Orange County DUI Lawyer Blog

This week, AJ Allmendinger was pulled over in North Carolina because of drunk driving. Police said he blew a .08% on the breathalyzer machine. Allmendinger said he had gone to dinner that night and had a few drinks. He said he did not feel drunk but should have known better than to drive, since he is a Nascar driver and a DUI could ruin his career. Nascar suspended him from driving race cars until next year. From now on, Allmendinger says he wants to educate people on driving responsibly and be a good role model.

Luckily, Allmendinger was not drinking before racing his car. Racing is already a dangerous sport and if he was intoxicated while driving, he could have killed himself or others around him. Since he did not cause any damage, it is likely that Allmendinger will just have to pay some fees and take an alcohol education class, as opposed to going to jail. If he is charged with another DUI, his license will likely be revoked, thereby ruining his racing career. Whether you live in Santa Ana, Brea or Laguna Niguel, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you.

Continue reading " Nascar Driver AJ Allmendinger Arrested for DUI " »

Robert Martinez was arrested earlier this week for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for vehicular manslaughter. Around 1 a.m., Martinez was driving on I-10 near a construction zone. Surrounding drivers slowed down to around 15 m.p.h., but Martinez kept up his high speed of 80-90 m.p.h. He hit the left rear corner of the pick up truck in front of him which tore into the car. His car then spun out of control and was hit by another pick up truck and then hit the center divider. The passenger in Martinez's car was killed. Martinez was injured so he was taken to the hospital and then arrested for DUI manslaughter.

It us such a tragedy that Martinez's passenger, his own friend, was killed. Martinez will have to live with this for the rest of his life. This was such a high impact crash that Martinez was lucky to survive the crash. He will likely face prison time, revoked license, probation, fines and alcohol education classes. Whether you live in Irvine, Newport Beach or San Clemente, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you.

Continue reading " California Man Drives Drunk, Kills Passenger " »

In April of this year, Felipe Navarro Orona was driving on the I-5 freeway in Anaheim at 3 a.m. He was severely intoxicated and started driving in the shoulder lane. Jose Castellanos and Joe Rodriguez were in the shoulder lane fixing a flat tire when Orona came crashing into them. Castellano died at the scene due to blunt force trauma to the head and Rodriguez was badly injured. Officers noted that Orona appeared intoxicated due to his slurred speech and bloodshot and watery eyes. Police tested his blood alcohol level two hours after the incident and his blood alcohol level was at a .15%. This is almost double the legal limit. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and gross negligence while intoxicated with a sentencing enhancement for great bodily harm. He pled guilty to these charges and faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison.

With a legal limit at almost double the legal limit, two hours after the crash, it is hard to imagine how high his alcohol level was at the time of the accident. Being a DUI defense attorney, I often hear my client say they drove because they didn't know they were that intoxicated. This excuse would likely not work in a case like this since anyone at a .15% or above should know they are too drunk to drive. Other possible defenses include improper blood alcohol results, road conditions and police misconduct. Whether you live in Irvine, Santa Ana or Laguna Woods, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you.

Continue reading " Garden Grove Man Pleads Guilty in DUI Accident " »

On January 12, 2008 at 10 a.m., Tomeka Charee Harris fell asleep at the wheel while under the influence of a methamphetamine. She lost control of her car as she was exiting an off ramp at a high rate of speed and crashed into a fence and a utility pole. Harris, her boyfriend and her 2-year-old daughter were all rushed to the hospital. Her daughter, Zharia Keheian, and her boyfriend, Alfred Flores, had been killed. She was arrested for vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act and gross negligence while intoxicated. She was charged with these crimes and pled guilty to both of them this week. She is expected to be sentenced to 6 years in prison, in return for her guilty plea.

It is always a serious reality check when someone drives drunk and kills someone. They are normally given some form of punishment that reminds them not to do it again. In Harris' case, everyday she has to live with the thought of killing her daughter and boyfriend. Killing someone can be a serious consequence of driving while under the influence and anyone who drives while intoxicated risks killing themselves or someone else. Whether you live in Santa Ana, Newport Beach or Lake Forest, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you.

