Recent Posts in Orange County Drunk Driving Category

From time to time, we come across a California DUI story that perfectly describes what NOT to do following a driving under the influence arrest. This story is no exception. According to the Los Angeles Times, a former sheriff's deputy's sentence was doubled to 32 months in prison after he showed up drunk in court to face a DUI charge.

Allan James Waters, 38, could have received 16 months in state prison for his Orange County DUI conviction, but an offer from the Orange County judge was withdrawn after the he appeared in court at a prior hearing in June under the influence of alcohol.

According to the Times, the former deputy pleaded guilty on April 7 to felony driving under the influence causing bodily injury, two felony counts of selling a substance in lieu of cocaine, nine felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to a 78-year-old woman.

At the June hearing, court bailiffs noticed Waters was showing signs of intoxication, including unsteady balance and emitting an odor of alcohol. As a term of Waters' $100,000 bail, he was prohibited from consuming alcohol.

After the discovery, Prosecutor Brock Zimmon requested an increase in bail, and Waters was taken back into custody on $250,000 bail. The judge postponed the sentencing but no additional charges were filed for this incident, as the level of intoxication did not rise to the legal standard for a crime.

At the rescheduled hearing, Judge Frank Fasel withdrew his previous sentencing offer of 16 months in state prison, based on the defendant's conduct at the previous hearing and out of concern for public safety.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in California, it is imperative to consult with an experienced California DUI defense attorney who can help achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

A fatal accident in Orange County resulted in a driving under the influence arrest of a 28-year-old female early Sunday morning.

According to the OC Register, the accident occurred at around 12:45am, on the I-5 near Disneyland Drive in Anaheim when a female driver and her 28-year-old male passenger's 2002 GMC S-10 pickup hit a car, went into the dirt embankment and overturned multiple times.    The male was transported to a local hospital where he died at 4:15am.   The female, who is currently being treated for major injuries at the same hospital, was arrested for causing a fatal driving under the influence accident.

Our CA DUI Attorneys offer their sincere condolences to the friends and family members of the male passenger who died due to this DUI-related accident. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in California, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers as soon as possible. 

A recent DUI Checkpoint in Orange County resulted in only one driving under the influence even after over 700 vehicles were screened.

According to the OC Register, over 1000 vehicles passed through the Bristol St. and Randolph Ave. DUI sobriety checkpoint late Wednesday evening but only one individual was actually arrested for a DUI. These checkpoints are designed to protect the public from drunk drivers however; it seems as if they are just a way to spend tax payer as well as state and federal agencies money.  

Out of the 713 vehicles screened, 10 were towed, 30 driver's licenses were investigated, two warrants were served and 18 individuals were given citations.  Once passenger decided to throw out a can of beer before approaching the DUI checkpoint; officers cited the driver for allowing an open container in the vehicle while the passenger was arrested for an outstanding DUI warrant.

Contact our California DUI Attorneys today if you have been arrested for driving under the influence during a DUI sobriety checkpoint.   These checkpoints must follow specific DUI checkpoint guidelines and if those guidelines are violated, then you may receive a more favorable outcome in your specific case. 

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.

A Southern California woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after causing a DUI-related accident.

According to the Fresno Bee, the 23-year-old Huntington Beach woman was driving on the I-5 when she crossed the center divider and crashed head-on with a big rig.   The 27-year-old big rig driver saw the woman’s vehicle coming towards her and proceeded to slow down, but was unable to avoid the accident.   The woman was taken to the Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment to her injuries while the big rig driver was not hurt.

Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today if you are involved in a driving under the influence accident; we will answer any questions that you have and provide you with the legal advice that you need to make an informed decision.

A new gadget that connects to almost 95% of cell phones may become the next evident-gathering tool used by officers in law enforcement.

An article on Red Tape MSN describes this gadget as being a universal tool that is a breakthrough in technology.    This device, called the UFED 2.0 or the “Universal Forensic Extraction Device”, can connect to virtually any cell phone and can collect and copy any content that is currently stored on the phone, including contacts, call history and pictures as well as current and deleted text messages.

Another article about warrants and cell phones indicates that officers in California can search through your cell phone without needing a warrant to do so.   What this means, is that whatever information officers gather from your cell phone can be used as evidence against you, for whatever charge you may be facing.   A cell phone is categorized as an item of personal property and therefore, its contents may be inspected without a warrant.

Contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today if you have recently been arrested; we have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the best possible representation. 

A man in Orange County has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he crashed into a vehicle as well as a vacant building.

