San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

$67 million in grants were given to California, statewide by the Office of Traffic Safety for traffic safety programs. In San Diego, $3.4 million in traffic safety grants were awarded to San Diego County, UC San Diego and five other cities, by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The grants are to be used for programs mostly to prevent San Diego DUI’s.

The OTS funds are to be used to give San Diego the resources it needs to fight San Diego drunk driving, and provide safety awareness programs.

“We have come a long way in California over the last four years,” Christopher Murphy said, Director of the OTS. “Every category of traffic fatality and injury has seen remarkable improvements. These grants will keep that momentum going,” he said.

The traffic safety grants were granted to the following San Diego local recipients:

San Diego County, $400,000, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
San Diego County, $200,000, for a Keep’Em Safe program
San Diego County, $575,000, for probation supervision of repeat DUI offenders
San Diego, $438,000, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
La Mesa, $123,000, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
Chula Vista $486,539, for repeat DUI offender prosecution
Chula Vista, $273,215, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
Oceanside, $261,597, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
Escondido, $250,000, for DUI enforcement and awareness program
UCSD, $425,719, for law enforcement and health professional training for age related driving disorder

County Receives Traffic Safety Grants, 10News.com, July 8, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego County Awarded Traffic Safety Grants by the California Office of Traffic Safety" »

A San Diego DUI crash in Leucadia sends three suspected drunk drivers to jail after they all crashed into each other on Interstate 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.

In a statement prepared by CHP Lt. Paul Golonski, “This is an example of how dangerous things are out there.” “Here we have three impaired drivers colliding with each other,” he said.

Carlsbad resident Todd C. Winter, 31, deserted his 2005 Ford Focus after rear-ending a large truck, then spun out, hitting the center divider as it went back into traffic leaving his passenger in the vehicle on Interstate 5.The vehicle was then hit by another alleged DUI driver, driving a 2002 Honda Accord, A few moments later the Honda was struck by a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette whose driver was also suspected of driving while intoxicated. He said he didn’t notice the crash and rammed into the Honda Accord.

All three men were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol in the San Diego DUI crash. One of the DUI drivers and the passenger were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla where they were being treated for serious injuries. The two other alleged San Diego DUI drivers were booked into jail and were released on bail.

If you are arrested in San Diego for DUI, it may be in your best interest to seek advice from an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

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.

3 Suspected Of DUI Arrested After Leucadia Crash, 10News.com, July 3, 2010

Web Related Resources:

California DMV on driving drunk

California DMV: guide to DUI arrest

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Crash in Leucadia Sends 3 to Jail on Suspected Drunk Driving" »

San Diego drunk drivers to face San Diego police, Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol over the July 4 holiday weekend during a DUI crackdown that will begin on Friday night.

The San Diego law enforcement will be out in full force over the July 4 three day holiday weekend to crackdown on San Diego DUI drivers. Saturation patrols and two San Diego DUI checkpoints will be set up to enforce drinking and driving laws. Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and Chula Vista also have DUI checkpoints and patrols intended for the holiday weekend.

“Driving while drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk,” said SDPD Chief Bill Lansdowne. “No matter what your age, if you’ve had too much holiday spirit, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” he said.

In 2009, there were 30 deaths that were DUI related in the state of California and 363 people were injured in DUI related accidents throughout the state. In San Diego County 88 DUI arrests were made in 2009.

Web Related Recources:
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.

Local Authorities Promise July 4 DUI Crackdown, 10news.com, July 2, 2010

California DUI: DUI procedures
California DMV: guide to DUI arrest

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Crackdown Over July 4 Holiday Weekend" »

After artist Thomas Kinkade was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated he pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge.

William Thomas Kinkade, 52, who is well-known for his “paintings of light”, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after being pulled over during a routine traffic stop and failing a field sobriety test that was administered by California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Lehman. The alleged DUI incident occurred on June 11, outside Carmel, Ca.

Kinkaid was booked into jail and released on bail the following day, according to CHP Officer Lehman. In the Monterey Superior Court his DUI defense attorney pleaded him not guilty and asked the judge to postpone a pretrial hearing until July 29

Kinkade, the alleged DUI driver who was not present in court had no comment on the advice of his DUI defense lawyer. If you are arrested in the San Diego area for DUI it may be in your best interest to obtain legal advice from a San Diego DUI lawyer.

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.

Placerville native Thomas Kinkade pleads not guilty to DUI charge, June 22, 2010

Calif artist Thomas Kinkade, known for paintings of tranquil scenes, arrested for alleged DUI, June 14, 2010

Web Releated 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 "Not Guilty Plea for Alleged DUI Arrest for Artist Thomas Kinkaid in Northern California" »

A San Diego North County bus driver for the North County Transit District was arrested on suspicion of DUI while driving a commercial vehicle, according to a sheriff’s sergeant.

David Joseph Costello, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, after failing field sobriety tests that were administered around 4:25 p.m. at 479 Encinitas Blvd. The 40 year-old alleged DUI bus driver was carrying eight passengers on Route 309 which travels on El Camino Real between Encinitas and Oceanside at the time of his DUI arrest.

According to Alex Wiggins, a spokesman for NCTD, “Our focus is 100 percent safety. We want to make sure not just our passengers, but also our employees are safe. Once our investigation is complete we will take whatever appropriate,” said Wiggins. Executive Director for NCTD, Matt Tucker said, “We take this allegation seriously, and will be very aggressive in investigating and taking whatever action is necessary to prevent a reoccurrence of this event.”

After a tip was given to dispatchers by a passenger who had got off the bus, stating that the driver seemed drunk and was making many unscheduled stops. Costello was arrested on suspicion of driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He is being detained at the Vista Detention Facility.

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.

North County Bus Driver Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI, 10News.com, June 1, 2010

Bus Driver Accused of DUI, NBC San Diego, June 2, 2010

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

California DUI: DUI procedures

Continue reading "San Diego North County Bus Driver in Custody on Suspected DUI" »

A Chula Vista DUI checkpoint that was set up over Cinco de Mayo to target DUI and other vehicle violations nets 16 arrests, five were for DUI.

The Chula Vista DUI operation began at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and ran until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in the 700 block of Telegraph Road, with 2350 cars going through the checkpoint, according to Chula Vista police.

Five motorists were arrested for DUI, driving under the influence and taken into custody, 15 motorists had their cars impounded, and there were 25 citations given for other violations, according to Chula Vista police.

Sheriff’s deputies went undercover in another DUI operation on Cinco de Mayo in the coastal communities of Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar where they arrested 11 people for drunk in public. One person was cited for marijuana possession. If you are charged with a DUI in San Diego County it may be in your best interest to obtain legal representation from an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

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.

16 Arrested In Cinco de Mayo Crackdowns, 10News.com, May 6, 2010

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

California DUI: DUI procedures

Continue reading "Five San Diego DUI Arrests Made in Chula Vista on Cinco de Mayo" »

A San Diego DUI suspect is behind bars after leading San Diego police on a pursuit that began in Encinitas and ended in Orange County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The alleged drunk driver whose name has not yet been identified was suspected of hitting a stopped car just after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday on Interstate 5 near Manchester Avenue in Encinitas. The man suspected of San Diego DUI continued northbound on Interstate 5 in a maroon Lincoln.

The Border Patrol and California Highway Patrol officers tried to bring the alleged DUI driver a halt near the San Onofre checkpoint but failed. CHP finally put out a spike strip just north of Junipero Sera Road in Orange County which flattened all four of the DUI suspects car.

The man suspected of driving under the influence was taken into custody into a San Diego County jail where he was booked on suspicion of DUI and evading police. If you are charged with driving under the influence in San Diego County, it may be in your best interest to consult an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer to discuss all of your legal options.

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.

Suspected Drunk Driver Leads Police On Pursuit, 10News.com, April 5, 2010

ENCINITAS: Suspected drunken driver arrested after pursuit, North County Times, April 5, 2010

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California DMV: Pulled over for DUI
California DMV on driving drunk

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Suspect Arrested in Orange County after Leading Police on Chase" »

A Southern California DUI arrest was made after police pulled over ex-NFL running back Corey Dillon for driving under the influence near Malibu.

Police stopped 35 year-old Dillon, after he was driving slowly behind the officer’s patrol car on Mulholland Drive to prove the paper license plates on his 2010 Chevy Camaro, just before 4:00 a.m. according to Lt. Richard Erickson.

“Dillon displayed multiple symptoms of being under the influence, and he admitted to having been drinking earlier in the evening,” said Lt. Erickson. The suspected DUI driver was arrested but later released.

The former Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots player who won a Super Bowl ring in his first season and retired in 2007 was booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on suspicion of DUI but released on a citation to appear on June 21 in a Malibu court.

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.

Ex-NFL Star Arrested For Alleged Drunken Driving, 10News.com, April 21, 2010

Ex-NFL star arrested for alleged drunken driving, Sign on San Diego, April 21, 2010

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Continue reading "DUI Arrest for Former NFL Running Back Corey Dillon" »

A San Diego suspected drunk driver pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter stemming from a January incident when the SUV he was driving crashed into a Carl’s Jr. and killing a patron.

Seventy-five year-old Richard Alfred Daus, who had a blood alcohol level almost three times the legal limit when he drove his SUV out of control and crashed into a Carl’s Jr. killing patron Randy Eugene Smith, 66, who frequented the restaurant regularly. The impact threw Smith across the restaurant about 40 feet where he died instantly.

Witness Craig Burger testified in the El Cajon fatal DUI accident that he heard noises and saw an SUV speeding through the parking lot as he was sitting in his truck. “I thought, this guy’s going to kill somebody,” said Burger. As the vehicle sped 361 feet across the parking lot, Daus did not brake, said El Cajon police Detective Timothy Roberts. According to the alleged DUI driver’s San Diego DUI attorney, Daus was not aware that he had even been in a crash.

Daus, who in 1988 was convicted for DUI in Alaska and in 1952 he, had a reckless homicide conviction in Cook County, could face 15 years to life in prison for the San Diego fatal DUI crash. A readiness hearing is scheduled for May 18 and a June 1 trial has been set.

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.

Man Pleads Not Guilty In DUI Crash That Killed Diner, 10News.com, April 13, 2010

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California DMV: guide to DUI arrest
California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

Continue reading "San Diego Alleged Drunk Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal DUI Crash" »

A San Diego DUI suspect was taken into custody after crashing into a Santee fire hydrant and fleeing the scene, according to a San Diego Sheriff’s Sergeant.

After crashing his vehicle into a fire hydrant around 12:30 a.m. at Woodside and Magnolia in Santee, the suspected San Diego DUI driver, 25 year-old Austin Pinto fled the scene while water was shooting up into the air, said Sergeant Brent Strahm.

Pinto who was suspected of driving under the influence had sped away with his headlights off. He was pulled over a short time later by a deputy who noticed that there was damage to Pinto’s vehicle and there were marks on the car from yellow paint and that it was wet.

The suspected drunk driver was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing damage to property. If you have been arrested for DUI in San Diego, it may be in your best interest to obtain legal council from a San Diego DUI lawyer.

