San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

A 17 year old involved in a San Diego DUI fatality that took the life of a Santee Woman pleaded not guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter on Monday.

In Juvenile Court on Monday the girl whose name has not been identified was ordered to house arrest by Judge Dwayne K. Moring.

The alleged San Diego drunk driver was driving on State Route 125 on September 20 around 6:30am when she broadsided the victims Ford Explorer while exiting at Mission Gorge Road. Pamela Marabeas was stopped waiting to make a left turn when the fatal DUI incident occurred. The 53 year-old died at the scene.

Just before the DUI crash, the 17 year old girl was suspected of slamming into the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier making the vehicle veer off the road and running into a fence and utility boxes.

The alleged drunk driving teen who is being tried in Juvenile Court is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, misdemeanor driving without a license, auto theft, hit and run causing injury and hit and run causing property damage if convicted she could face up to 11 years and six months.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Besides the fact that underage drinking is against the law. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Teen Accused In Fatal Crash Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, February 1, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Fatality Suspect Pleads Not Guilty" »

A suspected San Diego drunk driver crashes into a parked car and while trying to flee the scene he hits three pedestrians when he puts his car in reverse, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Three pedestrians that were standing outside The Silver Fox Lounge in Pacific Beach at 1833 Garnet Avenue were struck by a man suspected of driving under the influence about 2:00 a.m. on Friday. The San Diego DUI driver who had just smashed into a parked car had put his car in reverse while trying to escape the scene.

The three victims were taken to local hospitals. Two victims were taken to Scripps La Jolla and one to San Diego’s Sharp Memorial Hospital. One person was treated for a broken leg; the two other victims were treated for minor injuries. The suspect was driving a Ford Explorer when he fled the scene.

Witnesses were able to lead the San Diego police to the DUI suspect’s house in Clairemont where he was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

If you are suspected of driving under the influence it is in your best interest to obtain an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer to represent you. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

3 Pedestrians Struck as Drunk Driving Suspect Tries to Flee Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, January 29, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego Drunken Driving Suspect Hits 3 People Then Tries To Flee " »

A North San Diego based Marine from Camp Pendleton has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in a fatal DUI crash that took the life of a Newport Beach doctor and seriously injuring his wife in 2008.

Lance Cpl. Elijah Ferguson was driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding when he smashed into the back of an Aston Martin that was stopped at a red light at Jamboree Road and MacArthur Blvd. killing Dr. Michael Sein and seriously injuring his wife Grace. The DUI driver was driving about 75 mph when the fatal accident occurred on February 22, 2008.

Ferguson said “I’m sorry for what I did and for what I did not do,” meaning that he had planned to sleep off his drunkenness at Camp Pendleton before getting into his car and driving home. The intoxicated driver's blood-alcohol level was two times the legal limit.

Ferguson’s criminal defense attorney was hoping for probation, wanting his client to receive treatment at a San Diego facility for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ferguson who has no prior convictions was convicted on Dec 9 to second-degree murder and DUI charges. He was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in prison.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI in San Diego it is in your best interest to contact an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer to represent you with your drunken driving case. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Lance Cpl. Elijah Leigh Ferguson Faces 15 Years In Prison For DUI Manslaughter, 10news.com, January 22, 2010

Former Marine sentenced for killing doctor, The Orange County Register, January 22, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego Marine Sentenced in Orange County Fatal DUI Crash" »

A San Diego man who was convicted in September of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury and driving with a blood- alcohol level of .08 percent or higher was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Shannon Shrimp of El Cajon was driving under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine when he crashed his pickup truck into a Lexus after losing control when he tried to pass other cars on state Route 78 on July 22 around 6:00 p.m. killing 52 year-old Joseph Edwards a passenger in his car.

The driver of the Lexus, 19 year-old Ian Kinney of Julian was also killed in the San Diego fatal DUI crash. His girlfriend Tessa Medearis was hospitalized for minor injuries.

The 36 year-old DUI driver’s blood alcohol level was .19 percent which is more than twice the legal limit. Shimp was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Man Sentenced For SR-78 Fatal DUI Crash, 10news.com, January 8, 2010

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

There are serious consequences when you are caught driving under the influence in San Diego. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Web Related Resources

California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

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Continue reading "San Diego Man Faces 16 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Crash" »

In San Diego, a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and gross vehicular manslaughter after he smashed his SUV into a car that was parked along the shoulder of a San Diego freeway killing a pregnant woman and critically injuring two others.