According to the OC Register, a man driving a pickup truck was speeding on Knott Street when he ran a red light at West Chapman Avenue. The truck then veered, hit another vehicle and continued 100 yards before crashing into a vacant building at 12072 Knott St.   Both the truck driver and the female driving the other vehicle were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries.

If you have recently been in a DUI related accident, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys today to find out how we can help you get the best possible outcome in your specific case.

An Orange County Superior Court Judge, known for several news-worth cases including a 2009 Orange County DUI-related accident, has been accused of giving preferential treatment to friends and family members over a seven year span

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 25 ^th hearing could result in Stanford receiving disciplinary actions such as admonishment to a public censure or removal from office.  

Contact our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys if you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence in Orange County. Our OC DUI Lawyers have been practicing DUI defense for over a decade and will fight to get you the best possible sentencing in your specific case.  

During a DUI Checkpoint in Orange County, only 6 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence.

According to the Daily Pilot, the DUI checkpoint occurred in Costa Mesa at Newport Boulevard and 17 ^th Street. Out of the 2,127 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint, 9 drivers were asked to perform field sobriety tests, 12 had their licenses investigated, 13 received citations and 11 vehicles were towed.   Although DUI checkpoints may seem like they are beneficial to protecting the public from those drinking and driving, the reality is that these checkpoints are just a way for the city to make money after wasting tax payer's money.

If you have been arrested during a California DUI checkpoint, contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out more information. 

A California deputy is being recognized by the city council for her achievements, productivity and professionalism in making multiple arrests, including DUI. According to the OC Register, Deputy Christine Chang arrested three people after she found 50 heroin-filled balloons on top of other arrests throughout the year.

What most citizens do not realize, is that officers are often encouraged to be overzealous in making DUI arrests. Oftentimes, officers make up reasons for a stop, making it unlawful, and even conveniently have their patrol videos turned off until after the stop is initiated. Officers should be trained in administering DUI field sobriety tests; however, most times they do not give the proper instructions, causing the motorist to inadvertently fail the tests.

If you have been recently arrested for driving under the influence, contact our California DUI Defense Attorneys.   Our lawyers are certified by NHTSA and will be able to inform you whether your stop and arrest were done lawfully and how we will be able to help you. 

A suspect has been arrested in San Diego for driving under the influence after a fatal rollover crash occurred around 2:10am.

A white sedan was heading north on the 5 freeway when the driver lost control; the female passenger ended up getting trapped in the vehicle and died at the scene.  According to Sign on San Diego, another passenger was hospitalized and the driver was not injured but taken into custody.

Our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the female passenger; if you have been in a DUI-related accident, speak with our experienced and knowledgeable California DUI Defense Attorneys today.

Do you plan on going out this weekend? Check out the new Orange County DUI Checkpoint website before you go!

DUI sobriety checkpoints are designed to deter motorists from drinking and driving.   These check points can be found in areas that are known for DUI arrests or are close to bars and restaurants.   The new OC DUI Check Point website is your one-stop-shop for past times and locations of checkpoints  and current DUI checkpoints in Orange County as well as other information that can be helpful to you.  

Check out the tips for avoiding an Orange County DUI as well as what to expect at an OC Checkpoint. If you are arrested during a checkpoint, you have a right to fight a DUI charge. Contact our leading Orange County DUI Lawyers today for more information! 

A 22-year-old woman from Newport Coast has been arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter as well as driving under the influence after she hit a cyclist.

A middle-aged man was enjoying a bike ride along San Joaquin Road in Corona Del Mar when the young woman hit him at around 6pm Monday night.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Corona Del Mar Today states that although the crash remains under investigation, the woman appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and has been booked with bail set at $100,000.

As avid cyclists, our DUI defense law office sends our condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist.    If you have been in a DUI-related accident, contact our Orange County DUI Attorneys today to find out how we can help you.

The Costa Mesa police department will be conducting an Orange County DUI checkpoint Wednesday evening.

According to the City of Costa Mesa press release, the check point will be on the 2300 block of Placentia Avenue between the hours of 6pm and 11pm.   During these checkpoints, officers will look for signs of intoxication and may ask motorists to conduct field sobriety tests.

If you are arrested for a DUI in Southern California, speak with our Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys today. 

Four motorists were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during a DUI checkpoint in Costa Mesa over the weekend.

The Orange County Register states that on top of these 4 DUI arrests, 22 drivers were asked to do DUI field sobriety tests, 17 driver’s licenses were investigated and 11 cars were towed.  With over 429 vehicles that traveled through the checkpoint, only 1% was actually related to DUIs; this means that the grant from the Office of Traffic Safety that funds these checkpoints may not be an effect way of protecting the public from impaired drivers and may actually be wasting more money than necessary.   

