Can I do an Online DUI School in California?

The answer depends upon the type of Court and DMV resolution in your case.  If your attorney was able to work out a reduction than in most cases, yes.  However, in certain cases you must attend an in person DUI class approved by the state, inside the boundaries of California.  For example, if you were convicted of VC23152 a or b and have a California license and live within the state you must attend an in person class in CA.  However, if you live outside Ca and do not have a Ca license you can usually get away with an online as long as the Court approved it in advance.

Here is an example of a recent case:  The defendant was arrested in Los Angeles for VC23152 and went to Court.  The Judge ordered completion of an AB762 class because his blood alcohol level was .17.  Through negotiations with the prosecutor, they agreed an online class was OK because he lived out of state and did I not have a California drivers license.  The 1650 waiver process was explained.  He provided a certificate of completion of an on line AB762 class which was filed with the Court and that satisfied the Court requirements of completion of a DUI/DWI program.

Make sure that whatever class you do, that it will provide you a certificate of completion that meets the requirements of the specific class you were ordered to complete, for example:

12 hour, SB 1176 class
3 month AB 541 class
6 month AB762 class
9 month AB 1353 class
18 month SB38 class

Here are a couple online DUI class providers that offer CA classes:

Tom Wilson DUI schools

Ari Novick DUI schools online


Be sure to get advance approval from the Court before starting an online DUI/DWI class.  Remember, these web based schools are not approved by CA DMV but may satisfy your Court requirements.  Check with you attorney before beginning.

What Is SCRAM?

In recent years Judges and prosecutors in DUI cases have been imposing a SCRAM condition for many second and third time offenders.  The SCRAM System is a passive, non-invasive tool that reliably and continuously monitors and measures alcohol consumption 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for an extended period. It is based on transdermal alcohol detection and measures alcohol excreted through the skin in the form of constant, unnoticeable perspiration.

SCRAM Bracelet or Anklet. This tamper- and water-resistant bracelet or anklet contains an analog and a digital component that are attached to the offender using a durable strap (a custom engineered polypropylene blend). The strap houses electronic circuitry that allows the analog and digital sides to communicate.

Some people have reported problems with the product and therefore there are some instances where the device may give false results. The reliance of transdermal alcohol testing on an electrochemical sensor ensures that false positive readings due to organic hydrocarbon solvents or contaminants do not occur. Moreover, because it measures alcohol through the skin, this technology will not produce false positive readings due to the presence of mouth alcohol.  For example, Some foods (e.g., chocolate donuts, certain types of breads) can produce endogenous (internally produced) alcohol. This alcohol is unlikely to be produced in sufficient quantities to result in a positive reading on a transdermal alcohol measuring device. For example, an article published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology reported that an individual would be required to consume 3 lbs of bread to reach a BAC equivalent to that of a single 12 oz beer with 4% alcohol. As such, “the likelihood of anyone testing positive for alcohol from cooked bread consumption, let alone becoming intoxicated, is therefore remote” (Logan and Distefano 1998, p. 183). Similarly, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also result in the internal production of alcohol. Individuals with diabetes are prone to vascular diseases in the extremities and are potentially at greater risk of discomfort and potential adverse side effects as a result of wearing the SCRAM bracelet. At this time, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes not use SCRAM. 

Why Is It Taking So Long For My Blood Test Results?

As a DUI Lawyer for the past 21 years I am asked many questions by my clients.  Among the most common is why does it take so long for a blood test result to come back?  The answer is the blood vial in a DUI arrest is not tested at the hospital, jail or clinic where the blood was collected.

The blood sample is sent to a forensic laboratory where the testing is done.  In Los Angeles County, including Torrance, the blood or urine sample is sent to the Sherriff's LASD County Crime Lab in Downey where it is tested among other samples submitted.  In Kern County the vials are tested by the District Attorney Crime Lab in Downtown Bakersfield.  The process of getting the vial from the arresting agency to the lab involves transportation and preservation issues unique to the state evidentiary and regulatory rules.  Once at the lab there is a system of identification, sampling, testing and retesting that takes days if not weeks to accomplish due to the backlog of criminal laboratories and lack of sufficient funding.