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.

Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After Crash Into Hydrant, 10News.com, April 14, 2010

DUI Arrest in Hydrant Hit & Run Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, April 14, 2010

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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 Suspect Arrested after Fleeing Scene of Crash into Santee Fire Hydrant" »

A San Diego suspected drunk and out of control driver with prior San Diego DUI convictions pled not guilty to felony charges for stealing an ambulance and leading San Diego police on a chase.

The San Diego DUI driver, 52 year-old Paul John Sos stole the ambulance from Sharp Memorial Hospital on Saturday around 6:30 a.m. San Diego Fire dispatchers used GPS to track down the ambulance which belongs to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Officers were unsuccessful at stopping the DUI driver while he was traveling on Balboa. Finally the ambulance came to a stop after 6 tires were flattened by spike strips that were set out.

Sos, who is being held on $75,000 bail, has three prior felony DUI and three misdemeanor DUI convictions and is now being charged with felony drunk driving, DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, driving on a suspended license, auto theft, evading police with reckless driving.

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.

DUI Suspect Enters Plea Over Stolen Ambulance Chase, San Diego 6 The CW, April 7, 2010

Man Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing Ambulance, 10News.com, April 7, 2010

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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 Suspected of DUI Pleads Not Guilty Over Stolen Ambulance" »

A woman that caused a San Diego DUI crash that killed a mother of three after her truck went off the road in El Cajon was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated on Wednesday.

Deborah Felix, 53, fled from the San Diego drunk driving scene after fatally striking Cyndi Dean Kohlmeyer, 35, while she was on foot, crashing into some mailboxes, hitting another truck, then smashing her truck into a garage in the DUI incident that took place on November 21, 2009.

Felix had a blood alcohol level that was more than three times the legal limit at .27 percent. Her sentencing is on May 11 in El Cajon by Judge Lantz Lewis where she faces up to 15 years in state prison.

The DUI driver who was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and who also was convicted of misdemeanor hit and run had pled guilty before the trial to a misdemeanor DUI from a previous incident.

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.

DUI Driver Guilty In Crash That Killed Mother Of 3, 10News.com, April 7, 2010

Web Related Resources

California DMV: guide to DUI arrest

California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Woman Convicted In Fatal Crash" »

A San Diego County woman who was suspected of driving under the influence was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing her SUV into a Chula Vista golf course pond.

Beth Anne Olvera, 62, drove straight through the intersection at Otay Lakes Road and Bonita Road right into a duck pond at the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Her Nissan Xterra was submerged in the pond after knocking down a palm tree and crashing through a fence.

The woman suspected of DUI left the scene of the San Diego DUI crash with her male passenger and was found by Chula Vista police a little while later near a McDonalds about a block away. Police impounded her vehicle about an hour later.

After failing a field sobriety test, the 62 year old DUI driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and will also be charged for leaving the scene of an accident.

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.

DUI Charge For Woman, 62, Who Drove SUV Into Golf Course Pond, 10news.com, March 30, 2010

Woman arrested after driving into duck pond, Sign on San Diego, March 30, 2010

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

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Charge for Woman Who Drove SUV into Chula Vista Golf Course Pond" »

A San Diego DUI charge for “The Real World San Francisco” star David Rainey, after losing control of his car on Friday night on a San Diego Highway, according to San Diego CHP Officer Brian Pennings.

Rainey “Puck” was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence “Due to his level of intoxication, he was unable to negotiate a curve in the roadway,” said Officer Pennings. Rainey’s 8 year old son was seriously injured in the accident that left the vehicle upside down in a roll over accident on San Diego’s Highway 79.

The two were headed for a fishing trip when Rainey swerved to avoid hitting a deer in his path on Route 79. The suspected DUI driver and his son were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for broken bones and internal bruising. They are reported to be in serious condition.

The former reality celebrity will be charged with driving without a license and child endangerment.

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.

Real World’s’ Puck arrested on DUI charge, MSNBC, March 24, 2010

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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 Charge for “Real World’s” Reality Star Puck" »

San Diego DUI enforcement was out in full force over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in Encinitas, Del Mar and Solana Beach, netting 13 arrests involving alcohol related incidents, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The San Diego DUI alcohol enforcement operation took place on Wednesday from 9:00 p.m. and lasted until 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. Officers were looking fo drunken drivers, drunk in public and other San Diego DUI alcohol related offenses. The Department of Alcohol Beverage Control issued a grant to fund the alcohol enforcement operation.

Thirteen people were arrested for suspected public intoxication. There were two people given citations for smoking in a public place. People caught driving on a suspended license or without a license will have their vehicles confiscated by officers and will be impounded for 30 days at the expense of the driver.

St. Patrick’s Day along with other major “party” holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Superbowl Sunday, Memorial Weekend and the 4th of July where alcohol is predominantly the guest of honor, alcohol related crimes tend to rise.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

St Patrick’s Day is an infamous day for San Diego DUI arrests. 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.

ENCINITAS: St. Patrick's Day DUI enforcement scheduled , North County Times, March 16, 2010

ENCINITAS: More than a dozen arrested for alleged public intoxication, North County Times, March 19, 2010
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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 Enforcement in Encinitas Nets 13 Arrests over St. Patrick’s Day" »

A 19 year-old boy was taken into custody for suspected DUI after running a red light and crashing into another vehicle on Sunday, according to Chula Vista police.

The suspected DUI driver was traveling on Palomar Street in Chula Vista when he ran a red light at Olympic Parkway and ran into another car driven by a 51 year-old woman about 4:45 a.m. After her car rolled over, police had to free her by breaking her car window.

The hurt woman was transported to a local hospital where she sustained moderate injuries from the DUI collision, according to Lt. Fritz Reber.

The suspected teenage drunk driver who had no proof of insurance was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI 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 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 Arrested Following DUI Crash, 10News.com, March 14, 2010

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California DMV: guide to DUI arrest

California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Crash Involving Teen Arrested" »

A San Diego man was taken into custody at the Port of Entry in Utah for allegedly operating a commercial vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief.

Tyson Allan Whitney of San Diego had stopped at the northbound Port of Entry off of Interstate 15 to purchase a permit after leaving Las Vegas sometime after 10:00 a.m. A port officer suspected that the 26 year old had been drinking by the smell of alcohol on his breath, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Rob Tersigni.

Driving a commercial vehicle while intoxicated can have severe penalties. The FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines commercial DUI as driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher.

It is unlawful for any person to drive a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more by weight. Whitney was arrested for DUI and later released on $1882 bail.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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

If you have 0.04 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 charged with DUI, The Spectrum .com, March 13, 2010

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California DMV: guide to DUI arrest

Continue reading "San Diego Man Charged With DUI in Utah" »

In a San Diego DUI checkpoint, ten drunken driving arrests were made for people suspected of driving while intoxicated on Sunday, according to San Diego police.

The San Diego DUI checkpoint was set up on Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. in the 1500 block of First Avenue until Sunday at 3:00 a.m. “We stopped a total of 1,005 vehicles, evaluated 27 people, made 10 arrests for suspicion of driving under the influence, cited two other people for other violations and impounded 11 cars,” said San Diego police officer Mark McCullough.

Through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a grant funded the San Diego DUI checkpoint from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

If you find yourself caught in a San Diego DUI checkpoint and arrested for driving under the influence it might be in your best interest to obtain legal council from an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

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.

Ten arrested at DUI checkpoint, San Diego News Network, February 14, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Checkpoint Nets Ten Suspected Drunk Driving Arrests" »

A San Diego County mom was sentenced to probation instead of Jail for letting underage teens drink alcohol and get drunk at her home in Fallbrook.

Deborah Gibney, 47, had pleaded guilty to breaking a county ordinance that calls for a host to verify the ages of guests who consume alcohol and also control the access of alcohol to minors in Vista Superior Court.

Approximately twelve underage teenagers that were intoxicated got sick after drinking an excess of alcohol and vomiting after the Fallbrook mom allowed them to consume alcohol at a party she had at her home to celebrate the end of the school for her kids and their friends on June 10. Gibney was arrested after she brought one of the severely intoxicated youngsters to Fallbrook Hospital for treatment. No one was arrested for DUI or driving under the influence.

There were at least 100 kids at the party and Gibney was the only adult in attendance. San Diego Sheriff’s Lt. Phil Brust said, “We are not saying she provided the alcohol, but alcohol was brought to the party, and she was there while kids were drinking it.” Gibney was sentenced to 3 years probation and a $300 fine.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Hosting a party and allowing underage teens to consume alcohol and become intoxicated 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.

No Jail for Woman Who Let Teens Drink Themselves Sick at Her House, San Diego 6 The CW, February 17, 2010

No jail for Fallbrook mom who allowed teens alcohol, KFMB News 8, February 17,2010

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

Continue reading "San Diego County Mom Avoids Jail Time" »

A San Diego County Caltrans driver who was suspected of driving while intoxicated was arrested for suspected San Diego DUI after his tractor slid off the back of his truck crashing into a Julian home.

Christopher Trachta, 49, was suspected of drunkhttp://www.sandiegolawcenter.com/lawyer-attorney-1239594.html driving when he continued to drive on after his tractor slammed into an apartment owned by Paul Thomas who is also the owner of Julian Hard Cider. He crashed into a pickup truck then swerve into oncoming cars before coming to a halt near Winola Farms marketplace.

The San Diego DUI crash happened about 1:00 p.m. on Friday. “The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending a review of the police investigation. The department makes safety of motorists and its employees a top priority and feels very strongly about the dangers of drinking and driving and will act swiftly if the evidence3 proves that the driver was intoxicated. The Department is upset that the end result has caused a hardship for the homeowner, and we are taking this very seriously,” said in a statement released by Caltrans.

The Caltrans DUI driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

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.

Caltrans Driver Crashes, Arrested For DUI, 10News.com, February 14, 2010

Web Related Resources

California DMV on California laws regarding driving while under the influence

Continue reading "San Diego County Caltrans Driver Arrested After Crashing Into a Julian Home" »

A San Diego man who was suspected of DUI and who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter last April was sentenced to prison on Thursday for causing a fatal head-on collision.

Silverio Romero, of Vista was suspected of driving under the influence while leading police on a high speed chase at speeds over 100 mph when he crashed his 2001 Ford Explorer in a head-on collision that took the life of Douglas Tarry of Moreno Valley in Riverside County. Tarry, 27 was pronounced dead a short time after being airlifted to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.

The DUI driver who lost his leg in the DUI accident was driving south on Interstate 15 without a license at the time of the San Diego fatal DUI crash. Enough evidence was presented to Judge Aaron Katz for Romero to stand trial for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, murder, felony DUI with injury, felony evading causing great bodily injury and driving without a license.

Romero was sentenced to almost 18 years in prison for the fatal San Diego DUI crash.

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.

Suspect in deadly DUI crash sentenced, KFMB News 8, February 12, 2010

Trial for DUI Driver Who Fled Police into Fatal Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, July 6, 2009

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Continue reading "San Diego Man Sentenced in Fatal DUI Crash" »

A San Diego preliminary hearing that took place today for a woman who allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian walking down a street in Poway in a DUI related fatality is set to go to trial..