Have you been arrested for a DUI during a check point?   If so, speak with our Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers today to find out how we can help you. 

A La Habra neighborhood of about 20 homes was forced to evacuate when a man suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a natural gas line.

According to the Contra Costa Times, the crash occurred at 9:34pm Thursday. The driver crashed his SUV into a fence and ruptured a gas line which produced a loud hissing sound and had about 30 pounds per square inch of pressure. Crews were able to finally shut off the broken pipe at around 1:30am and the OC Register has confirmed that residents were able to go back to their homes early Friday morning.

If you have been in a DUI related accident, contact an experienced and knowledgeable Orange County DUI Defense Attorney for more information. 

Huntington Beach’s Baja Sharkeez is under investigation for being the reason why motorist are driving under the influence in downtown Huntington Beach.

Based on DUI arrest data, 72 Sharkeez customers were arrested for DUIs within a 22 month period.  The HB Independent states that the Department of Alcohol Beverages Control is conducting the investigation as they believe that the bar is causing an excessive problem with alcohol-related issues.     Ron Newman, Sharkeez owner, believes that officials are targeting his Huntington Beach bar due to its popularity and even scout out customers to arrest once they leave the bar.  

Contact our Orange County DUI Lawyers if you have been arrested for driving under the influence. 

Raymond Carter was driving a Porsche when he lost control and crashed the vehicle; Carter is suspected for driving under the influence and DUI blood tests have been performed to determine the driver’s blood-alcohol level and to

According to the Orange County Register, Carter, 29 years old, was driving over 100 mph when he hit a curb and went airborne before he hit a light pole and landed on the roof.   Local fire fighters had to cut through the wreck to remove Carter and his 32 year old passenger Brandon Whitaker.  Both men were taken to the local hospital, where Carter is in a coma and Whitaker is listed in stable condition.

Contact a qualified Orange County DUI Defense Lawyer if you have been recently involved in a DUI related accident. 

Huntington Beach Police made 11 DUI arrests during a California sobriety checkpoint Saturday evening.  

Between the hours of 9:30pm and 3a.m., police officers conduct 42 sobriety tests, arrested 11 drunk drivers, handed out 10 citations for driving on a suspended license and had 6 cars impounded.  According to the OC Register, officers also handed out more than 500 Project Path pamphlets information motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Contact our California DUI Defense Lawyers if you were arrested during a DUI checkpoint and had to perform field sobriety tests. 

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Huntington Beach, you might see your picture and information on Facebook.

Devin Dwyer, a Huntington Beach councilman, believes that the postings might deter habitual drunk drivers who have lost their licenses from driving.  Dwyer wants the Police Department to shame those arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence by posting information as well as their booking photos. According to the Huntington Beach Independent, voting will take place Monday, at 6pm in City Hall. 

We believe that you deserve to have your name cleared before you end up on a social media sight; contact our California DUI Attorneys if you have been recently arrested.  

42-year-old Christian Aparicio was arrested for driving under the influence in Laguna Beach on Saturday night.  He was pulled over by the Laguna Beach police Department after being suspected of drunk driving.  When he pulled into a nearby gas station and was asked to step out of his vehicle, he left the car in reverse.  The sedan backed straight into the nearby police car.  To make matters worse, when Aparicio tried to control the vehicle he pressed the gas driving straight into a pole directly infront of the patrol vehicle.  Luckily no one was injured in the ordeal.

An Orange County DUI with accident can have heavy consequences from license suspensions to potential jail time.  In most cases, the comedy of errors listed above isn't the reality.  More often than not a person is pulled over for a Laguna Beach DUI after having a few drinks at the local bar and for something as minor as having their registration expired.  No matter what the circumstances of your Orange County drunk driving incident, you need to contact a leading Laguna Beach DUI lawyer.

Jason Wahler was arrested for the sixth time on alcohol related charges Friday night.  The former star of Laguna Beach and The Hills, Wahler, 23, was driving his 2008 Chevy Tahoe in Newport Beach at around 11:00 pm when he was arrested on suspicion of an Orange County DUI.  Wahler has recently been in the news after allegedly getting into a fight at a bar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Read more about Jason Wahler’s arrest online at People.com.

An arrest for an Orange County DUI can affect every aspect of your life.  Unfortunately, the laws are only getting stricter in Orange County, likely because of the highly publicized light sentencing in celebrity related drunk driving arrests.  On a second or subsequent DUI arrest you are likely facing jail time, a long license suspension and an 18 month alcohol program.  Given the seriousness of the penalties involved with an Orange County DUI, the most important thing you can do is contact a qualified drunk driving attorney to assist you with all aspects of your case.