuming just one alcoholic drink can lead to a DUI.

In addition to the penalties outlined above, a DUI arrest can have disastrous effects on 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.

Given the severity of the consequences, if you or a friend or family member (son or daughter) has been arrested for underage DUI in California, you will need an experienced California DUI attorney.

When most think of being arrested for a California DUI, they assume it only happens when driving a vehicle. However, you can be arrested for a DUI while operating any type of vehicle, whether it is a car, a boat or in this case, a plane.

According to AOL Travel, the pilot of an AirTran flight was arrested for a DUI after a TSA manager smelled alcohol on his breath.  Airport officers were called to administer a breathalyzer test, which came back at .05%.Similar to a commercial driving license, drivers or pilots cannot be over a .04% blood alcohol content level. The AirTran captain has been suspended which the incident is being investigated.

Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today if you have been arrested for driving under the influence or being under the influence while operating any type of vehicle.    Our California DUI Lawyers have been practicing DUI defense for over a decade and have the knowledge and experience to handle your specific case.

A 43-year-old Aromas resident was arrested for driving under the influence after a high-speed chase.

According to the Monterey Herald, the chase began around 3pm when officers received a tip that a map was driving under the influence of drugs. Officers followed the man’s green 1974 GMC truck from the 101 freeway in to the Monterey Vacation RV Park. The driver then drove off, leading police on a chase onto the 101 freeway where he drove his truck into a ditch and began running across the highway and into the field where officers proceeded to try to find the man for 2 hours.   The man however left a female companion, who was later arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, and his dog in his truck and officers ended up finding prescription drugs, used hypodermic needles and the man’s wallet which led officers back to the Vacation RV Park where he was staying.

Our California DUI Attorneys understand how frustrating it can be to be arrested for driving under the influence. Contact us today to have a dedicated DUI Lawyer answer any questions hat you may have. 

San Carlos vice mayor was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol early Thursday morning.

According to the Mercury News, Andy Klein, 29, was driving and exiting northbound on Interstate 280 when he pulled over on the side of the road to take a phone call at around 1:10am. A sheriff’s deputy noticed the vehicle on the side and though that it may have broken down.   Once the officer pulled over and began speaking with Klein, he noticed the smell of alcohol and proceeded to administer a DUI field’s sobriety test as well as a breathalyzer test.   Klein’s blood alcohol level can back at .08 and he was taken to the county’s First Chance drop-off center that is used for sobering up rather than being taken to jail.  

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in California, contact our highly qualified and experienced California DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you. 

Starting tonight, there will be multiple DUI sobriety checkpoints set up in various cities throughout California. The list below is designed to provide you with information regarding the times and potential locations of these DUI checkpoints.   During a check point, arrested officers look for signs of intoxication and will ask motorists to perform field sobriety tests and might administer a breathalyzer test.   If you are arrested during a DUI checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today.

Thursday, May 12^th

Moreno Valley: 6 pm-evening – undisclosed locations

Friday, May 13^th

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. & 3 ^rd 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

Saturday, May 14^th

Long Beach: 6pm-2am – undisclosed location

Norco: 7pm-3am – undisclosed location

Perris: 6pm-1am – undisclosed location 

Yuca Valley: 7pm-3am – undisclosed location

A 28-year-old San Diego man has been sentenced to one year in jail for causing a fatal DUI-related accident earlier in the year.

According to Sign On San Diego, Nicholas Arthur Thibault was driving northbound on the 805 freeway when he exited on University Avenue around 6:30am, February 27, 2011.   Thibault swerved off of the ramp, plowed through a bushy area and ended up on the on-ramp across the street; unfortunately, 47-year-old transient Brent Routley was camping in the bushes when the accident occurred. Thibault has pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, will be sent to prison for a year and will be placed on probation for five years; if Thibault violates his probation, he could be sent to prison for up to six years.

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence after causing an accident? Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today for more information regarding what you could be facing and how we can help 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!