Continue reading " Fullerton Woman Pleads Guilty to DUI Manslaughter of Daughter and Boyfriend " »

At 3 a.m. on Monday morning, Jessica Shekell was driving west on the eastbound FasTrak lane of the 91 freeway in Anaheim. Drivers called 911 to report a car driving against the flow of traffic. About 6 minutes later, the Miguel Family of San Bernardino was driving along the same freeway. Shekell slammed into their car and the driver, Sally Miguel was killed instantly. Patricia Miguel, who was in the front seat and her two nieces were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Patricia died in the hospital. Shekell was taken to the hospital as well and doctors and officers believed that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Shekell is only 21-years-old and probably did not know the affects of alcohol on her body. Unfortunately for her, she may face prison time for her negligent actions. She should have known better than to drink and drive. Whether you live in Westminster, Laguna Niguel or Brea, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away.

Continue reading " Fullerton Woman Kills Two in Drunk Driving Accident " »

In March of this year, in San Luis Obispo, Martin Joel Whited was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol but was not tested or arrested. At the time of the DUI, Whited was an administrative captain in the Coastal Division headquarters of the California Highway Patrol. After the DUI, he was demoted to lieutenant and is working in Modesto for the California Highway Patrol. This month, the county District Attorney's office filed a misdemeanor complaint against Whited for the DUI and he is scheduled to be arraigned in December.

It is likely quite embarrassing for Whited to be charged with a DUI, since he is a California Highway Patrol officer. He, of all people, should know the dangers of drinking and driving and he should be doing everything in his power to make the streets safer. As his sentence, he will likely receive probation and have to pay court fees.

Whether you live in Orange County, Riverside County or Los Angeles County, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away.

Continue reading " Former California Highway Patrol Captain Charged with DUI " »

This month, in Temecula, an officer was trying to manage traffic near a two-car collision on Pala Temecula Road. Nicholas Gabbard approached the accident site in his vehicle, without slowing down. The officer attempted to get out of the way but Gabbard hit him in the ankles and drove off. Gabbard then turned around and approached the scene again, this time hitting an ambulance and fire truck. Officers arrested him for felony DUI, felony hit and run and driving on a suspended license. The injured officer was taken to the hospital and was later released.

Driving drunk and hitting a person is a serious offense, especially when the person you hit is an officer. If you ever hit a person or a car, make sure to stop and get out of your car. Exchange insurance information if you hit a car. If you hit a person, make sure they are alright and call the police. Leaving the scene of the crime shows that you wanted to get away from the crime instead of face responsibility. Whether you live in Santa Ana, Irvine or Yorba Linda, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you. Possible defenses to a DUI charge include: improper field sobriety tests, machine failure for blood alcohol testing, road conditions and medical conditions.

Continue reading " California Highway Patrol Officer Injured by Drunk Driver " »

On Wednesday night, 80-year-old Edelgard Owens was riding her bicycle on the sidewalk of East Imperial Highway in Yorba Linda. She started to cross Prospect Avenue when a white pick-up truck slammed into her. She was immediately taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead. Initially, there was speculation that Owens did not have the right to cross at that time. Later, that was ruled out after officers interviewed the driver of the truck and realized she may have been driving under the influence. After issuing field sobriety tests, officers realized she was intoxicated and arrested her under suspicion of DUI manslaughter.

It is unfortunate that a woman had to die because of another's negligence. Regardless if the traffic light was red for the bicyclist, if there was an accident and officers found out that the driver was drunk, she would still get a DUI. Sentences for DUI manslaughter range from probation to years in prison. Whether you live in Villa Park, Lake Forest or Anaheim, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away.

Continue reading " 80-Year-Old Bicylcist Killed by Yorba Linda DUI Driver " »

With all of the Angels games taking place in Anaheim this week, Anaheim has been in full party mode. Most fans love to tailgate before the game, drink during the game, party after the game, and then drive home. Of course, this leads to many driving under the influence charges for the fans. Because of this, Anaheim Police have decided to step up patrolling the area since they recently received an anti-DUI grant from the state to pay for saturation police and DUI checkpoints. Police are constantly reminding Angels fans about the ill fate of rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and his two friends who were killed by a suspected drunk driver earlier this year. Police want to remind the fans to drink responsibly and avoid the roads if you have been drinking.

It is so unfortunate that Nick Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver and could not see how far the Angels got in the playoffs. It is a harsh reality that drunk drivers are out on the streets everyday and are killing and hurting themselves and others. Police remind drivers to report drunk drivers since it is an emergency that requires police assistance right away. Whether you live in Santa Ana, Brea or Laguna Niguel, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away.