Poway resident and single mom Kristen Ann Bedard, 36, was walking down Community Road and Aubrey Street on her way to her job at Target on November 23 when she was struck and killed by 45 year-old Beck Marie Anderson who was allegedly driving under the influence of depressants around 7:00a.m. in the morning.

Anderson said she had taken about three Valium pills and took a 200 milligram dose of Methadone before the fatal Poway DUI accident occured. According to a witness she was trying to light a cigarette and use the radio which distracted her.

The DUI driver has had two other DUI convictions, one in 1998 and another in 1999, both in Minnesota, according to Deputy District Attorney Ted Minahan. Anderson, if convicted for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated will be facing 15 years to life in prison. Her arraignment is scheduled for March 2 in San Diego Superior Court where a trial date will be set.

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.

Woman To Stand Trial for Poway DUI Fatality, San Diego 6 The CW, February 10, 2010

Today: Hearing In Alleged DUI Death Of Mom, San Diego10news.com, February 10, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego Woman Accused of DUI Fatality in Poway Will Stand Trial" »

A man who pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter in December for crashing his Lexus in Oceanside and killing his 9 year-old passenger has been sentenced on Monday.

Michael J. Wright, had a blood alcohol level that was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. The DUI driver’s passenger was the daughter of a woman he was dating. The drunken driving crash occurred when the DUI driver failed to see that the cars on Interstate 5 were slowing down and he suddenly turned sharply to the left, slammed into a Dodge Caliber, hit a Honda CRV and then crashed into a big rig.

The girl was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The mother of the girl who was riding in the front passenger seat of the 2006 Lexus when the San Diego DUI crash occurred escaped injury as well as her 3 year-old daughter who was also riding in the vehicle.

Under the plea agreement, the DUI driver whose blood alcohol level was about a .18 could have been facing 11 years in prison. Wright was sentence to four years in state prison.

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.

Man Sentenced In DUI Death Of Girl, 9, 10news.com, February 8, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego Fatal DUI Crash in Oceanside, Man Sentenced" »

San Diego DUI Checkpoints that were set up to catch motorists suspected of DUI and those who were driving without a license or on an expired license netted 13 drivers for allegedly driving under the influence.

The DUI checkpoint ran in Coronado from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Police officers along with the Sheriff’s Department that participated in the DUI checkpoint were from Coronado, San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista.

The Escondido DUI checkpoint ran from Friday at 6:00p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. There were 2132 cars that came through the DUI checkpoint took place at East El Norte Parkway and Ash Street, according to Police Lt. Christopher Winn.

Officers arrested six motorists for suspicion of driving under the influence. A parolee was arrested for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle, while one motorist was arrested for false documents and another arrested on suspicion of being drunk in public. 42 people who were driving without a license or uninsured had their cars impounded.

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.

DUI checkpoints nab 13 suspects, San Diego News Network, January 31, 2010

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Checkpoints Net 13 Arrests" »

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

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

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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Continue reading "San Diego Drunk Driving Arrests up This Holiday Season" »

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" »

A San Diego DUI arrest warrant sweep in East County targeting drunk drivers who have been charged with driving under the influence and have not followed up on their court orders or appeared in court.

San Diego police are looking for about 800 people who have been charged with DUI. So far about 65 people have been arrested. “We’re helping along the system by making them accountable,” said Brian Pennings, CHP spokesperson.

A grant targeting San Diego East County DUI drivers along State Route 76 is what made the sweep possible. “State Route 67 was chosen because of the number, the high number, of incidences of DUI related injury and fatal collisions that we’ve had on that corridor,” said California Highway Patrol captain Teresa Sumprer.

You will see 1400 hours of added law enforcement along San Diego's State Route 67 from now until March of 2010 because of the grant that was made.

DUI Warrant Sweep Takes Dozens off the Street, San Diego 6 The CW, November 19, 2009

Web Related Resources
Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Many lives have been lost on San Diego's State Route 67 because of drinking and driving.
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 Warrant Sweep Takes Dozens off the Street, San Diego 6 The CW, November 19, 2009

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Continue reading "San Diego DUI Warrant Sweep in East County Nets 65 Arrests" »

A fatal Vista DUI crash claims the life of a 17 year-old teenage boy after a suspected drunk driver loses control of his vehicle, veers off the road and rolls over after his car crashed through a bus stop shelter on Sunday, said the California Highway Patrol.

The drunken driving incident happened on East Vista Way near Mason Road early Sunday morning about 2:00a.m. In this DUI crash, again the teenager was not wearing his seatbelt and was somewhat ejected from a Ford Mustang, according to CHP Officer Eric Newbury.

The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office said that Gerardo Chacon died at the scene. The suspected DUI driver and Oceanside resident Reyes Miranda, 20, who was driving without a license was taken to Escondido’s Palomar Medical Center where he sustained modest injuries to his back.

Miranda who was suspected of driving under the influence was arrested on charges of suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. This is a very serious charge and it is extremely important that you hire the right San Diego DUI lawyer to represent you.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

With so many young adults not wearing seatbelts and losing their lives in the DUI crashes that have happened lately it is possible that these deaths could have been avoided. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is still 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.

Vista Teenager Killed In DUI Crash Identified, 10News.com, November 9,2009

VISTA: Teen killed in suspected DUI crash, North County Times, November 8,2009

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Continue reading "Vista DUI Crash Leaves 17 Year-Old Dead" »

AJ Allmendinger was arrested for DUI after being stopped by police early Thursday morning and failing a field sobriety test, according to Mooresville police.

The NASCAR placed driver said he make a mistake driving while intoxicated after having dinner and drinks on Wednesday. “I honestly felt fine, but I obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living,” said Allmendinger. “It was a bad judgment call,” he said.

The DUI driver will have his license suspended for 30 days after being given a breathalyzer test that indicated he was 0.08. According to North Carolina law it is an automatic license suspension. NASCAR placed the suspected drunk driver on probation until the end of the year.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI it is crucial you contact an experienced San Diego DUI attorney that will help you with your drunken driving case. You need to find the right attorney who is best-qualified and has the most experience with DUI cases, to represent you and your DUI case.

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.

Allmendinger placed on probation follow DUI arrest, Sign on San Diego, October 29, 2009

Sports digest: Allmendinger hit with DUI, put on probation by NASCAR, MercuryNews.com, October 29,2009

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Continue reading "NASCAR Driver AJ Allmendinger Arrested On Drunk Driving Charges" »

A man from Poway was taken into custody and could be facing 12 years in prison after being convicted for a San Diego fatal DUI crash that took the life of a 28 year-old and injured her mother and aunt in 2007.

John Michael Sedej, 47, was driving under the influence of alcohol in his Acura SUV at about 1:20 a.m. on July 13, 2007 when he ran a red light at La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue near University Town Center and crashed into a 2000 Ford Expedition. Nancy Galeana-Ramirez was killed; her mother and aunt were injured.

Sedej was convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. The intoxicated driver had a blood alcohol level of .15, almost twice the legal limit.

Sedej had two prior trials that ended with the juries deadlocked. He could be facing up to 12 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge Melinda Lasater on December 2.

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.

Poway Man Convicted For Fatal DUI Crash, 10News.com, October 29,2009

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Continue reading "In San Diego Fatal Drunk Driving Crash Poway Man Convicted" »

MTV reality star Stephanie Pratt of the “Hills” was taken into custody for suspected DUI after attending castmates birthday bash at a nightclub.

The suspected DUI star was arrested on Sunday about 3:45 a.m. after blowing a .08 and .09 after taking two breathalyzer tests. The California legal limit is a .08. Pratt had just attended a birthday celebration at “Empire” a nightclub in Hollywood for Holly Montag.

Pratt was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. She was released later on Sunday on $5,000 bail.

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.

"Hills" Star Stephanie Pratt Arrested for DUI, Fox 5 San Diego, October 19,2009
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Continue reading "“Hills” Reality Show Star Stephanie Pratt Arrested for Driving Under The Influence" »

A man was arrested in Sabre Springs on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol after losing control of his car and killing a woman in her mid 60’s, according to San Diego police.

Carl William David, 35, a transient from Ramona was driving in the 12600 block of Sabre Springs Parkway just before 9:30am when he lost control of his car and drove onto the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian who was on a morning walk. Sandra Kennedy was pronounced dead at the scene. Kennedy had just retired from the San Diego Unified School District.

According to prosecutors, the man suspected to be driving under the influence admitted to using Methamphetamines for 3 days prior to the Sabre Springs fatal accident. He was said to be high on a meth binge.

The DUI driver who faces up to 10 years if convicted is being held on $250,000 bail for felony gross vehicular manslaughter, drunk driving causing injury, and driving on a suspended license. David was not convicted in another DUI arrest he had in 2003.

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.

Driver Pleads Not Guilty In Crash That Killed Woman, 10News.com, October 16, 2009

Troubled Driver Accused of Killing Sabre Springs Woman, San Diego 6 The CW

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 "Suspected DUI Driver Killed Pedestrian in Sabre Springs" »

A 16 year old boy was struck on his bicycle by an Ocean Beach woman who fled the scene in a hit and run near Sunset Cliffs, was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

According to San Diego Police, the 24 year-old woman whose name has not been released, hit the boy while he was riding his bicycle in the bike lane around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The suspected drunk driver fled the scene but a witness followed her to her home.

The witness was former San Diego Councilman Michael Zucchet. He called the San Diego police while he pursued her to her Ocean Beach home on Bacon Street. When the police arrived the woman was asleep.

It was not known what kind of injuries the boy sustained. The intoxicated woman was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI and hit and run.

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.

Cops: driver who hit cyclist and fled was drunk, Fox 5 San Diego, October 14,2009

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Ocean Beach Women Suspected of DUI and Hit and Run of Cyclist" »

A motorcyclist who had just finished a cross county trip from Massachusetts was killed in a Carlsbad DUI crash by an alleged drunk driver.

Wayne Francis, 42, who had just finished a motorcycle trip that began in Cape Cod, was killed while stopped at a red light on Island Way in Carlsbad, by a suspected DUI driver, according to police Lt. Don Rawson.

41 year-old Keith Roles, of Poway was suspected of driving under the influence when he crashed into the motorcyclist at 1:25 a.m. on Saturday. Francis died of numerous blunt force injuries, said the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The alleged DUI driver was transported to Scripps Hospital in Encinitas for slight injuries. He was then taken into custody and booked at the Vista Detention Center on suspicion of DUI and 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.

Motorcyclist Killed After Cross-Country Ride, 10News.com, October 12, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about driving under the influence

Continue reading "Man Killed on Motorcycle in Carlsbad By Drunk Driver " »

In a Ventura courtroom “Pulp Fiction” screenwriter is sentenced to one year in jail and five years probation for a fatal drunk driving accident in that occurred 2008.

Roger Avary, who received an Oscar for writing “Pulp Fiction” with Quentin Tarentino, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI in August after causing a fatal crash while driving while intoxicated in 2008 that took the life of a passenger in the vehicle.