Joseph Anthony Venegas, who entered a not guilty plea in court, has no San Diego DUI priors is being held on $300,000 bail. The 40 year old is being charged with one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as well as two counts of DUI causing injury. Venegas has not been charged in the death of the unborn child.

The 21 year old victim, Elaina Luquis-Ortiz, who was 6 months pregnant died at the scene of the crash that occurred on New Year’s Day. The two other victims were taken to San Diego’s Scripps Mercy Hospital where they were treated for severe injuries.

Venegas, whose blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit could be facing 16 years and eight months if convicted of the fatal San Diego DUI crash.

Man Pleads Not Guilty In Crash That Killed Pregnant Woman, 10News.com, January 13, 2010

Man Charged In DUI Crash That Killed Pregnant Woman, 10News.com, January 6, 2010
Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Web Related Resources

California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

California DMV on what happens when you’re arrested for DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Man Involved in Fatal DUI Crash Pleads Not Guilty" »

Former San Diego anchorwoman Allison Ross was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence after taking a field sobriety test, according to San Diego police.

Ross, 55, who worked as an anchorwoman from 1978 to 1989 at KFMB-TV, appeared to be driving while intoxicated on the wrong side of the road when a San Diego police officer saw her heading toward him just before 4:00 a.m. on Sunday in the 7600 block of Fay Avenue. The officer had to move out of the way to avoid being hit.

The suspected DUI driver was pulled over on Kline Street by the officer who then administered a field sobriety test. Ross was arrested on misdemeanor DUI and taken to Santee’s Las Colinas Jail for women where bail was set at $2500.

Ross who also worked in radio is facing charges for misdemeanor DUI and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Former News Anchor Suspected Of Drunken Driving, 10News.com, January 11,2010

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Continue reading "San Diego Former TV Anchorwoman Arrested for Suspected DUI" »

San Diego DUI arrests were up this holiday season compared to the same time last year, according to a 2009 Winter Holiday DUI Mobilization preliminary report.

This year there were 887 San Diego DUI arrests made while during the same time in 2008 there were only 496 arrests made for DUI around the San Diego County. Five San Diego DUI traffic fatalities were were reported compared to eight DUI related deaths last year.

The California Highway Patrol, with 13 additional law enforcement agencies around the county provided statistics that formed the 2009 Winter Holiday DUI Mobilization preliminary report.

Drinking and driving arrests over the New Year’s holiday weekend, which began on Thursday and ended at midnight Sunday, were up compared to last year as well. There were 246 DUI arrests in 2009 compared to 115 in 2008. San Diego DUI checkpoints that were set up and additional law enforcement around the county were about the same as last year.

If you are caught in a San Diego DUI checkpoint, your arrest comes from professionals doing the job they are trained to do. Their goal is to keep drivers who drink to stay off the roads. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs to drive.

If you have a 0.08 percent or more, be weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charges with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You may face jail if you are convicted.

CHP: DUI Arrests Higher Than Last Year, 10News.com, January 4, 2010

REGION: Holidays see jump in DUI arrests, North County Times, January 4, 2010

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A teenager who pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter is sentenced today to probation and 547 days at a camp for juveniles.

The boy who is 17 has been in custody since the fatal San Diego DUI crash that happened on October 4 about 1:45 in the morning on a Rancho Santa Fe winding road, which took the life of fellow classmate from Torrey Pines High School Alex Capozza and seriously injuring another classmate Jaime Arnold.

There were two other passengers involved in the DUI crash but they fortunately escaped severe injury. According to a report made by the California Highway Patrol, a combination of alcohol and speed played a large factor in the San Diego fatal DUI accident.

The teen who was driving under the influence, registered a .10 percent blood alcohol content which was taken about 60 minutes after the fatal DUI crash, according to Deputy District Attorney Aimee Mcleod. San Diego DUI attorney, Robert Grimes had argued for his client to be put on house arrest. The teen was ordered to serve a minimum of 283 days at Camp Barrett by Judge "Woody Clarke.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Torrey Pines Student In DUI Crash To Be Sentenced, 10news.com, December 10, 2009

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Continue reading "San Diego Sentencing for Teen Accused in DUI Fatality in Rancho Santa Fe " »

There were fewer San Diego DUI arrests over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend this year compared to 2008, according to the California Highway Patrol.

From Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday at 6:00 a.m., there were ninety-four San Diego DUI arrests made compared to last year where there were 108 drunk driving arrests made over the same time, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Jesse Udovich.