Continue reading " Anaheim Police on DUI Alert During Angels Game " »

Last weekend, Ronald Simon of Yucca Valley was driving in Morongo Valley and witnesses claim he was drifting in and out of lanes. Simon lost control of the car and veered into oncoming traffic, crashing into a car driven by Cameron Hendricks. Hendricks and his 5-year-old daughter were seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital, where the 5-year-old was pronounced dead. Hendricks' wife and other child were not injured. Simon was arrested on the scene of the crime for being under the influence of intoxicants.

It is very unfortunate that a 5-year-old girl was killed as a result of this driver's irresponsibility. These accidents happen everyday though, because people continue to drive while intoxicated. If you are not sure if you are intoxicated, be on the safe side and don't drive. Because of Simon's decision to drive, he will have to get his license revoked, pay court fines and fees and likely spend time in prison. Whether you live in Laguna Beach, Brea or Westminster, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Californian Drunk Driver Kills 5-Year-Old Girl " »

This weekend, Richard Ernest Caselli was driving 100 m.p.h. on the 73 toll road in Laguna Canyon. As he was speeding, he struck the back of a car driven by Brook Boynton, causing that car to spin out of control and flip over. Boynton was ejected from the car and killed. When officers arrived, they administered field sobriety tests on Caselli and determined that he was intoxicated at the time of the accident. He was arrested and booked into jail. He is facing the charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. If he is convicted of this charge, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Often, intoxicated people have the urge to drive fast so they can get to their destination quicker to avoid because caught by police. This always leads to accidents or more attention from officers. If you are drunk, have a designated driver or a taxi cab pick you up. Anytime a person drives while intoxicated, they risk the chance of hurting or killing themselves or others. Whether you live in Newport Beach, Yorba Linda or Laguna Woods, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Ladera Ranch Man Accused of DUI Manslaughter on Toll Road " »

This weekend, after partying at a cast-mate's birthday party, the "Hills" reality star Stephanie Pratt was arrested for a DUI. Officers issued field sobriety tests and breathalyzer test results stated Pratt had a blood alcohol level of .08% and a .09%, which put her at and above the legal limit. She was arrested and taken to jail and then released on $5,000 bail. As she was getting arrested, people in the streets saw her and started taking pictures, which led to a fight among on-lookers. No one was arrested for the fight.

Pratt had reportedly had substance abuse problems before moving to Los Angeles. Often, drinking is the first step that leads back to a destructive habit. Since this is Pratt's first DUI, she will likely not face jail time and instead have to pay fees and possibly get her license revoked. Whether you live in Tustin, Lake Forest or Anaheim Hills, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you. The attorney may be able to fight the charges if there was an error in the breathalyzer equipment.

Continue reading " Reality Star Stephanie Pratt Arrested for DUI in Los Angeles " »

Last week, around 5 a.m. in the morning, Javier Luna-Alanis was driving on I-15 in Temecula. He changed lanes and accidentally hit the tail end of a car driven by Iryna Hogan, causing both cars to lose control and stop in the middle of the freeway. Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. Luna-Alanis was then arrested on suspicion of drunken driving causing injury.

If you are charged with a DUI, a good DUI defense attorney will know several tactics that can lower your sentence or even drop your charges. Possible defenses include insufficient evidence, inaccurate test results, medical conditions and road conditions. Whether you live in Lake Forest, Huntington Beach or Irvine, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " DUI Driver Causes Two-Car Collision in Temecula " »

The Bakersfield Police Department just received a traffic safety grant that they plan on using to launch a DUI program to prevent DUI fatalities and injuries. The program will target DUI offenders and also educate the public on the dangers of drinking and driving. The money from the grant will be used for DUI checkpoints, saturation police, and sting operations that will target people who are repeat DUI offenders and have their licenses revoked. Police will also be educating motorcyclists since motorcycle accidents are on the rise. From 1998 to 2008, motorcycle accidents increased 175%.

Bakersfield has launched similar programs before and they have been proven effective. With increased DUI patrolling comes safer streets. As bad as it is to get a DUI, it is much worse if you actually kill someone while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whether you live in Los Angeles County, Riverside County or Orange County, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Bakersfield Police Launch Program to Combat DUI Accidents " »

On Wednesday evening, actor Thomas Dekker was trying to get onto the freeway in North Hollywood, when he struck a bicyclist who was riding through the crosswalk. Police arrived and after issuing field sobriety tests, they arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage resulting in an injury to a party involved in a traffic collision. He was taken to jail and then released on $100,000 bail.

