San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

A San Diego DUI suspect who allegedly killed a Sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter.

Jose Pedro Lopez Jasso, 23, was suspected of driving the wrong way on state Route 52 when the San Diego fatal DUI crash occurred on February 28, around 3:15 a.m. The sheriff’s patrol car had been in pursuit when it exploded into flames. Witness Maria Sanders saw the wrong-way driver approaching her and pulled over to let him pass.

Lopez was not aware that he was being followed by police and according to the suspects San Diego DUI defense lawyer, he felt he should not be held to answer on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter. The DUI suspect’s blood alcohol content was .11 which was measured two hours after the fatal crash.

Lopez who is facing up to 12 years in state prison pled guilty to felony gross manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury, and having a blood alcohol level over the legal limit causing injury.

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 a 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.

Man admits driving wrong way while intoxicated, causing death of pursuing sheriff's deputy, KFMB Ndews 8, October 27, 2010

California DMV: guide to DUI arrest
California DMV on driving drunk

Continue reading " San Diego DUI Suspect Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter " »

A DUI grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety has been awarded to the Escondido Police Department in an effort to reduce San Diego DUI related incidents.

The $268,000 grant was given to the Escondido Police Department so they would be able to staff special operations in an effort to reduce drunken drivers on the road through DUI checkpoints, increased patrols, and warrant searches.

DUI fatalities in California were down by 7.6 percent in 2009. The grant will also be used to educate citizens about driving under the influence and the consequences it may have. There were 950 fatalities in 2009 due to alcohol related DUI – related crashes.

According to Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher, “Our message is simple.” “No matter what you drive, a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle, if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” Police Chief Maher said in a statement.

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 a 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.

Escondido police get DUI grant, Sign on San Diego, October 26, 2010

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 DUI Grant Awarded to Escondido Police Department " »