San Diego DUI Checkpoints were set up around the county by law enforcement agencies in an attempt to reduce the number of drunken drivers on the road. A Chula Vista patrol was set up and there were five people taken into custody for DUI. California Highway Patrol officers made 1314 driving under the influence arrests statewide this year compared to 2008 where there were 1397 people arrested for DUI.

In San Diego there was one fatality this year. Fatalities rose statewide compared to 2008. There were 30 fatal accidents during the holiday weekend in 2009 versus 24 fatalities last year.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

DUI arrests, fatalities down in San Diego; more fatalities statewide, KFMB News 8, November 29,2009

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Arrests Lower This Holiday Weekend" »

DUI charges filed against a University of Florida defensive lineman after officers found him asleep at the wheel and suspected him of DUI.

Carlos Dunlap was arrested early Tuesday morning after a police officer found the 20 year-old defensive lineman asleep in his car at a stop light. The officer had been responding to a report of reckless driving. The red 2000 Chrysler that Dunlap was driving didn’t move after several signals had changed, that’s when the officer found the suspected DUI driver asleep, according to Gainsville police Lt. Keith Kameg.

About 3:25 a.m. police officer Robert Rogers arrested Dunlap for driving under the influence after he appeared to be to some extent incoherent and unbalanced on his feet after performing field sobriety tests. Dunlap was also reported to smell of alcohol and he refused a breathalyzer test.

Dunlap was taken to Alachua County jail on suspicion of driving under the influence. Last year the defensive lineman was named the most outstanding player in the BCS title game. Florida coach Urban Meyer has suspended the 290 pound, 6 foot 6 athlete from playing in Saturday’s SEC Championship Game. “He’s not going to play,” Meyers said.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Florida defensive lineman charged with DUI, San Diego 6 the CW, December 1, 2009

Florida's Dunlap suspended for SEC title game following DUI charge, SI.com, December 1, 2009

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Continue reading "DUI Charges For University of Florida Defensive Lineman" »

A San Diego DUI fatality of a woman who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while she was walking down the street to sing karaoke was identified.

Cydil Deann Kohlmeyer, the 35 year-old mother of two daughters, was always known to have a smile on her face, according to her friends. “Dee Dee was like a spring of lovely personality. She was always energetic. She always had a smile. Always glad to see you,” said friend Jae Forsythe.

The San Diego DUI crash happened on Saturday about 9:20 p.m. in the 1200 block of Pepper Drive in El Cajon when Kohlmeyer was fatally struck and killed by a Dodge pick-up truck driven by a woman suspected of driving while intoxicated. Kohlmeyer was walking on her way to meet up with some friends at the Coo Coo Club to sing karaoke, according the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.

Deborah Felix, 51, the suspected DUI driver tried to run away from the scene after striking and killing Kohlmeyer with her vehicle, running over several mailboxes, slamming into the back of a parked pick-up and finally came to a halt when she crashed into the side of a garage. Several neighbors caught her and held her until police arrived. According to CHP Officer Brian Pennings, “They saw Ms. Felix in the seat of her car and saw her start to run from the scene.” “They caught up to her and detained her,” said Officer Pennings.

Felix was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and will face charges for gross vehicular manslaughter.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Woman Killed By Drunk Driver In El Cajon Identified, 10News.com, November 22, 2009

Pickup Runs Off the Street Hits, Kills Woman; Both ID'd, San Diego 6 The CW, November 22, 2009

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Fatality in El Cajon ID’d" »

Senator John Kerry’s daughter Alexandra was arrested in Los Angeles early Thursday morning for driving under the influence, but was later released after a breathalyzer test indicated she was under the legal limit.

Film producer and director 36 year-old Alexandra Kerry was stopped by Los Angeles Police for driving on an expired registration. She was then taken into custody for probable DUI and later released on bond.

“Alexandra Kerry was pulled over for an expired registration and was released after the results of a breathalyzer test at the police station were under the legal limit, said democratic spokeswomen Jodi Seth.

Alexandra's court date is scheduled for December 10. If you are arrested for DUI or driving under the influence it is in your best interest to hire an experienced DUI attorney. Choosing the right representation for your DUI case is one of the most important choices you can make.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

John Kerry: My Daughter Was Not Legally Drunk, People, November 19, 2009

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Continue reading "Senator John Kerry’s Daughter Alexandra Arrested for DUI" »