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. According to the Evening Post, there has been an increase of 1000% since 2008 where callers have mentioned Facebook when providing officials with tips or information.  With Facebook being internationally known and used, two police departments in the United Kingdom have reported over 3,179 calls, both emergency and non-emergency related, where the word “Facebook” was mentioned.  

Thankfully, Californian’s do not have to look far to benefit from the information posted on Facebook.  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.   

Whether you are new to this Facebook world or you have a list of over 2000 friends or “fans”, 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 California DUI Lawyers today for more information regarding driving under the influence charges in California. 

Officer William Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Chula Vista.

According to San Diego 6, the 12-year department veteran was driving his own vehicle while off duty on Telegraph Canyon Road when he rear-ended a vehicle at a stop light.   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

If you have been arrested for a San Diego County DUI, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys as soon as possible so that you can get the best possible representation. 

In yesterday's post, we highlighted the standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) that you may be asked to perform during a California DUI stop. In addition, many police officials will still conduct other FSTs in order to prove intoxication. 

Specifically, a California driver may be asked to perform one or more of the following tests:

• Rhomberg Test: The driver is asked to stand with feet together, arms down at the sides, and head tilted back with eyes closed for 30 seconds. If the driver is unable to maintain balance, grossly underestimates or overestimates the passage of 30 seconds, fails to properly follow instructions, or experiences body tremors, he or she may be arrested.
• Finger-to-Nose Test: Standing in the same position, the driver is asked to touch the tip of the nose with the tip of the index finger, alternating between the left and right hand. The officer will instruct the driver with which hand to perform the test, and in total, will have the individual perform the test three times with the left hand and three times with the right hand. If the driver fails to perform the test to the officer's satisfaction, he or she may be arrested.
• Finger Count Test: Holding the palm out in front of the body, facing upwards, the driver is asked to touch his or her thumb with the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the pinky finger, while counting aloud from one to four. The driver is then asked to perform the task in reverse and until three complete cycles have been performed. If the driver fails to perform the task as instructed, he or she may be arrested.

Experienced California DUI Defense Attorneys will carefully review the circumstances in which any field sobriety tests were given. In addition, they will determine whether the testing officer adhered to the required protocols and has received the proper training. If not, lawyers most often can get any testimony given by the testing officer thrown out.

Further information about field sobriety tests and California DUI laws can be found at the California DUI Guide website. Drivers are also encouraged to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney if they are arrested for DUI after a field sobriety test.

DUI Checkpoints are designed to protect the public as well as other motorists from potentially fatal accidents. However, many times these DUI sobriety checkpoints cause more of a headache for motorists and do not net as many DUI offenders as officials would like.   Tax payers’ money ends up going towards these checkpoints but is it really worth it?

A great example comes from this weekend’s Orange County DUI checkpoint that occurred in Irvine, at Campus Drive and Bridge Road. The DUI checkpoint was scheduled for several hours near the university where one would imagine many college age kids drinking and driving.   According to the OC Register, officers stopped 545 vehicles during the scheduled OC DUI checkpoint.   Out of almost 600 vehicles that passed through, officers conducted 9 DUI sobriety field tests and only arrested 2 DUI offenders.  

Contact our California DUI Attorneys if you have been arrested during a DUI checkpoint in California. Our DUI Lawyers will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the legal advice you may need. 

A 19-year-old San Rafael woman has been arrested for a California DUI and for using multiple forms of false identification.

According to the San Rafael Patch, officers pulled over a green Pontiac Firebird that was weaving and straddling lanes on the northbound Hwy. 101.    After further investigation that included DUI field sobriety tests, Korinna Outwater was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was booked into the Marin County Jail.  Police found three counterfeit IDs from Hawaii, all with Outwater’s name and different dates of birth.  On top of this, Outwater had an expired California’s driver’s license and an expired Minnesota license which belong to other women who looked similar to Outwater.

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence in California? If so, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out how we can get you the best possible representation. 

A 19-year-old San Rafael woman has been arrested for a California DUI and for using multiple forms of false identification.