The DUI screenwriter was exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour when he crashed his Mercedes Benz into a telephone pole in Ojai. His wife Gretchen, was ejected from the car suffering serious injuries. Andreas Zini, 34, another passenger in the vehicle was killed in the fatal DUI crash. He was on his honeymoon with his wife visiting the Avary’s from Italy.

Avary who also co-wrote the screenplay for the movie “Beowulf” was sentenced to one year in jail and received 5 years probation for the January 13, 2008 fatal DUI crash.

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.

'Pulp Fiction' Writer Sentenced In Fatal DUI Crash, 10News.com, September 30, 2009

Screenwriter Roger Avary gets a year in jail for deadly crash, Los Angeles Times, October 1, 2009

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 "Roger Avary “Pulp Fiction” Screenwriter Sentenced To One Year in Jail For Fatal DUI Crash" »

In Rancho Santa Fe, five teenagers who had just left a party were in a fatal DUI crash that killed a senior from Torrey Pines High School.

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner, the suspected drunk driver lost control of his 2008 Mazda 3 after speeding around a windy curve in the 5000 block of La Granada, near The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday. The driver was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Alexander Michael Capozza, a 17 year-old from San Diego’s Carmel Valley who was a well liked student at Torrey Pines High School died at the scene of the drunken driving accident. He was a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle and was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the DUI crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Another male passenger, 17 from San Diego, who was taken to the hospital with head injuries, was not wearing a seatbelt. One boy from Carlsbad and another boy from Del Mar, both 17, sustained minor injuries. The driver of the fatal crash who is also 17 and from San Diego remains in Juvenile Hall. He was arrested on gross vehicular manslaughter and charges for driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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.

Rancho Santa Fe DUI crash victim identified, KFMB News 8, October 5, 2009

Identity Released: Torrey Pines Senior Killed in Rollover Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, October 5, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about driving under the influence

Continue reading "San Diego Student From Torrey Pines High School Killed in Fatal DUI Crash in Rancho Santa Fe " »

A “DUI Saturation Patrol” that took place in Imperial Beach on Saturday night in an effort to keep drunken drivers off the road, nets 10 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Together law enforcement agencies throughout the county were on patrol for drivers of vehicles who were driving while intoxicated or were driving without a license. 10 DUI drivers were taken into custody. There were 18 vehicles that were towed from unlicensed drivers. One minor who was in possession of alcohol was cited.

Vehicles will be towed and placed on a 30 day hold at the driver’s expense if you are caught for driving on a suspended license, without a license or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The DUI operation that was funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety was part of a year long DUI Prosecution and Awareness Program. This year 147 arrests were made for DUI, 262 vehicles were impounded and authorities handed out 332 citations.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Your arrest from a DUI patrol 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.

Agencies conducting DUI operation net 10 arrests, Sign on San Diego, September 28,2009

California DMV: DUI procedures if you are pulled over

California DMV guidelines about driving under the influence

Continue reading "Imperial Beach “DUI Saturation Patrol” Nets 10 Arrests" »

Actor Mel Gibson is hoping to have his defense lawyer remove his drunken driving arrest from his police record, after completing all the terms of his 3 year probation.

The “Braveheart” star’s DUI defense lawyer, Blair Berk will be in court in October in an attempt to expunge Gibson’s 2006 DUI from his record. The actor who had his license suspended for ninety days has completed an 11 month 12 step alcohol program and a course in alcohol abuse.

Gibson was arrested on July 28, 2006 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated or DUI, after being stopped by police for speeding on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The Academy Award winning actor was driving his Lexus LS 430 about 87 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Breathalyzer test showed that Gibson’s blood alcohol level to be at 0.12 which is well above California’s 0.8 legal limit. Police also found an open container of Tequila in his vehicle, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies.

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.

Gibson seeks to clear DUI charge, San Diego 6 The CW, September 29,2009

Mel Gibson wants DUI that led to anti-Semitic rant off his record, Haaretz.com, September 29,2009

Mel Gibson Charged With DUI, The Smioking Gun, August 6, 2006

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Mel Gibson To Have DUI Expunged From Police Record" »

In a Vista court professional surfer, Milton Willis was sentenced to four years in state prison by Judge Daniel Goldstein for the 2008 fatal Del Mar DUI crash that killed passenger Bradley Dillahunty.

On June 18, 53 year-old Willis pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for the June 6 DUI fatal accident that took the life of 24 year-old Laguna Niguel resident Dillahunty. Willis was also seriously injured in the DUI crash.

Willis was driving Dillahunty’s Toyota Avalon when he lost control and hit a palm tree traveling 65 mph in a 25 mph zone around 1:40 in the morning on Coast Boulevard. According to Sheriff’s officials, there was a strong odor of alcohol and thought that drinking was a “major” cause in the Del Mar drunk driving crash.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

The maximum sentence for the above case could have been 10 years in state prison. 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, BAC, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Pro Surfer Sentenced for Deadly DUI Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, September 23, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Willis Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for The Fatal Del Mar Drunk Driving Crash" »

In San Diego a suspected drunken driver hits a man pushing his stalled vehicle off Interstate 805 early Tuesday morning seriously injuring his leg.

The San Diego motorist, 32 year old Gerardo Perez was pushing his 2000 Toyota Corolla off the freeway after it stalled on Interstate 805 near State Route 163 about 2:15 in the morning when he and his vehicle were hit by a suspected DUI driver in a 1988 Honda Accord, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Baehr.

When Perez was struck by the Honda Accord, he sustained severe injuries to his leg and was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Charlene June Festa, 39, of El Cajon appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the San Diego DUI crash. The suspected DUI driver was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for injuries. Festa remains in Santee’s La Colinas women’s jail. She was booked on suspected felony DUI.

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.

Man Pushing Stalled Vehicle Hit By Suspected DUI Driver, 10News.com, September 15, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "An El Cajon Suspected DUI Driver Hits Man Pushing Stalled Car " »

In Solana Beach, a checkpoint that was set up Friday into Saturday that was funded by the State Office of Traffic Safety, nets two driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to a sheriff’s sergeant.

There were 736 vehicles that entered the checkpoint that ran from Friday at 8:00 p.m. into Saturday at 1:00 a.m. Only half were stopped by sheriff’s deputies on North Highway 101 at Solana Vista Drive in Solana Beach, said Sgt. Randy Webb.

Of the vehicles that were stopped at the Solana Beach checkpoint, 2 arrests were made for DUI, and five other motorists had their vehicles impounded. Two people were driving on a suspended license and the three others were cited for driving without a license. One person was issued a citation for not driving with his license and having his vehicle registration expired.

The Solana Beach DUI checkpoint was funded by the state Office of Traffic Safety with a federal highway safety grant.

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.

SOLANA BEACH: Checkpoint nets two DUI arrests, North County Times, September 12,2009
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 "Two DUI Arrests Made at a Solana Beach Checkpoint" »

In San Diego there were 82 drunken driving arrests made over the Labor Day weekend, according to the California Highway Patrol.

San Diego DUI arrests were down from last year. In 2008 there were 110 arrests for driving under the influence. In the state of California there were a total of 1262 people arrested for driving while intoxicated compared to 1416 last year.

One person was killed Sunday morning in the Delzura area of San Diego. Paul Pinder, 37, of Spring Valley died after losing control of motorcycle and hitting the metal guard rail on State Route 94, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. Two people died in crashes last year.

In 2008, 10 people were fatally injured on California Highways. The San Diego DUI arrests were made between Friday at 6:00 p.m. through Monday at 6:00 a.m.

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.

CHP reports one death, 82 DUI arrests in San Diego County, KFMB News 8, September 7, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

California DMV on California Laws regarding driving while under the influence

Continue reading "82 DUI Arrests Made in San Diego Over Labor Day Holiday Weekend" »

In Los Angeles Actress Lori Petty who appeared in “Point Break” pleaded no contest through her criminal defense attorney to a DUI charge, is sentenced to five years probation.

The 45 year-old actress who also appeared in the movies “Tank Girl” and “A League of Their Own,” was arrested by police on May 30 in Venice Beach after hitting a skateboarder with her vehicle.

In a written statement, the actress who is accused of drunk driving said “I sincerely apologize for driving after drinking alcohol.” She vowed she would never drink and drive again. “I assure you, this first misdemeanor DUI will be my last,” she said.

Petty has already completed counseling in alcohol abuse which is part of her sentencing, according to City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan.

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.

Lori Petty Gets Probation In DUI Case, 10News.com, September 4, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "“Point Break” Actress Lori Petty Pleads No Contest in DUI Case" »

San Diego police will be scouring area beaches over the Labor Day weekend for people drinking or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and enforcing parking laws.

Officers from around the San Diego County including motorcycle officers, traffic controllers, retired senior volunteers, parking enforcement officers, beach teams, will all be out enforcing DUI, drinking on the beach, drunk in public, seatbelt laws, and parking regulations.

It is estimated that around 750,000 beachgoers are expected to turn out to San Diego beaches this Labor Day holiday weekend.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

During a holiday weekend people want to have a good time, but, it is a person’s responsibility to obey the laws about drinking on the beach. If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended.

In California it is unlawful for any person who has a 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to drive a vehicle. If you operate a vehicle while driving under the influence or DUI and are apprehended you may face a fine as well as jail time if you are convicted.

Booze Ban Patrols Expand on Labor Day Weekend, San Diego 6 The CW, September 1,2009

California DMV: if you are pulled over for DUI what happens?

Continue reading "San Diego Police Will Be Patrolling Beaches For DUI Over Labor Day Weekend" »

During a DUI sting operation at the Vista Court put on by the Escondido police department and the San Diego County DUI Probation Team, four felony DUI arrests were made.

The Vista DUI sting was conducted on Monday at the Vista Courthouse to make sure that people who are on probation were not violating their probation. One of the four felony DUI probationers was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol during her court appearance, according to an Escondido police sergeant.

Officer’s arrested three people who drove away from their court appearance while their license was suspended. Officer’s seized three cars and gave out three misdemeanor traffic citations, according to the department’s traffic division Sergeant Dana Ray.

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.

VISTA: Court DUI sting nets four arrests, North County Times, August 31, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Four Arrests Made During a DUI Sting at the Vista Courthouse " »

A Chula Vista DUI checkpoint nets a total of 33 citations that were issued, and a drunken driving arrest.

The Chula Vista checkpoint took effect from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday to 2:00 a.m. on Monday in the 1100 block of Eastlake Parkway, said Chula Vista police.

According to the Chula Vista police, twenty five motorists had their cars impounded for driving without a valid license, three people were arrested on charges of suspected possession of a controlled substance, and one person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

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.

Web Related Resources:
California DMV guidlines about DUI

25 Vehicles Impounded At Chula Vista Checkpoint, 10News.com, August 31, 2009

Continue reading "Chula Vista Checkpoint Nets 33 Citations" »

A fatal DUI crash in San Ysidro leaves an 18 year old dead and eight others injured, according to San Diego police.