Driving under the influence is very dangerous and can lead to injury or the death of you or others around you. Other notable celebrities that have been caught driving under the influence include: Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Michael Phelps, Lindsay Lohan and many others. Whether you live in Orange, Tustin or Laguna Beach, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Actor Thomas Dekker Arrested in Hollywood for DUI " »

Jeffrey Woods is currently on trial for killing a 14-year-old bicyclist in 2007. Allegedly, Woods had been texting while driving and was also under the influence of Xanax and Vicodin on the day of the crash. Danny Oates was riding his bike to school to pick up his schedule when Woods drove right into him, killing him.

This week, an expert witness testified that being under the influence of those drugs while driving, could triple the chance of a driver being involved in a crash and could have a strong "empowering" effect on a person. Prosecutors claim that text messaging and being under the influence of 2 prescription drugs made it nearly impossible for Woods to stay on the road, thereby causing the crash. Defense attorneys claim that Woods had a seizure while driving and that was the cause of the accident.

Woods has pled not guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and driving under the influence and causing bodily harm. If he is convicted, he faces around 10 years in prison. Whether you live in Westminster, Lake Forest or Villa Park, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Huntington Beach Driver Kills Bicyclist While Under Influence of Prescription Drugs " »

On Saturday, Lance Corporal Robert T. Austin was driving on the I-15 in Escondido. He got into a small fender bender accident with a nearby car, that caused Austin's car to spin out of control. Austin and the passengers got out of the car and seconds later, another car crashed into Austin's stalled car and Austin was knocked off of the freeway and down an embankment. The driver then fled.

Soon after, a third car hit the second car that had been abandoned on the road, causing the passenger of the third car to be killed instantly. Austin was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the second car, Oscar Tinoco, was found and arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.

Multi-car accidents occur all the time. Unfortunately, they are often caused by drunk drivers. If you are planning on drinking, find a designated driver to take you home. If Tinoco is convicted of all of these charges, he may spend the rest of his life in prison. Regardless if you live in Orange or Irvine, if you are involved in a DUI accident, call an experienced DUI defense attorney right away to assist you.

Continue reading " Marine Killed in California by Drunk Driver " »

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two bills this week, that will toughen penalties for DUI offenders in some cities. According to one of the bills, a pilot program will be launched in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare, that will require people convicted of driving under the influence to install ignition interlock devices in their cars. These devices would require the driver to breathe into a tube on the device, which would test the driver's blood alcohol level. The car would not start if the driver had a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher.

The other bill will allow repeat DUI offenders to apply for a restricted license if they install the ignition interlock device. About 50-75% of people who get their licenses revoked for a DUI, still drive, so this would make it easier for them to get a license and would give them an incentive to use the new device.

In New Mexico, this program has been implemented since 2003 and they have noticed a 22% decrease in alcohol related fatalities. Proponents say this will be the same result in California. Opponents question the effectiveness of the devices. I think this is a great way to reduce repeat offenders from driving while intoxicated, but I too question the effectiveness and the false positives that could result from the device.

Whether you live in Mission Viejo, Brea or Anaheim, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " New California Bills Affect DUI Offenders " »

Last week, Michelle Niemiec was driving with her children around 2 p.m. She ran a stop sign in Lakeside and crashed into a dirt embankment. She and her children were badly injured. Niemeic broke both of her ankles and her three children all had injuries that needed medical attention. Allegedly, Niemiec had not been wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident. After being released from the hospital, she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Niemiec is expected to be charged with felony DUI and child endangerment.

It is quite obvious that if you drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are likely to injure someone or yourself. Since Niemiec was driving her children around, she should have known better than to drive while under the influence. Since she did drive while under the influence, she is now facing child endangerment charges because her children were injured while under her supervision. If convicted of both charges, Niemiec may face jail time. Whether you live in Orange, Huntington Beach or Aliso Viejo, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " California Woman Gets In DUI Accident With Kids In Car " »

Last week, around 2 a.m., a blank Infiniti driven by Ryan Dewindt rear-ended a Mustang driven by Victor Ontiveros. Both cars were trying to get off the exit and after being hit, the Mustang crashed into a tree near an apartment building. Police were called and after the men were questioned, officers noticed that both men were intoxicated. They were both arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Ontiveros may also be charged with obstructing an officer's duty because he refused to get out of the car after the accident.

