DUI & Drunk Driving
Drug Diversion Programs for DUIs in California
What Are Drug Diversion Programs? In criminal law, a diversion is an alternative to criminal prosecution and incarceration, allowing first-time, low-level offenders a chance to participate in a rehabilitation program and subsequently have their charges dismissed. Drug diversion, specifically, offers non-violent drug offenders to get addiction treatment and education instead of jail time. California Penal Code Section 1000 details the requirements that one must meet in order to qualify for…
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Could Social Media Shame Impact Your DUI Case?
Many people use social media networks like Facebook and Twitter to connect with friends, provide updates on our lives, and keep in touch with the world. Sometimes we forget that the information we publish on social media can be found by strangers. While it may seem harmless, it’s possible for that information to be used against us. If recent news in New Mexico is anything to go by, social media…
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Will Bartenders Need to Help Prevent Drunk Driving?
In California, there are many laws in place to help prevent and punish drunk driving. Despite the efforts of lawmakers and police officers, drunk drivers get on the roads and cause accidents, property damage, injuries and deaths. What else can officials do to prevent people from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? A potential new method has been brought forward by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, who recently introduced a…
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DUI Penalties in California Could Soon Include Mandatory IIDs
First-time DUI offenders in all of California may soon be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID). Lawmakers are looking to expand a pilot program that requires those convicted of DUI to install an IID on their vehicle in exchange for softer punishment. The program has had success in Los Angeles, Tulare, Alameda and Sacramento counties. Senate Bill 1046, authorized by California State Senator Jerry Hill, looks to expand…
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DUI and Marijuana Legalization
Marijuana is becoming legal in more states, including in California. But this is causing an issue on the road. Although studies on the subject are still underway, reports that have already been conducted show that those under the influence of marijuana are less likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than those under the influence of alcohol. The Effects Of Marijuana When Driving Although many marijuana users feel…
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The Job of an Orange County DUI Attorney Gets More Difficult
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime that most of us associate with alcohol. As anyone who has ever had experience with alcohol knows, the symptoms of alcohol intoxication are easy to spot: problems with balance and coordination, slurred speech, and bloodshot and watery eyes. The familiarity that we have with these symptoms makes DUI cases involving alcohol easy for any prosecutor to explain to a jury. This is…
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California’s SCRAM Program May Help You Stay Out of Jail
After a long day at work you decide to head to your local bar to relax with a few drinks. A couple of cocktails later and you start to think about heading home. On the way, though, your stomach drops as you see red and blue lights start to flicker in your rearview mirror. This is likely a scary time for you. A DUI conviction could lead to jail time…
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A First-Time DUI Conviction Can Cost You a Staggering $16,000 – CVC 23152
Your first misdemeanor DUI conviction in California could cost you $16,000, according to an article in the LA Times. A recent report calculated the total cost of a first-time DUI conviction, including fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates. Not drinking and driving or setting up other modes of transportation is the best way to avoid the high costs of a DUI conviction, but if you are charged with DUI,…
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Celebrating the 4th of July in Newport Beach? Watch Out for These 5 Crimes. (PC 240, PC 459, PC 488, PC 647(f), VC 23152(a), VC 23152(b)).
According to the OC Register, more than 100,000 visitors packed into Newport Beach, California to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2012. Newport Beach has approximately 85,000 permanent residents. If you plan to celebrate this year's festivities in Newport Beach, remember to party responsibly. The Newport Beach Police Department's crime statistics indicate that the following five crimes typically experience a significant rise during the month of July: 1. Public Intoxication…
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When Can You Be Charged For A DUI in Ventura?
You recently attended a friend's birthday party and had a few drinks. You made certain to control your alcohol intake in order to remain under the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers. Just before arriving home, you were stopped by a police officer and asked to perform a breathalyzer test. You were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) under Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) after blowing…
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