You know that a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is serious — and you're pretty sure that you're going to be convicted. You're just hoping that the judge will be lenient. Since it's your first DUI (and, hopefully, your last) you expect fines, probation, a suspended license and a few ot...
When one individual becomes physically violent toward another person, that other person or a witness may report the interaction to law enforcement. If the police arrest you and then charge you with assault, you could face a lifetime of consequences ranging from reduced employment opportunities to...
Someone with an alcohol use disorder — the term alcoholic is not as common as it once was — may be at greater risk of getting a DUI. They frequently use alcohol, so there is the potential for impairment much of the time that they drive. However, many people may have this disorder without realizi...
If you go out for drinks with friends or spend a nice evening at a bar, it's possible that you might find that you had too much to drink. If that's the case, you do have options open to you, such as getting a ride home with someone who is sober or calling a taxi. One other option that you might b...
Taking something that is not yours could lead to criminal charges. Yet, sometimes people lose things, and if you do not pick them up, someone else will. If you work in a gym, a nightclub, or public transport, you may encounter lost property while on duty. Your employer should have procedures that...
Most adults who don't have a substance abuse problem can go out for a drink or maybe even two and then drive home safely. However, some people make certain decisions while at a party, restaurant or bar that impact how their bodies process the alcohol that they consume. If you make either of the t...
A DUI checkpoint can seem a little like a trap. While you can appreciate the attempt law enforcement is making to help people get home safely, it can be frustrating to be subjected to questions before there is evidence that you did anything wrong. Over the years, there have been many debates abou...
So-called “probable cause” is a preliminary threshold that must be met before police officers can mandate interaction with a citizen and subject him or her to a criminal search and seizure, right? If you're reading this blog post and nodding your head in the affirmative, consider your view a reas...
When you face criminal charges, it is a stressful and confusing time. On the one hand, you may want a particular outcome, but on the other, you may simply want the situation to be over. Plea deals often prey on people who want to end the situation but may not realize the consequences of accepting...
Fifty years ago, President Richard Nixon fired the opening salvo in his “war on drugs” by declaring that “America's public enemy number one is drug abuse.” After all these years, and after spending hundreds of billions of dollars on law enforcement, prosecution and incarceration, it's certain tha...
Every DUI case in California generally undergoes the same basic process. Once you have been arrested, it is important to reach out to a DUI attorney promptly and find out what to expect next. This can help you work cohesively with your attorney to form a strong defense. The arrest Each case begin...
Whatever circumstances led to your DUI arrest, first offenses can lead to several types of penalties. California law outlines the penalties and consequences for first and subsequent DUI offenses. State agencies also provide information on how police officers identify potentially impaired drivers....
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08 percent is a crime in California. Anyone arrested and charged with a DUI in California faces some of the toughest punishments in the country. License suspension, fines and even jail time are all part of the consequences...
A DUI charge is serious. It can be an overwhelming and stressful situation for anyone. However, when that DUI charge is paired with an injury charge, it can result in life-altering consequences if not defended aggressively. What is a California DUI causing injury? According to California Vehicle ...
A DUI charge will stay on your record for ten years in California. If you are charged with a second DUI offense within a 10-year period, the penalties increase from your first DUI conviction. Similar to a first DUI offense, a second DUI charge could have administrative and criminal consequences. ...
A DUI conviction can lead to multiple adverse life consequences. For instance, it could be more difficult to retain or find new employment. Depending on the circumstances, you can receive an expungement for a DUI conviction in California. DUI expungement is the process of having your DUI convicti...
For adults and teenagers alike, a DUI could have serious life implications. The legal limit in California for an adult 21 years and older is 0.08 percent. However, that limit does not apply to drivers under 21. To combat underage drinking and driving, California has instated stricter DUI laws for...
Californians have recently seen the nation's first electric scooter DUI arrests in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. This is proof that electric scooters are no exception to California's vehicle laws and scooting while intoxicated could have serious consequences. Though you probably will not be at ri...
When it comes to how the justice system handles criminal charges, California is a place of change. Our state just eliminated cash bails, and even more criminal justice reforms are on the way. What will these bills change? Will they affect your case if you are ever arrested? How is eliminating bai...