According to the San Rafael Patch, officers pulled over a green Pontiac Firebird that was weaving and straddling lanes on the northbound Hwy. 101.  After further investigation that included DUI field sobriety tests, Korinna Outwater was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was booked into the Marin County Jail.  Police found three counterfeit IDs from Hawaii, all with Outwater’s name and different dates of birth.  On top of this, Outwater had an expired California’s driver’s license and an expired Minnesota license which belong to other women who looked similar to Outwater.

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence in California? If so, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out how we can get you the best possible representation. 

(FSTs) are used by the police to establish probable cause for administering a preliminary breath test or making a California driving under the influence (DUI) arrest.

Unfortunately, FSTs are highly subjective and often unreliable. Even the most trustworthy field sobriety tests are shown to be only 65-77% accurate at detecting whether the driver is DUI.

Therefore, it is important for California drivers to understand the basics of FSTs before they encounter them.

Standardized FSTs were developed after substantial research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in order to determine the accuracy of FSTs.

Of all of the FSTs studied, the NHTSA found that three tests proved to be most reliable-the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the One Leg Stand, and the Walk and Turn. These three FSTs became known as the "Standardized Field Sobriety Tests."

Below is a quick summary of the three tests:

• Horizontal Gaze (Nystagmus): Officer positions a finger or pen about a foot from a driver's face, moving it from side to side while watching their eyes for jerking or trembling movements.
  
• One Leg Stand: Driver stands with heels together, arms against their sides and counts out loud while raising one leg six inches off the ground, testing their balance.
• Walk and Turn: Officer instructs a driver to take nine to twelve heel-to-toe steps on a line, turn and repeat them back, looking for mistakes or loss of balance.
  

Experienced California DUI Defense Attorneys will carefully review the circumstances in which any field sobriety tests were given. In addition, they will determine whether the testing officer adhered to the required protocols and has received the proper training. If not, lawyers most often can get any testimony given by the testing officer thrown out.

Further information about field sobriety tests and California DUI laws can be found at the California DUI Guide website. Drivers are also encouraged to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney if they are arrested for DUI after a field sobriety test.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! If you plan on drinking today and through the weekend, please be aware of all the DUI checkpoints that will be going on starting tonight.   During a DUI sobriety checkpoint, officers look for signs of intoxication such as blurry or water shot eyes, slurred speech or the smell of alcohol.   Once officers notice any of these signs, they will have motorists perform field sobriety tests and have them use a breathalyzer.

If you find yourself arrested for a California DUI, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys to find out how we can help you!

Thursday, May 5^th

Fontana: evening – undisclosed location

Glendale: all evening – city wide

Los Angeles: 3pm-11pm – Foothill area

Modesto: 10pm-3am – undisclosed location (DUI Roving Saturation Patrol)

Oakdale: 6pm-3am – undisclosed location

Rancho Cordova: 8pm-2am – undisclosed location

Redlands: all evening – city wide

Riverside: 6pm-12am – city wide

San Bernardino: all evening – city wide

San Rafael: all evening – city wide

Vallejo: 7pm-12am – city wide

Friday, May 6^th.

Irvine: evening – Campus Dr. & Bridge Rd.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, faulty readings on several breathalyzer devices have prompted the Ventura County Sheriff's Department to remove 125 breathalyzer machines from service, and prosecutors will reexamine some California DUI convictions.

The Alco-Sensor V breathalyzers, which are manufactured by Missouri-based Intoximeters Inc., were purchased in December through a state grant and were used by sheriff's deputies and local police departments throughout the county.

To date, the District Attorney's office has identified 294 court cases where Alco-Sensor V Breathalyzer devices were used to measure blood-alcohol levels of the defendants.

As reported by the Ventura County Star, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Frawley has acknowledged that this will affect DUI defendants arrested in that county. He said, "Some cases will likely be dismissed based upon issues with the Alco-Sensor V devices."

Frawley said prosecutors will not oppose legal motions to withdraw guilty or no contest pleas in cases where the Alco-Sensor V test results were "substantially relied upon" to prove the charges.

This story is particularly unsettling as it suggests that neither the manufacturer nor law enforcement rigorously tested these devices before they were deployed.