Marcos Ramirez, 18, a college student was killed in a San Ysidro drunk driving accident, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The fatal DUI crash took place about 4:30am Sunday morning when two cars carrying a total of nine passengers collided with each other after a night of partying in Tijuana, at the intersection of Camino de la Plaza and Dairy Mart Road, according Sgt. Ramona Hastings with the San Diego Police.

All were taken to a local hospital where two people were reported to be in critical condition. The others are being treated for minor injuries.

San Diego police authorities are investigating the cause of the fatal DUI crash. The drivers of both vehicles who were suspected of driving under the influence were given tests for their blood alcohol concentration. Results are pending. No arrests have been made.

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.

Police investigating fatal drunk-driving crash in San Ysidro, KFMB News 8, August 31,2009

Victim ID'd from San Ysidro Fatal Crash, San Diego 6 The CW, August 31, 2009

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 "18 Year old Killed in San Ysidro DUI Crash " »

A San Diego man suspected of DUI, crashes into an oak tree after losing control of his vehicle killing his passenger in Lakeside.

The alleged San Diego DUI driver, 37 year old Nico Faulk was driving a Volvo 240 DL westbound on El Monte Road in Lakeside around 1:00am when his vehicle started to glide off the road.

The man who was suspected of driving under the influence lost control of his vehicle and slammed into an oak tree, according to California Highway Patrol public affairs officer Brian Pennings.

Patrick Elerding, 34, a passenger of Faulk, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Elerding was from Santee and lived with his parents according to officials with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Faulk was taken to Sharp memorial Hospital after complaining of back pain. “Upon being released from the hospital, Mr. Faulk will be booked into San Diego County jail on Felony DUI and manslaughter charges, said Officer Pennings.

Santee man ID'd as victim in suspected DUI, Sign on San Diego, August 18, 2009

One Person Dies in Lakeside Crash; Driver & Victim ID'd., San Diego 6 The CW, August 18,2009

Continue reading "A Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes in Lakeside Killing Passenger" »

In San Marcos a suspected DUI driver and passenger who were in a police chase lost control of their car when it veered off Highway 78 crashing into a tree leaving a man injured and another dead.

Both men were ejected from their vehicle. An Escondido man, Guillermo Ceja, 23, died at Palomar Medical Center about 11:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle was Gumersindo Gutierrez, 19, who sustained injuries was suspected of driving under the influence.

The stolen car the suspects were driving was thought to be involved in several vehicle break-ins in the Costco parking lot in San Marcos. When a sheriff’s deputy tried to pull over the vehicle the suspects sped off on Highway 78 before losing control.

Gutierrez was later taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence causing death, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular burglary, possession of stolen property, felony evading and conspiracy, according to officials.

SAN MARCOS: One dead, one injured following pursuit , North County Times, August 7,2009

Continue reading "San Marcos DUI Pursuit Leaves One Man Injured and Another Man Dead" »

Escondido DUI patrol nets 11 arrests from Friday night into Saturday, according to an Escondido police sergeant.

Escondido police, the San Diego police, the Sheriff’s Department and the UCSD Police Department joined together for the weekend DUI operation from 7:00pm on Friday to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday that was funded by a federal grant through the state Office of Traffic Safety.

There were 22 field sobriety tests issued, seven people were arrested for suspected drunk driving and 21 cars were impounded from persons driving without or on a suspended license.

ESCONDIDO: Three agencies assist in DUI patrol,North County Times, August 8,2009

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.

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Escondido Weekend DUI Patrol Nets 11 Arrests" »

In the United States more women are drunk driving then ever before, and with kids in the car.

Women may be drinking more because of pressures stemming from both work and home. Men still have more DUI cases than women, but women are catching up. They seem to be more careless when getting behind the wheel of a car.

According to Chris Cochran of the California Office of Traffic Safety, “Younger women feel more empowered, more equal to men, and have beginning to exhibit the same uninhibited behaviors as men.”

In 2007, nationwide, women arrested for DUI was 28.8 percent higher than in 1998. The National Highway Safety Administration reported that in 2007 there were 250 kids killed in DUI related crashes, “We realized for the last two to three years, the pattern of more female drivers, particularly mothers with kids in their cars, getting arrested for drunk driving,” said Tom Meier

“Our society has taught us that women have an extra burden to be the perfect mothers and perfect wives and perfect daughters and perfect everything,” said Dr Petros Levounis, director of the Addiction Institute of New York at St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, “They tend to go to great lengths to keep everything intact from an external viewpoint while internally, they are in ruins.”

With the current economic problems on families, and men losing their incomes, women are feeling the burden.

Women driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are going to be targeted when the Transportation Department’s annual crackdown happens this month.

Experts: Women Drink More, DUIs Rise, 10news.com, August 7,2009

Continue reading "Women Driving Under The Influence is on the Rise" »

Wednesday morning in Fallbrook a woman who was driving under the influence crashed her vehicle into a building was arrested for DUI.

The woman whose name has not been released was suspected of drunk driving when she drove her car into a structure at 329 N. Mission Road around 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, said a North County Fire Protection District dispatcher.

The drunk driver sustained only minor injuries in the San Diego North County DUI crash. Luckily no one else was injured. She was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.

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.

Drunk Driving Suspect Drives into Building, San Diego 6 The CW, August 5, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "In Fallbrook A Woman Driving Under The Influence Crashes into Building" »

Along State Route 76 in Oceanside, the California Highway Patrol plans to reduce the number of drunk drivers by implementing more DUI patrols by a grant from the State Office of Highway Safety.

Over the last 3 years there have been 13 deaths and 303 people were hurt because of crashes by individuals driving under the influence or DUI along the 38.3 mile area of SR 76.

The state Office of Highway Safety has given a $266,000 grant to the Oceanside office of the California Highway Patrol to increase the DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints along SR 76 in hopes of decreasing the number of Oceanside DUI related accidents and fatalities.

“The grant will pay for aggressive DUI enforcement, public education and community outreach to reduce DUI-involved collisions,” according to CHP Captain Deb Schroder. “This is a crime that leads to a lot of deaths and serious injuries every year.”

CHP to Increase DUI Patrols on State Route 76, San Diego 6 The CW, August 4,2009

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego

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

Web Related Resouces
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "On Oceanside’s SR 76 Corridor CHP Plans to Step Up DUI Patrols" »

An early morning Oceanside DUI crash that closed all lanes of the freeway leaves a 9 year-old girl dead, the DUI driver is arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and drunken driving charges, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The multivehicle accident happened around 1:00am on north Interstate 5 when the alleged drunk driver was traveling in his Lexus SUV about 50 mph in the fast lane when he swerved to pass a slow moving Dodge Caliber but ended up hitting the rear of the Dodge before losing control of his vehicle, said Officer Steven Zelasco of the CHP.

The man who was suspected of driving under the influence then hit a Honda SRV and crashed into a semi-truck before coming to a stop. A nine year-old girl who was a passenger in the Lexus SUV was pronounced dead after she was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego by helicopter.

Michael Wright, 23, of Commerce was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI.

OCEANSIDE: Child dies in multivehicle crash on I-5, North County Times, August 3,2009

Continue reading "Oceanside DUI Crash Ends in Fatality" »

In Hollywood, Florida four police officers were placed on leave after they were caught on camera scheming to cover up an incident involving one of the officers and a drunk driver.

Alexandra Torrensvilas, 23, of Hollywood, Florida who was later accused of driving under the influence was rear-ended by a police officer on February 16. According to her defense attorney Lawrence Meltzer, “This is the worst case of police misconduct I have ever seen.”

After officer Joel Francisco rammed into the back end of Torrensvilas vehicle, it was recorded on camera from the dashboard of his police car and also an audiotape of Sgt. Dewey Pressley is heard supposedly trying to recreate what actually happened.

“Well I don’t lie and make things up ever, because it’s wrong, but If I need to bend it a little to protect a cop, I’m gonna,” said Pressley.

“I will write the narrative out for you. I will tell you exactly how to word it so it can get him off the hook. You see the angle of her car? You see the way it’s like this? As far as I’m concerned, I am going to word it she is in the left hand lane. We will do a little Walt Disney to protect the cop, because it wouldn’t matter because she was drunk anyway,” said Pressley a 21 year police veteran.

“It’s disgusting the way the officer was so casual and how he manipulated the evidence in this case, he could very well face prison time,” Meltzer said.

The DUI charges that were made against Torrenvilas were dropped by the Broward State Attorney’s Office. They released the following announcement:

“The Broward State Attorney’s Office Wednesday dropped Dui and a traffic charge against Alexandra Gabriela Torrensvilas of Hollywood, the driver of the car involved in a collision with a Hollywood police cruiser Feb. 17 on Sheridan Street in Hollywood. The SAO’s action comes following a review of a videotape shot after the accident that could raise questions about the police account of the traffic mishap.”

Internal Affairs are investigating all four of the officers, Dewey Pressley, Joel Francisco, Karim Thomas and Andrew Diaz.

Police Caught On Camera Altering Report, 10news.com,July 29, 2009

Continue reading "Police Veterans Placed on Leave After Falsifying a Report Involving a DUI Crash" »

The Oceanside DUI checkpoint was set up to encourage safety among drivers and to decrease the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Oceanside DUI checkpoint took place from 9:00 p.m. on Friday to 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, in the 1300 block of North Santa Fe Drive, in Oceanside.

The 14 citations given out by the Oceanside police were for people not having a license while driving, driving on a suspended license, operating a vehicle without insurance or possessing marijuana.

There were eight total drivers who took a field sobriety test for possible drunk driving. All of them passed and no DUI arrests were made, according to Sgt. Kelan Poorman.

Ten people who were driving without a license or a suspended license had their vehicles impounded. According to the California State laws, people driving without a license or on a suspended license can have their vehicles impounded for 30 days if caught by police.

OCEANSIDE: Ten cars impounded during checkpoint, North County Tyimes, July 27,2009

Continue reading "Oceanside DUI Checkpoint Nets 14 Citations" »

San Diego police made a number of arrests for drunk driving or DUI on Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack

In the areas of Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas police officials made 12 arrests for driving under the influence, four arrests were made for drugs, a felony arrest for weapons possessions and one arrest was made for drunk and disorderly conduct.

Law enforcement also made arrests inside the Del Mar Racetrack and local bars in the vicinity. There were five arrests made for having alcohol in an open container, four arrests were made for drunk and disorderly conduct, and one arrest for false identification.

The sheriff’s department’s goal was to make opening day safer for everyone. More Del Mar DUI patrols will be happening throughout the racing season.

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.

DEL MAR: Authorities step up DUI, alcohol patrols at racetrack, North County Times, July 23,2009

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Del Mar Racetrack Sees Several DUI Arrests on “Opening Day”" »

Wednesday is opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack and law enforcement agencies will be in full force tracking down motorists who are driving under the influence or DUI.

Today from 3:00pm until midnight the DUI task-force will be patrolling Del Mar, Solana Beach and the surrounding areas for DUI and drunk drivers and those who are driving on a suspended license. This is the first of many DUI saturations that will continue throughout the racing season.