Obviously, other tests for crimes such as rape, murder, and other serious felonies are given priority.  Although the blood testing for Drunk Driving cases are typically done within 2 weeks, the official reports which include a review by a senior toxicologist, will usually delay the reporting time to about 30-45 days.  In drug cases the reporting time can be longer since the specific drug needs to be tested twice, once for qualitative results, ie.  Is the drug present within the sample?  Then again quantitatively, ie.  What is the actual concentration of the drug?

The delay in the reporting of the results vary but you must remember that in a misdemeanour DUI prosecution the District Attorney has a full year to file charges.  In a felony case the DA has 3 years or sometimes more.  Therefore, if there is no result of the blood or urine then the prosecution and Court will usually ask for another Court Date.

Once the result of the state's test is reported it is possible to have the blood or urine retested by a private independent lab.  This process can again take 30-60 days or longer and can cost upwards of several hundred to thousands of dollars or more depending upon the type of testing requested.

The Cop Never Read My Miranda Rights, Will My DUI Case Be Dismissed?

Having practiced DUI for more than 20 years I can honestly say this is the number one asked question by my clients.  The short answer to the question is most likely no.

Let me start by saying Miranda Rights mean the cop must tell an arrested person they have a right to an attorney and the right to speak to that attorney before answering any questions.  But why is this question the number one question asked?  Well, fundamentally it is due to the fact that in most movies and TV shows when a person is arrested the cops read them their Miranda rights so there is a misconception that Miranda is required in any case where a suspect is arrested, that is simply not the law.

Here is what California law states when it comes to the mandatory reading of Miranda rights in a DUI or any other criminal case:  First, the suspect must be told he or she has a right to a lawyer before they are questioned and prior to making any statements only if they are "in custody" which means there liberty is restrained in a significant way and they are not free to leave.  Second, Miranda is only required when the police intend to interrogate a suspect, meaning they intend to ask them questions that are intended to illicit an incriminating response. So, there is a two prong test before Miranda must be read.

Let's, apply that 2 prong rule in a DUI or drunk driving arrest:  First, a person is definitely in custody because they are handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car so this part of the two prong test is satisfied.  However,  the second prong is generally the issue,  this is where the test often fails.  The suspect must be in custody at the time the officer intends to question them about the crime.  In most cases, after arrest the officer no longer questions them about the facts of the crime, for example how much have you had to drink, etc.  Although the officer did ask many incriminating questions it was likely before the suspect was placed under arrest so therefore Miranda was not required.  In short, if the cop places you under arrest for DUI but does not further question you about the facts of the case, other than routine booking information, then Miranda is inapplicable.

There may be instances where Miranda could be implicated in a DWI case.  For example, if the cop arrests you and subsequently questions you about the crime to get you to make incriminating statements then your rights could be violated.  Here's an example, the officer arrests you, places you in handcuffs then sits you in the back of the police car and asks you how much you had to drink, where you drank and the times you drank the alcoholic beverages.  Here, Miranda is required because he asks the questions after you were arrested.  Cops know that the law would require the reading of rights in this instance so they most always ask the incriminating questions before placing you in handcuffs.

What if the cops did violate your Constitutional rights by violating Miranda?  What is the remedy?  In short, it is suppression of the incriminating statements, not dismissal of the charges.

There is one type of DUI case where Miranda is almost always required, it is one involving drugs rather than alcohol.  Here's why:  In drug cases the officer that arrests you will usually call out a DRE or drug recognition expert to further assess you for drug impairment.  Because the situation involves an arrest prior to the DRE being called out Miranda is required.

Torrance DUI Lawyer Discusses Under 21 Drinking and Driving

The problem of drinking and driving for underage drivers has hit a record this year.  The state of California has considered changing the way it deals with and punishes the offenders.   Here is a brief overview of the problem from the perspective of a recent AAA study:

0. The drunk driving control system treats drivers under the age of 21 differently from those over 21 in several respects. Under minimum drinking age laws, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink, while under zero tolerance laws it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive after drinking any alcohol. Many drivers under 21, and most under the age of 18, attend high school or college. These settings provide opportunities for education and information and for policies regarding alcohol use.
   
