Is a Forced Blood Draw the same as a Refusal?

In California, the law treats the forced removal of blood the same as a refusal. What this means in a practical sense is that the DMV will suspend or revoke your diving privilege for a minimum of one year.

The "Heat" and Keeping it Off you When Drinking This Summer

No doubt, many of us will be drinking this summer. Keeping the police or "heat" off you back is a simple as exercising common sense. When you consume alcohol, do it responsibly. When you drink do not drive, this simple maxim will keep you out of jail and avoid a DUI on your record.

July 4th DUI Checkpoints Announced for Los Angeles

A number of DUI checkpoints will be administered by Los Angeles police Departments over the Fourth of July weekend.
One checkpoint is planned at the intersection of Broadlawn Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard West near Universal Studios, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
A news conference will be held at that location at 5 p.m., with City Councilman Tom LaBonge, a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and officials from the LAPD scheduled to speak, according to the LAPD.
Another Drunk driving checkpoint will be set up on Florence Avenue between Broadway and Main streets, the LAPD said.
Police will set up traffic signs advising drivers they are approaching a checkpoint. Once there, police will explain to motorists the purpose of the checkpoint and detain drivers who appear to be under the influence, according to the LAPD.
Validity of driver licenses also will be examined, police said.
The West Covina Police Department is also planning a DUI and drivers license checkpoint at an undisclosed location "where a significant number of DUI-related collisions and DUI arrests have occurred," according to West Covina PD Lt. Marty Sevilla.
The checkpoints will be in place Friday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Summer Travel Equals Higher DUI and Speeding Citations

With the heat rising into the summer months most police agencies report a higher uptick in speeding violations. According to one recent survey of California law enforcement, the average stop for speeding will be a chance for the cop to do a quick sobriety check of the driver. According to Coalinga Speeding Ticket and DUI Attorney , based along the interstate 5 freeway in CA, the most common reason for stopping and arresting a drunk driver is excessive speed. With this bit of knowledge we are advising readers to not drink and drive, if you do decide to have a glass of wine or beer this summer and get behind the wheel of a car, do not speed and be safe!

Ignition Interlock For DUI Offenders, The New Paradigm

California may be the first state in the nation that mandates an ignition interlock for all first times DUI offenders. In a new pilot program starting g in July all first offense drunk driving defendants will be ordered to install and maintain an ignition interlock on all motor vehicles as part of their probation in counties such as Los Angeles, Tulare and others. Will this become the norm? Time will tell.

The Future of DUI Defense

The laws of California DUI are in a constant state of flux. For example, the MADD lobby has pressed for stiffer punishment of first time offenders by enactin the IID requirement that goes into effect in July 2010. The insurance industry has gone crazy by requiring those that get a DUI to get an SR-22 and jacking up the insurance rates for first time convictions, the Supreme Court has all but eliminated the fourth amendment when it comes to a drunk driving arrest, what is next? we will see!

Fun, Sun, The Beach and DUI this Summer

With summer comes fun in the sun, drinking and sometimes over consumption of alcohol. No doubt the best advice when indulging is to avoid any driving. Invariably however there will be those that do not heed this advice and get arrested for DUI. One Seal Beach DUI Lawyer offers the following advice if arrested: First do not volunteer any information about the number of drinks you have had, Second, comply with all requests except do not volunteer to do any FST exercises if they are requested, Third, take the breath test not blood and do not agree to submit to the infield PAS unless you are under 21 or your jurisdiction DMV requires it such as if you are on probation. Have fun, do not drink and drive and put on sunblock.