Police officers in California use the standardized field sobriety tests to help determine if a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. But the problem with these tests is that they are not always reliable and could be used as evidence of...
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DUI
New California law has prosecutors worried
Several prosecutors in California have raised concerns about a bill Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on Sept. 30. They are worried because Assembly Bill 3234 allows superior court judges to order criminal offenders to enter diversion programs even when district...
An overview of sobriety tests
An officer who believes that you are driving on a California road or highway while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may conduct a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, you may be asked to take a series of tests designed to confirm or negate that belief....
California woman sentenced to prison for causing DUI crash
A California woman has been sentenced to more than 12 years in a state prison for causing an accident that killed one pedestrian and left another with life-threatening injuries. The 50-year-old Lakewood resident was sentenced after entering nolo contendere, or no...
Why you should reconsider refusing to take a sobriety test
Residents of California might want to know why it is not wise to refuse to take a Breathalyzer test when stopped roadside by police. You will probably be thinking that self-incrimination is prevented by law, so you do not need to take these tests to determine your...
Is AB 3234 a Threat to Public Safety?
While few would dispute that anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime is entitled to a second chance, what would happen if that “first chance” was wiped from their criminal record? What if the offense committed was driving under the influence. As with anything remotely...
What is the penalty for a first-time DUI offense in California?
When California’s current stay-at-home order ends, you may feel like you need a night out to celebrate. You could meet up with friends at your favorite bar or restaurant and enjoy a few craft beers or cocktails. When you head home for the night, you may not realize...