What are the odds of two drunk people running into each other? It seems rare, but it's probably common at that time of night. These men were likely released after they sobered up and will face fines, license suspension and restitution for the damage caused to the cars. Whether you live in Tustin, Santa Ana and Orange, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Two Drunk La Palma Men Causes Accident on Freeway " »

Earlier this week, police arrested Brawley King Nolte for suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. Nolte was driving through Santa Monica, when he struck another vehicle as he was trying to change lanes. When officers arrived, they noticed Nolte exhibiting signs of impairment so they issued field sobriety tests. Nolte was arrested, taken to jail and then released on $5,000 bail.

Brawley Nolte's father, Nick Nolte, is a famous actor who has battled alcohol and drug problems. In 2002, he received a DUI and then checked himself into a hospital for alcohol counseling. Hopefully, Brawley learns from his mistake and is not arrested again for a DUI. A first time DUI comes with fines and a license suspension. A second DUI comes with stiffer penalties. Whether you live in Fullerton, Huntington Beach or Laguna Woods, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Nick Nolte's Son Arrested for DUI in California " »

In February of this year, Alan Lester Mabrey had consumed about 11 beers before getting into his car to drive home. Pedestrian Emily Cathleen Dowdy was walking across Mission Boulevard in San Diego when she was struck. Mabrey kept on driving, went to Burger King to eat and then drove back to the accident scene. He was arrested and his blood alcohol level was at a .22% (almost three times the legal limit). He faces charges of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence.

This was not the first time Mabrey was charged with a DUI. He has several DUI convictions from Colorado and Texas and has already been to rehab and detox centers. Clearly, Mabrey has an alcohol problem and will likely be sentenced to prison time and alcohol education classes as his punishment. If you are charged with DUI manslaughter in Orange County, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " San Diego Drunk Driver Kills Pedestrian " »

A Marin County couple wanted to avoid getting another DUI over the weekend, so they gave their keys to a 13-year-old boy and asked him to drive them home since they were drunk. After driving for a little while, the boy got scared and stopped the car on the side of the road. Police saw the stalled car and went over to find out what was going on. The woman was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

If you are drunk and you need to get home, get a designated driver to take you home. Even when severely intoxicated, most people should know that people under 16 are not legally allowed to drive. Call a taxi cab or a designated driving service if no one in your party is sober enough (or old enough) to drive you home. Instead of this woman getting a DUI, she now faces child endangerment charges which are much worse.

Whether you live in Villa Park, Lake Forest or Irvine, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " California Couple Uses 13 Year-Old as Designated Driver " »

Last month, Mel Gibson's attorney filed a motion to dismiss Gibson's no contest plea to his 2006 DUI charge. Gibson's 2006 DUI arrest was memorable because of the anti-Semitic comments made to the police officers that arrested him. Gibson's sentence for the DUI was three years of probation, fines of over $1,300, 11 months of Alcoholics Anonymous and three months of an alcohol abuse program.

A dismissal motion may be filed by the defendant if all probation conditions are met (California Penal Code section 1203.4). After filing the motion, there will be a hearing where Gibson will plead not guilty. After the plea, the judge can then decide if the charges will be dismissed or not. The judge looks at the fulfillment of probation conditions, the defendant's progress and his criminal history, among other things, in determining whether to dismiss the charges or not. The hearing will occur sometime this week.

Whether you live in Orange, Newport Beach or Fullerton, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Mel Gibson Files Motion to Dismiss DUI From 2006 " »

This weekend in Danville, a 23-year-old man was driving drunk on Interstate 680 around 1 a.m. A tow truck operator was working on a car on the side of the highway, when Kevin Dubrall crashed into the back of the tow truck. Dubrall suffered cuts to his head and arm and the tow truck driver received back injuries, although he was not hit by the car or truck. After being released from the hospital, Dubrall was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

A normal DUI without any damages will be a misdemeanor. A felony DUI is received if there were damages or injuries or if the suspect had prior driving under the influence charges. Sentences can vary from no jail time to a couple of years in prison. Regardless if it is a misdemeanor or felony, a DUI comes with fines, license revocations and alcohol classes.

Whether you live in Irvine, Santa Ana or Brea, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Drunk California Driver Arrested After Hitting Tow Truck " »

Last weekend, Michael Neal was speeding on the I-80 highway in Citrus Heights. Neal lost control of the car and it clipped another car before skidding off the road and slamming into a tree. Two passengers in the car were killed instantly. A third passenger was taken to the hospital but died from her injuries. Neal was also taken to the hospital for his broken ribs and pelvic injuries. Police think he may have been intoxicated while driving so upon release from the hospital, he is expected to be arrested and taken to jail.