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 saturation patrol for opening day, Sign on San Diego, July 21, 2009

California DMV: DUI procedures if you are pulled over

California DMV guidelines about driving under the influence

Continue reading "DUI Law Enforcement for Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day " »

Actor Jeffrey Donovan was arrested for drunken driving in Miami Beach after almost hitting a stopped police car, according to Florida police.

The 41 year-old actor who stars in the USA Network series “Burn Notice” was arrested by Florida police for driving under the influence after he failed a field sobriety test on July 12.

The suspected drunk driver told the arresting officer “Sorry I didn’t see the red light or your stopped car.” He also said, “I really think I’m only borderline and not too drunk. I had three drinks at the Fontainebleau. The only mistake I made tonight was drinking Benadryl with three glasses of wine.”

Before the incident occurred the officer heard a loud screeching noise and saw that Donovan had swerved his car to avoid slamming into his police car.

Donovan who refused to take a Breathalyzer test was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI and later released on $1,000 bail

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.

Driving drunk in the state of California will result in 2 cases being charged against the offender. The first charge processed will be by the DMV and another by the court system. Although, the case against the defendant by the courts contains two separate charges. According to California DUI attorneys these are known as the (a) and (b) counts (Vehicle Code 23152 (a) and (b). The defendant will only be punished once for both of the charges.

Actor Donovan arrested for DUI, San Diego 6 The CW, July 20,2009

Police: Jeffrey Donovan Arrested, Suspected Of DUI, 10 News.com, July 20, 2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Actor Jeffrey Donovan Arrested for Drunk Driving in Miami Beach" »

The Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi has been suspended without pay for two games stemming from driving under the influence which she has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges.

The team said in a statement on Thursday that Taurasi was suspended “for conduct detrimental to the team.”

“I am deeply sorry and embarrassed for causing this distraction for my teammates, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA, family and fans,” said Taurasi. “While I cannot say more with regards to the specifics of a case, I do want to make sure that everyone knows how much I appreciate their support and that I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I am committed to making sure a lot of good comes from this experience.”

Taurasi, 27, had just scored 22 points against the Seattle Storm for a big win. Unfortunately, the drunken driving guard is now facing three DUI related charges, including a charge for July 2nd for extreme DUI and speeding.

Taurasi’s blood alcohol level was 0.17 percent, which is over twice the legal limit in Arizona.

Mercury suspend Taurasi after DUI arrest, Sign on San Diego, July 16,2009

Continue reading "DUI Arrest Leaves Taurasi Suspended From Mercury" »

In Carlsbad a man driving under the influence of alcohol was taken into custody after hitting a pedestrian and fleeing from the scene.

Brian Campbell, 50, was allegedly driving drunk in Carlsbad about 3:10 p.m. on Sunday when his blue Chevy pickup truck hit Megan Smith 23, at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard, according to police Sergeant Paul Mendes.

Smith was treated for minor injuries by paramedics at the scene of the accident.

The Dui driver fled from the scene when officers approached Campbell. Soon after evading police, he crashed his pickup truck over an embankment in the 2500 block of Tamarack Avenue in Carlsbad where he was trapped in his vehicle.

After firefighters freed the intoxicated man from his truck, he was taken to Tri-City Medical Center for injuries. Campbell was taken into custody at the Vista jail where he was booked on suspicion of DUI, hit and run with injury, driving under the influence while on probation for DUI, driving on a suspended license, being involved in a traffic collision with injury while DUI, and driving under the influence with DUI priors.

Man Arrested in DUI Hit and Run of Pedestrian, San Diego 6 The CW, July 13,2009

Continue reading "Man Taken into Custody in Carlsbad DUI Hit and Run " »

A man suspected of driving under the influence crashes into the Chula Vista office of Bob Filner after driving over a spike strip laid down by police.

The DUI driver led the Chula Vista police on a high speed chase reaching speeds of up to 110 mph about 1:30 a.m. Sunday on State Route 54 after officers tried to stop the apparent intoxicated driver for speeding and not using his turn signals.

The drunk driver proceeded to lead officers onto southbound Interstate 805 before exiting on westbound Bonita Road. His silver truck stopped before hitting a spike strip that was laid down by a police officer at F and Third Avenue. Right then, the police officer pointed a gun at the man suspected of DUI and warned him to step out of his truck.

The DUI driver accelerated over the spike strip and through the intersection where he lost control, hitting a median, crashing and causing extensive damage to the Chula Vista office of Bob Filner at 333 F Street, according to Lt. Vern Solis.

The suspected drunk driver sustained injuries that were not life threatening and is being treated at the UCSD Trauma Center, once released he will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and felony evading police in this Chula Vista DUI case.

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.

Police: Drunken Driver Crashes Into Congressman's Office, 10News.com, July 5,2009

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Man Suspected of DUI Crashes into the Chula Vista Office of Bob Filner" »

Fewer San Diego DUI arrests were made over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, compared to last year, according to the California Highway Patrol.

This year’s holiday weekend there were 88 arrests made from people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on San Diego roads and highways, 66 less than in 2008. No traffic fatalities occurred on San Diego roads this year, compared to three in 2008.

According to the California Highway Patrol, throughout the state of California there were 16 traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July weekend. 1239 DUI drivers were taken to jail on suspicion of drunk driving.

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.

Bigger Crowds, Fewer Arrests at the Beaches over the 4th, San Diego 6 The CW, July 5, 2009

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego 4th of July DUI Arrests Down From Last Year" »

An Alpine man who has a history of driving under the influence of alcohol and was on a five day drinking binge when he struck and killed a bicyclist was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

The DUI driver, Travis Weber was driving drunk in his truck on December 2 on Alpine Boulevard when he struck and killed Eddie Costa, 33, while he was riding his bicycle. The drunk driver left the scene but was arrested by police 2 days later when friends spotted his damaged truck at a bar across from where they were holding a vigil for Costa.

This was not the first time Weber was charged with DUI. El Cajon court records state that in June of 2005 he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of .22. He was also arrested with misdemeanor cruelty to a child by inflicting injury in 2004.

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.

Drunk Driver Who Killed Bicyclist Gets 11 Years in Prison,KFMB News 8, June 26,2009

Hit & Run Suspect Had Prior DUI, NBC San Diego, December 8,2008

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Alpine Drunk Driver Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison For Killing Cyclist" »

A Chula Vista cyclist who was traveling across the country to protest the government bailouts was killed by a DUI hit and run driver, charges have now been filed against him.

Chula Vista resident Jim Gafney, 65, was on his “Mad As Hell Bike Ride Across U.S.” when he was struck and killed by a drunken driver about 12:40 a.m. on State Route 50, according to Illinois State Police.

Charges were filed for Leon K. Marcum, 27, the DUI driver who left the scene of the accident was first cited for misdemeanor driving under the influence and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident but after review those charges were dropped. Now he is being charged with aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

According to Attorney John Hudspeth prosecuting attorney’s may file felony DUI charges. Marcum’s blood alcohol level is also being reviewed.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure we prosecute this case appropriately given the end result-that a man lost his life,” Said Hudspeth.

Marcum’s bail is set at 100,000.

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.

Charges filed in fatal hit-run involving local cyclist,Sign on San Diego, June 25,2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Chula Vista Cross Country Cyclist Killed by a Drunk Driver" »

A man suspected of drunk driving and causing a two-car crash in the South Bay area of San Diego was arrested for DUI by police after fleeing the crash scene on foot.

The South Bay DUI crash occurred on Sunday at 10:36 p.m. on Jamacha Boulevard near Sweetwater. The man suspected of driving under the influence fled the crash on foot, said the California Highway Patrol.

With the help of witnesses, CHP officers found the unidentified DUI driver after leaving the crash scene. No one was hurt.

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.

Witnesses Help Track Down Suspected DUI Driver, San Diego News10.com, June 15, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego South Bay Suspected Drunk Driver is Arrested After Fleeing Crash" »

A man who was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol fled the scene of a crash he allegedly caused in Escondido, was arrested shortly after being caught on foot by police officers.

The 53 year-old man crashed his sport utility vehicle into a Mercedes after running a red light at Valley Parkway and Midway Drive in Escondido. The suspected DUI driver fled the scene driving his SUV without its front wheels, which fell off in the crash, said an Escondido Police department watch commander.

Police eventually caught up to the man after he stopped the car and fled on foot. The man who did not have a driver’s license and suspected of driving while intoxicated was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the Mercedes was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries, according to police.

The suspected drunk driver was taken into custody and booked on charges of hit and run and suspicion of DUI at the Vista jail.

Man Suspected Of DUI Arrested After Chase, 10News.com, June 4, 2009

Continue reading "Man Flees DUI Crash Arrested After Chase" »

A retrial of a DUI crash that allegedly killed a woman near La Jolla’s University Town Center ends in mistrial.

The retrial of Poway resident John Sedej, 47, ends in a deadlock as the jury foreman told Judge Melinda Lasater, on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of driving under the influence.

This was the second mistrial in the defendant’s case which resulted 8-4 in favor of guilt. The first trial deadlocked 11-1 on the manslaughter charge, according to San Diego DUI attorney.

The DUI crash happened at 1:20 a.m.on July 13, 2007 at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue when Sedej allegedly ran a red light while speeding and crashed into a 2000 Ford Expedition killing Nancy Galeana-Ramirez, 28, and injuring the victim’s mother and aunt who were both riding in the backseat of the Expedition.

Sedej’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, measuring at .19 percent, according to prosecuting attorney Jorge Jaramillo. If convicted he could be facing up to 13 years in prison.

“We believe the physical evidence and the light timing evidence proves Mr. Sedej did not speed or run a red light,” said DUI defense attorney Colin Murray.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California it is unlawful for any person who has a 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to drive a vehicle. If you operate a vehicle while driving under the influence or DUI and are apprehended you are sure to face a fine as well as jail time if you are convicted.

Mistrial Declared In La Jolla DUI Crash Retrial, 10News.com, June 5, 2009

Web Related Resouces

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Retrial in La Jolla Drunken Driving Crash Results in Mistrial" »

An Orange County sheriff’s official was arrested in Irvine and charged in connection with DUI after crashing into the rear of another car.

At the time of the DUI accident Lt. Erin Lorraine Guidice, 48, was driving an unmarked OCSD car when she ran into the car in front of her at Jamboree Road. The driver of the other car was not injured in the accident.

The DUI driver’s blood alcohol level was 0.14 which is almost twice the legal limit. Guidice also had all of the characteristics of someone who is under the influence of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes and unsteady during a sobriety test., according to authorities.

Guidice was moved from her position as head of the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol to another position at Theo’s Lacy Jail.

Guidice has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor counts of DUI. If convicted she could face up to six months in jail. Her arraignment is scheduled for June.

O.C. sheriff's official charged with DUI in Irvine accident, LA Now, May 29, 2009

Continue reading "Orange County Sheriff’s Official Arrested on DUI Charges" »

After a man was arrested on suspicion of DUI, a California Highway Patrol officer found what appeared to be a bomb, according to officials.

The incident occurred about 8:20 p.m.when the Sheriff’s department bomb squad unit was called in to detonate the explosive device which turned out to be a “sparkler bomb.”