As we have noted previously in this blog, breathalyzers are subject to a number of problems including accuracy, calibration, and maintenance.

Therefore, if you are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California after undergoing chemical testing, it is important to contact an experienced California DUI attorney .

A seasoned DUI defense attorney can assist you with hiring a toxicologist to review the breath calibration and maintenance logs or even cross-examine the officer to ensure that the test was performed correctly and that there was not an error with the machine.

In a recent article, California Watch highlighted how Montebello may be using California DUI checkpoints to cure a budget shortfall.

As the article suggests, Montebello is facing a host of financial problems, including fraud allegations by the state and a full audit by the California state controller.

When state regulators examine the city's books, California Watch claims "vehicle seizures will certainly be part of the mix."

Here is what California Watch found when they examined Montebello's DUI checkpoints:

• In Los Angeles County, the city of Montebello requires its tow operator to increase its cut of impound revenue when the police department seizes a higher volume of cars. Tow company Helms and Hill Inc. pays Montebello $200 per tow when officers order more than 151 cars hauled away each month, the city's finance records show.
• Montebello's DUI checkpoints rank among California's least effective at getting drunks off the road. Last year, officers there failed to conduct a single field sobriety test at three of the city's five roadway operations, state records show.
• Montebello collected upward of $95,000 during the last fiscal year from checkpoints, including grant money for police overtime.

The growing evidence of checkpoint abuse suggests that it may be time for California to reconsider its use of DUI checkpoints in terms of how they address both drunk driving and undocumented drivers.

To learn more about California DUI checkpoint laws, please visit our OC DUI Checkpoints website.

In addition, if you or someone you know has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California at a California DUI checkpoint, contact our California DUI attorneys today. 

An actor/comedian was arrested and jailed for a misdemeanor drunkenness charge late Monday night in Temecula.

According to PE.com, Andy Dick, 45, showed up drunk to a Marie Callender’s restaurant and was being argumentative, belligerent and refused to leave. Once officers showed up, they arrested the entertainer and jailed him until he was able to sober up.   This isn’t the first time that Dick had been arrested for public drunkenness as he was arrested and put on probation in 2008 after being extremely intoxicated while pulling down a 17-year-old girl’s shirt and bra.

Have you been arrested for a DUI or public drunkenness? Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out more information.

Ricardo Chavira, 39, has been arrested for driving under the influence early Tuesday morning in Los Angeles.

The Desperate Housewives actor was pulled over at 2am for a regular traffic stop. Once officers began to question Chavira, they noticed the smell of alcohol and proceeded to investigate further. According to Radar Online, Chavira is currently being held on $25,000 bail in jail after refusing to take the required blood/alcohol test.  

Contact our California DUI Attorneys today if you have been recently arrested for driving under the influence in California.   It is important to remember that you have only 10 days to contact the DMV or your license will be automatically suspended; contact our DUI Lawyers so that we can handle that aspect of your case on your behalf. 

Rick Springfield, 61, was arrested for driving under the influence in Los Angeles over the weekend.

According to US Magazine, the rocker, known for the song “Jessie’s Girl” was pulled over around 8:00pm for a traffic violation.   Upon investigation, officers noticed a strong alcohol smell and asked Springfield to perform a DUI field sobriety test.   Springfield’s blood alcohol content was over the legal limit at .10 and he was arrested and booked at a nearby jail but was later released on bail

Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today for more information regarding driving under the influence charges. Our California DUI Lawyers will be able to answer any questions that you may have and will represent you throughout your entire case.

Tallulah Belle Willis, 17, was cited for a California under 21 alcohol possession in Hollywood Friday night.

The young actress, daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, was with a group of three underage girls when officers detained them.  According to Pop Eater, officers witnessed the girls leaving a car around 11:00pm and were allegedly carrying bottles of alcohol. Because minors cannot be cited and released without parent’s being notified, Tallulah had to wait for her mother to come pick her up.

Have you been recently arrested for driving under the influence? Whether this is your first or fourth DUI offense or whether you are underage, our California DUI Lawyers are here to help you.