   In 1999, only 13% of drinking drivers in fatal crashes were under the age of 21. However, young drivers may be the most important target for drunk driving preven- tion and control measures. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s adults. Habits formed today carry over to tomorrow: safe driving, drinking practices, respect or disrespect for the law. Numerous studies show that young people have adopted the ideas of not drinking and driving far more than have their elders. Nevertheless, young people continue to drink, in large numbers in defiance of the minimum drinking age.
   
   The laws, programs, and educational efforts directed at young people clearly have had an effect, but they must be continued. Each year brings a new cohort of beginning drivers who must decide for themselves whether or not to drink and drive.
   
   Zero tolerance laws provide a special opportunity. The typical punishment for violating a zero tolerance law is suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. The driver’s license is a precious symbol of independence and mobility for young people, therefore a punishment of license confiscation should play an important role is any consequence.
   
   

What Should I Be Doing Prior To My DMV Hearing?

In any DUI case a DMV hearing will be scheduled to challenge the suspension of your drivers license.  In the days leading up to the hearing these are the things you should know:

1.  Your drivers license will remain valid pending an outcome at the hearing.  You may receive a new temporary license but do not panic if that does not come right away.  If a hearing date is set you will get a stay of the suspension therefore nothing will happen to your license pending a decision. If you are stopped by the police they will see your license is valid in the computer.

2.  You may want to go to the DMV and get a photo ID unless you have a passport or other government identification.

3.  Be sure to contact any potential witnesses, including anyone that was with you the night you were arrested, let them know they may be needed to testify at the hearing and to keep that date and time open just in case.

4.  You will be notified whether you will need to appear in person or by phone.  This decision will be made once the discovery has been recieved from the DMV.  For more information read the the article: what happens at a DMV hearing.

Preparing For The Upcoming DMV Hearing In Your DUI Case

Anyone facing a DMV hearing for DUI needs to understand that there is always a substantial risk the Department will "rubber stamp" the conclusions made by the arresting officer.  Sometimes, even though the attorney may raise legitimate legal defenses and objections to the evidence the DMV may ignore those assertions and uphold the suspension based on the alleged blood alcohol level as reported by the breath machine or blood test. The good news is that we may be able to avoid an actual suspension and allow you to keep your license, at least for work, school, etc. The following is what you must do immediately to prepare for this outcome:

1. Obtain proof of insurance by way of an SR-22 that must be filed with the DMV.
This is done electronically directly from the company to the DMV. For help with
this contact your own insurance agent or call one of the companies that my past clients have used, see the attachments provided. One school of thought is that it is better to avoid getting the SR-22 from your primary insurer.  Here is what one insurance professional has to say about the subject: 

 "An SR22 is a certificate of insurance that the state of California requires all DUI offenders to obtain if convicted of a DUI. One of the biggest mistakes a DUI victim can make is calling their insurance provider to obtain an SR22. When you call your insurance company and ask them for an SR22, they automatically run your driving record. It is at this point that they discover about your DUI causing your rates to automatically sky rocket. An insurance company knows exactly why you need and SR22 filing and they are eager to use it against you."

  For help with obtaining an SR22, call an insurance professional or one of the experts below, let them know I represented you and they can explain the process in greater detail. It is best to do this prior to the hearing. 

I encourage my clients to compare prices with various providers for the best price.

2. Start the enrollment process for the AB 541 alcohol education program. Understand that you may be required to complete a longer program depending upon the outcome in Court, however, the AB541 is the minimum required class and discuss the possibility of a longer program with the provider up front, such as a 9 month class in cases where your BAC was above a .15.
A complete list of first offender programs can be found at this site: California DUI Schools.

The program will file the enrollment with the DMV, confirm with them that they have done so. Let them know you want to "self enroll" in the AB541 for DMV purposes, that there is no Court disposition and you do not have any paperwork from the Court.

If you have additional questions feel free to contact Torrance DUI Attorney Matthew Ruff.