James Thomas Jacquez, 41 was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony possession of an explosive device on a public highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

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.

Officer finds bomb after Oxnard traffic stop, Ventura County Star, June 2, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "CHP Discovers Bomb After Suspected DUI Arrest" »

A Riverside man who is accused of killing Angeles pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others in a drunken driving crash was indicted by an Orange County grand jury.

According to a news release from the office of the Orange County district attorney’s office, Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, was indicted on driving under the influence causing injury, three counts of second degree murder, and felony hit and run.

Gallo’s blood alcohol level was 0.08 percent or more when he was arrested.

At the time the DUI crash occurred on April 9, Gallo was already on probation for a 2005 conviction of driving while intoxicated in San Bernardino County.

If Gallo is convicted of all charges, he is looking at a maximum sentence of 54 years and 8 months to life in prison. He is scheduled for a June 8th arraignment.

Ex-Riverside man accused of Angels pitcher Adenhart's death is indicted, The Press Enterprise, May 27,2009

Continue reading "Man Accused of Killing Three in a Drunk Driving Crash is Indicted" »

There were 104 DUI arrests made by the California Highway Patrol in San Diego over the Memorial holiday weekend.

According to the California Highway Patrol, there were four fewer drunk drivers arrested this holiday weekend over last year at the same time. No fatal traffic accidents occurred.

There was a small increase in the number of arrests made on suspicion of driving under the influence in California. This Memorial Day weekend there were 1465 DUI arrests made compared to 1445 in 2008.

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.

CHP: 104 DUI Arrests Made In SD Over Holiday, San Diego News10.com, May 26,2009
Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Holiday Weekend DUI Arrests in San Diego Down Over Last Year " »

Sobriety checkpoints will be in full force this Memorial Day weekend by CHP and law enforcement in a multi-agency “Avoid DUI Campaign.”

Jason King, a San Diego County Sheriff’s and campaign spokesman said that from 6:00pm on Friday through Monday at midnight, more police officers will be on the lookout for drunk drivers in the areas of San Diego, Encinitas, Escondido, Coronado, and National City.

In the unincorporated areas of San Diego, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, San Marcos, Vista and Imperial Beach, Sheriff’s deputies will be out in full force as well trying to stop drivers from DUI.

According to King, 80 percent of all California Highway Patrol officers will be on duty to stop people from driving under the influence.

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 Crackdown Expected For Holiday Weekend, San Diego News10.com, May 22, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "California Highway Patrol Enforcing Intense DUI Crackdown " »

A woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for a DUI crash that killed her passenger, an off-duty deputy.

Jessica Marie Cuevas, 31, was driving under the influence when she slammed into a tree on May 5, 2008, killing Jason Clay Peters, 36, of Fallbrook. Peters was a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy for the Lake Elsinore station.

Cuevas who was a bartender at the Bikini Beach Club at the time, pleaded guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Prosecutors say she should have known about the dangers of DUI, drinking and driving because of her career.

According to Cuevas’s defense attorney Peters was fondling her while she was driving, which made her lose control of her Honda and crash.

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.

LAKE ELSINORE: Woman charged with murder in friend's death, June 20, 2008

Woman gets 10-year sentence in DUI death of deputy, Sign on San Diego, Mayb 19,2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Woman Sentenced To 10 Years in DUI Crash That Killed a Deputy" »

A man who was suspected of drunk driving causes a DUI crash that kills one man and leaves two other women critically injured.

Gregario Diaz, 24, was driving under the influence of alcohol around 2:00 a.m. on the wrong way of the southbound Holly Drive ramp, heading north in the southbound lanes when he crashed into an on coming vehicle killing the driver, Guido Bisson, 46.

The two woman passengers in Diaz’s car suffered major injuries. One woman remains on life support with severe brain damage at Huntington Memorial Hospital.

Diaz was taken to County-USC Medical Center with extensive leg injuries and was later arrested for DUI.

A second collision happened, Jennifer Wrigley hit the back of Diaz’s sedan while it was on its side. Wrigley and her passenger were not injured.

Wrigley was arrested by police and taken into custody for suspicion of felony drunk driving.

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.

1 dead, 2 inj. in alleged DUI accident, ABC News, May 10, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "DUI Crash Leaves 1 Dead and 2 Injured" »

A judge sentenced a Riverside woman to spend six years and four months in prison for killing a soccer coach while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ian Rezende, 48, a children’s soccer coach from Corona and a father of four died after being taken to the hospital from a DUI crash. His son, a passenger in his car suffered major injuries.

Verlyn Irene Haynes, 30 was driving home after having several beers at a friend’s house when she hit Rezende. She told police “I think I dozed off a little and I hit him,” according to court records.

In March Haynes pleaded guilty to charges of DUI vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and DUI with great bodily injury.

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 crash that killed Corona man, The Press Enterprise, May 1,2009

Web Releated Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Woman Sentenced in Drunken Driving Crash That Killed a Soccer Coach" »

A man who was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol was taken into custody after skidding off freeway into bushes, according to San Diego police.

The suspected drunk driver lost control of his vehicle in Normal Heights on the transition ramp from westbound Interstate 8 to southbound Interstate 805 around 8:45 p.m. Monday night, that’s when the California Highway Patrol got the call.

Several patrol officers and firefighters were called in to locate the vehicle after it ran off the freeway and into some bushes.

The man suspected of driving while intoxicated did not sustain any injuries. He was arrested taken into custody for DUI.

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.

Driver Arrested for DUI After Officers Search Through Bushes, KFMB News 8, May, 5 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested for DUI after Skidding off Freeway" »

21 people were arrested by San Diego police and the CHP for outstanding warrants for DUI offenders in a multi-agency crackdown in the South Bay.

The DUI sweep was funded by a grant from the State Office of Traffic Safety. Police departments from Chula Vista, National City, Coronado, and San Diego as well as the California Highway Patrol all took part in the operation.

“This was considered a successful operation, both in number of impaired drivers removed from the street and in the amount of public awareness generated,” said NCPD Agent Rusty Rea.

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.

A person that has been charged with driving under the influence has 10 days from the date the arrest was made to request a hearing with the DMV. If that hearing is not requested his or her license will be automatically suspended 30 days after the arrest was made.

DUI Sweep Nabs 21 Repeat Offenders, San Diego 6 The CW, April 30, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Authorities Arrest 21 in DUI Sweep" »

Former “Prison Break” actor Lane Garrison is scheduled to be released from prison early because of credits earned while incarcerated for driving under the influence.

Garrison who is now 28 pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI with bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of providing alcohol to a minor, in a 2006 DUI crash that killed a 17-year-old boy and injured two 15 year-old teenagers.

The drunk driver was sentenced to 40 months in prison. According to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rep Terry Thornton, “We can confirm that he is going to be released to parole soon, but it is our policy not to disclose the inmate’s scheduled date for release date for security and safety reasons.

“He was sentenced to three years and four months, but inmates including Mr. Garrison, can earn credits that reduce the time they spend in prison. He received half time-meaning that for every day that he participated in a rehabilitative program, he got a day off his sentence,” said Thornton.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

With young Hollywood getting DUI’s and the attention it receives from other motorists. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is still 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.

Lane Garrison To Be Released From Prison Early, AHN News, April 24, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Lane Garrison Incarcerated for DUI Being Released Early" »

A San Diego man suspected of driving under the influence is responsible for a number of hit-and- run crashes before running head-on into a vehicle in the Jamacha area injuring two women and himself, according to the San Diego Police.

The accident happened about 8:20 p.m. in the 8600 block of San Vicente Street when the suspected DUI driver, 38 apparently missed a curve in the road and drove directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle, crashing, sending him and two women, 41 and 58 to the hospital, said San Diego Police Sgt. David Jennings.

The drunk driver was taken to the hospital with possible internal injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was hospitalized with a fractured foot and her 41- year old passenger with neck injuries.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

With young Hollywood getting DUI’s and the attention it receives from other motorists. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is still 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.

Suspected DUI Hit-And-Run Spree Ends In Crash, 10 News.com, April 27, 2009

Suspected Drunk Driver Blamed for Hit-and-Run Crashes, San Diego 6 The CW, April 27, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Man Suspected of DUI Causes Several Hit and Run Crashes" »

A man suspected of DUI crashed the vehicle he was driving into two parked cars in the driveway of a Mission Hills home early Thursday morning, escaped serious injury.

The incident happened in the driveway of a house in the 2400 block of Arista Street, when the sedan of the suspected drunk driver crashed into two parked cars around 4:00 a.m., said San Diego Police Sgt. Ramona Hastings.

Police say the sedan was traveling at least 60 mph when it crashed into the vehicles.

According to the owner of the home “I saw a young man laying on the ground curled up bleeding badly and I heard someone in the background just yelling you’re gonna be ok, you’re gonna be ok, and I told them I was calling 911. I ran in the house and called 911 and then I got the family together. We came around the front of the house and by the time I got around the front of the house they were gone,” said Greg Davis.

The man suspected of driving under the influence and his passenger were staying at a friend’s house down the street, when they decided to take the Hyundai out for a “joyride.” The car is owned by the stepfather of the friend who was on his honeymoon at the time.

The two men were taken to the hospital with injuries, but remain in police custody.

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.

Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes Into Mission Hills Driveway, San Diego News10.com, April 23, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelined about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes into Parked Cars" »

A man suspected of drunk driving is responsible for a high speed chase with police and two separate crashes that killed one man and leaves 2 others injured.

Silvero Morales Romero, 23, of Vista was speeding and driving under the influence in his 2001 Ford Explorer just after 7:00p.m. heading south on Interstate 15 when a California Highway Patrol officer pulled him over at Rainbow Valley Road.

Romero, who was driving without a license, sped off when the CHP officer asked him for his identification. He was exceeding about 100 mph weaving in and out of lanes, said CHP officer Eric Newbury.

The suspected DUI driver crossed over the double yellow lines and crashed head-on with a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Douglas Terry, 27, of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The drunk driver continued driving the wrong way until his vehicle collided with a Ford F-150 truck driven by a 50 year-old man who suffered minor injuries as did his 43 year-old wife.

Romero’s explorer rolled down an embankment then came to a stop. He crawled out of his vehicle and fled on foot, but was only able to go about 50 feet before collapsing. His left leg was amputated below the knee in the crash.

Police arrested Romero and took him into custody where he is facing felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony evasion and hit and run.

Victim in fatal Pala crash identified as musician, student from Riverside area, Sign on San Diego, April 20, 2009

High-Speed Chase Ends With 2 Crashes, Fatality, 10 News.com, April 20, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Crash Claims the Life of One and Injures Two" »

A man was arrested for suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter after a passenger in his car died early Saturday morning after a drunk-driving crash on Highway 78.

Lorenzo Gabriel-Lopez- Gonzalez, 45, was thrown out of a car that was driven by a drunken driver and landed in the westbound lanes of Highway 78 just west of Melrose Drive about 11:30pm.