Neal has two past DUI incidents on his record. Both of the charges were never prosecuted though, because he failed to show up in court. Instead, his license was suspended. If he is convicted of three counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol, Neal is looking to face life in prison. Whether you live in Los Angeles County, Riverside County or Orange County, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " California Drunk Driver Kills 3 in Auto Accident " »

In July of this year, comedian Artie Lange was pulled over while driving in New Jersey. Officers thought he looked intoxicated and tests revealed that he was under the influence of sleeping pills. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. He plead guilty to driving under the influence of a habit producing drug and was fined $664, had his license revoked for a year and has to take an intoxicated driver's program. Lange's attorney claims he plead guilty to avoid the media interfering.

A person can be charged with driving under the influence if they are under the influence of a prescription drug. It is irresponsible to be driving under the influence of a drug that is known to cause drowsiness or loss of coordination. If you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Comedian Artie Lang Pleads Guilty to DUI " »

In June of last year, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy was driving his county issued Chevrolet SUV in the middle of the night, while under the influence of alcohol. Deputy Robert Andrew Moran crashed his car into another car at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Garden Grove, injuring the driver and passenger of that car. He was charged with driving under the influence causing injury and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of about a .08%. He plead no contest to these misdemeanor charges and, this week, was sentenced to home confinement for six months. Additionally, he was put on probation for 3 years and required to enroll in a three-month DUI first offender program. He was placed on unpaid leave from the Sheriff's department after the incident, but will seek reinstatement after confinement is over.

Normally, the punishment for a first time DUI includes: fees, probation and alcohol education classes. It seems that Moran was punished quite severely for a first time DUI offense in that he also was given home confinement. It is likely that the District Attorney wanted to prove that everyone gets punished for violating laws, including officers. Whether you live in Santa Ana, Aliso Viejo or Laguna Beach, if you are charged with a DUI, you will need an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy Sentenced in DUI Crash " »

Joel Torrejon Miranda, a suspected drunk driver with three prior convictions was indicted on gross vehicular manslaughter charges this week. Allegedly, in February, Miranda was driving his Chevrolet pickup truck with a blood alcohol level of .23%. He made an unsafe turn at an intersection which caused a car crash with Nguyen Tran. Miranda's truck then went up a curb and hit pedestrian Francisco Aquino. Aquino was pinned against a wall and had serious injuries. He died two days later in the hospital. After the accident, Miranda fled the scene and was arrested a short time later.

Miranda already had 3 prior DUI convictions and had been sentenced to 96 hours in jail and three years of probation for his last DUI. For this DUI manslaughter change, Miranda may face 20 years to life in prison, if convicted. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 23. Whether you live in Tustin, Santa Ana or Laguna Woods, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Santa Ana Man Gets Fourth DUI Conviction " »

Roger Avery, a screenwriter, director and producer, was sentenced to 1 year in jail and 5 years probation for DUI manslaughter. Avery, his wife, and his friend Andreas Zini went to dinner in January of 2008. They left the restaurant and Avery was intoxicated, but still decided to drive them home. Around 12:30am, Avery was going around 100 m.p.h. when he slammed into a pole. Zini was killed instantly and Avery and his wife received injuries. Police arrested Avery who had a blood alcohol level of .11%.

Prosecutors said Avery could have received 12 years for the crime, but he knew Avery was remorseful and this was his first crime, so they reduced the sentence. The court said that even though Avery would have to be in jail for one year, he may be able to work from jail through a work furlough program. While in jail he will also have to take alcohol classes.

Whether you live in Orange, Laguna Niguel or La Palma, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, you will need an experienced DUI defense attorney right away. A good defense attorney MAY be able to have your charges dropped or reduce your sentence, depending on the facts.

Continue reading " Oscar Winner Gets Jail Time for DUI Manslaughter in California " »

Last Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., Newport Beach Police set up a sobriety checkpoint on Dover Drive. About 340 cars drove through the checkpoint, 308 cars were given DUI material and information and were observed by officers, 11 of the drivers were given field sobriety tests, 6 were arrested for driving under the influence, 11 citations were given and 7 cars were towed.

DUI checkpoints can be costly for cities, but many cities think its worth it. DUI checkpoints scare the community to not drink and drive and also save people's lives. If you ever want to know if there will be a DUI checkpoint in your area, call the local police station and ask. Even if there is no DUI checkpoint, there is often police saturation during the weekend to catch drunk drivers. Whether you live in Huntington Beach, Irvine or La Palma, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.

Continue reading " Newport Beach DUI Checkpoint Results " »