Lopez-Gonzalez a married father was pronounced dead about 45 minutes after the DUI crash took place, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Jesus Alonzo, 26, the driver of the vehicle was brought to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries and then taken into custody by police for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

“Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated” carries with it a punishment of 4, 6, or 10 years in state prison.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego

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

One Killed In Suspected DUI Crash, 10 News.com, April 18,2009

Passenger in Drunk Driving Crash Dies; Driver Arrested for DUI, 760 KFMB, April 18,2009

Web Related Resources
California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Oceanside Man Dies in Suspected DUI Crash" »

A man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol is arrested for a DUI crash early Sunday morning that killed a woman, according to a California Highway Patrol officer.

The DUI driver crashed his BMW when he lost control of his car around 2:10a.m. on southbound Interstate 805, north of the 54 interchange. His car went up an embankment then flipped, back onto the traffic lanes, said Officer Brad Baehr.

A woman passenger who was riding in the front seat was ejected from the vehicle and thrown into traffic lanes.

The woman who remains unidentified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, was then run over by a pickup truck, but was already assumed dead.

Officer Baehr said, the driver of the pickup truck momentarily stopped after he ran over the woman but then drove away. San Diego police officers want him to contact them or witnesses to provide descriptions of the driver and vehicle.

The suspected intoxicated driver of the BMW was also thrown out of the car and taken to Scripps-Mercy Hospital where he sustained moderate injuries. He was then taken into custody where he could be facing charges for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

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.

Passenger Killed in Suspected DUI Crash on I-805, San Diego 6 The CW, April 12,2009

Woman Killed In Single-Car Crash On I-805, San Diego 10 News.com, April 12, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Suspected DUI Crash on I-805 Leaves Woman Dead" »

A suspected drunk driver is responsible for killing Los Angeles pitcher Nick Ardenhart and two others on Thursday after a hit and run car accident in Fullerton.

Nick Ardenhart, 22 just finished pitching his season debut for the Angels against the Oakland Athletics throwing six scoreless innings.

At 12:30 a.m. a man suspected of driving under the influence in a red minivan, ran a red light and broadsided a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse that Ardenhart was a passenger in. The DUI driver fled the crash site on foot.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside, was captured and identified by police about 30 minutes later. Gallo was driving on a suspended license for a previous drunk driving conviction.

Gallo’s blood alcohol level was “substantially over the legal limit” of .08 percent, said Lt. Kevin Hamilton.

Ardenhart was taken to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center where he died in surgery. The driver of the car Courtney Frances Stewart, 20, and Henry Nigel Pearson, another passenger in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. Jon Wilhite, 24, a forth passenger in the car was in critical condition and expected to live.

Gallo is likely to be convicted of three counts of murder, three counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run and driving under the influence.

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.

Angels pitcher Adenhart killed in Fullerton crash, driver arrested, Sign on San Diego, April 9, 2009

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Driver Kills Angels Pitcher Ardenhart in Crash" »

A program in Riverside County that uses an alcohol monitoring bracelet for DUI offenders appears to be an effective deterrent to consuming alcohol.

A reading is taken every half hour from the bracelet, which measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s sweat. At least once a day, the information is uploaded via modem and a case agent checks any alcohol-detection alerts.

The program is known as SCRAM, Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor Program. Linda Connelly, president and CEO of Leaders in Community said that of the 55 people enrolled in the program, about 40 percent of them represent felony driving under the influence cases. About 49 percent are on informal probation for misdemeanor cases and 11 percent are enrolled on a voluntary probation.

Kathleen Brown, a spokeswoman for Alcohol Monitoring Systems said that case agents that review the data from the ankle bracelets can tell the difference from environmental factors that have touched off a positive reading and the consumption of alcohol.

Comedian Andy Dick was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet for one year after being sentenced to three years probation pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery and drug possession in Murrieta.

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.

Riverside County program lets DUI convicts prove they're staying sober, The Press Enterprise,March 29,2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Program Lets DUI Offenders Prove They’re Staying Sober" »

A man suspected of drunk driving was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after crashing his truck through a convenience store front door, then leading police on a high speed chase.

The DUI driver pulled into a Circle K on College Boulevard about 3:20 a.m. to get gas, but the store was closed and when the clerk refused to sell him gas he drove his car through the front glass doors and then sped off.

The 33 year-old man was pulled over by police officers near Old Grove Road for driving under the influence, but as they approached his truck he drove off reaching speeds up to 90 mph and driving on the wrong side of the road at times, according to Sgt. Kelan Poorman.

As the chase continued, one of the patrol cars on pursuit crashed into a wall near Chroma Drive where the officer was taken to the hospital by helicopter and treated for minor injuries.

The man suspected of DUI, continued on SR 76, but police called off the chase for concern over public safety.

The drunken driver then took off again towards Oceanside. When officers saw him approaching Jeffries Ranch Road they laid down spike strips which he evaded and sped away again this time heading South on Interstate 5.

Police finally arrested the man about 4:20 a.m. when he stopped at a Chevron station on La Costa Avenue.

He was taken into custody on felony charges, including DUI, vandalism and evading a police officer.

Suspected DUI driver held after crash, chase, Sign on San Diego, April 7, 2009

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Driver is Arrested After High Speed Chase" »

Police arrest a Los Angeles Clippers player for suspected drunk driving on the southbound San Diego 405 Freeway early Monday morning.

Zack Randolph, 27, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers was stopped by the California Highway Patrol in a white Roll Royce around 2:25am this morning because of suspected driving while intoxicated and weaving in and out of lanes.

In a statement issued by the CHP, Randolph was said to be driving “at approximately 60 miles per hour and weaving in and out of the No. 4 lane.” “Upon contacting Randolph, the officers noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from within the vehicle,” the statement continued. Officers determined that Randolph was “under the influence of alcohol,” according to the statement.

The suspected drunk driver was taken into custody for DUI. Randolph was released on $5000 bail about 9:00am this morning. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 27th.

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.

Driving drunk in the state of California will result in 2 cases being charged against the offender. The first charge processed will be by the DMV and another by the court system. Although, the case against the defendant by the courts contains two separate charges. According to California DUI attorneys these are known as the (a) and (b) counts (Vehicle Code 23152 (a) and (b). The defendant will only be punished once for both of the charges.

Clippers player Zack Randolph arrested in DUI, Contra Costa Times, April 6, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "DUI Arrest for Clippers Zack Randolph on San Diego 405 Freeway" »

A Perris man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol lost control of his SUV and caused it to roll over killing his passenger in the crash, remains in jail.

Julian Hernandez-Gomez, 29, was taken into custody Saturday night on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and driving on a suspended license.

The suspected drunk driver lost control of his Jeep Cherokee just after 9:00p.m. on Saturday. He was heading northbound on Interstate 215 going about 50 mph when his SUV flipped over on the right shoulder south of the Ramona Expressway, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Sylvia Mosley.

The 33 year-old passenger who was from Houston, Texas was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived at the crash site. Hernandez-Gomez sustained only minor injuries. He is being held in Banning at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility without bail.

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.

Perris man suspected in DUI fatality remains in custody, Sign on San Diego, March 30,2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Man Jailed for Suspected DUI Fatality" »

Increased DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints will be enforced by the California Highway Patrol along State Route 67 between El Cajon and Ramona, because of a $265,000 grant from the OTS.

The grant will target high collision areas along the 25-mile highway. Many of the accidents that have occurred have been drunk driving-related. 11 people died and 65 people were injured because of accidents stemming from driving under the influence, between 2005-2007.

In the past year and a half there have been many more DUI fatalities that have occurred along State Route 67.

The $265,000 grant has been funded by the state’s Office of Traffic Safety. “The grant will pay for aggressive DUI enforcement, public education and community outreach to try to reduce DUI-involved collisions,” said CHP El Cajon Area Captain Theresa Sumprer.

The California Highway Patrol will focus their efforts on increased sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols. The grant money must be spent in the next year.

Tackling drunken driving on SR-67 focus of grant, Sign on San Diego, April 2, 2009

Continue reading "CHP Plans to Use Grant For Aggressive DUI Enforcement on SR 67 " »

In Clairemont on Monday, a suspected drunk driver struck and injured a bicyclist.

The man who was driving under the influence is said to be in his 20’s was arrested and taken into custody for DUI related charges, according to san Diego police.

About 11:30 a.m. on Monday, the bicyclist was riding on Balboa Avenue near Charger Boulevard when he was hit by the intoxicated driver. He was then transported to a local hospital sustaining a chipped tooth and a cut on his forehead.

The suspected drunk driver was driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI, said police, before being taken to jail.

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.

Driver who hit bicyclist is suspected of drinking, Sign on San Diego, April 1,2009

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California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Man Suspected of DUI Hits Bicyclist" »

A man who was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol led police on a chase in Lakeside that ended when a pickup truck hit him when he fled his vehicle while trying to run from police.

Juan Manual Sanz, 43, of San Diego, died from injuries at Sharp Memorial Hospital that he incurred while attempting to cross State Route 67 at Vigilante Road, according to the San Diego County’s Medical Examiner’s Office.

Around 9:00p.m. Sunday, a CHP officer tried to stop the man that seemed intoxicated while driving a Cadillac erratically on State Route 67, just south of Mapleview, said California Highway Patrol officer. The suspected DUI driver started to slow down but then accelerated leading the CHP on pursuit.

The chase continued on SR 67 northbound at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour. Sanz crossed the double yellow lines many times and was driving on the wrong side of the road, according to CHP Officer Brian Pennings.

The chase ended at Vigilante Road when the suspected drunk driver left his car and fled on foot before being struck by a pickup truck. A 39-year old passenger in Sanz car was arrested. Drugs were also found in the Cadillac, said Pennings.

The driver of the pickup truck was not hurt.

Police chase in Lakeside ends badly for suspected DUI, Sign on San Diego, March 30, 2009

Man Killed By Truck When He Ran From Law ID'd, News 10.com, March 31,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Man Dies After DUI Chase in Lakeside" »

Monday police conducted a DUI warrant sweep in Chula Vista that ended with 5 people in jail.

Chula Vista police took 5 people into custody that were convicted of drunk driving, that violated orders to appear in court or did not complete their terms of probation in a DUI sweep.

The 5 driving while intoxicated suspects were arrested and taken to San Diego County Jail on Tuesday.

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.

Driving drunk in the state of California will result in 2 cases being charged against the offender. The first charge processed will be by the DMV and another by the court system. Although, the case against the defendant by the courts contains two separate charges. According to California DUI attorneys these are known as the (a) and (b) counts (Vehicle Code 23152 (a) and (b). The defendant will only be punished once for both of the charges.

DUI Warrant Sweep Nets 5 In Chula Vista, 10 News.com, March 24,2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Chula Vista Police Arrest 5 in DUI Sweep" »

The city of San Diego has had a lawsuit filed by a man who is considering running for City Council next year over a 2007 driving under the influence arrest.

On November 18, 2007, B.D. Howard, 29, was taken into custody for the second time in 3 months for a DUI in connection with a solo car accident. He already had his license suspended for the first DUI. According to Howard in an interview, other people were driving his car.

San Diego police found an abandoned BMW on the off ramp of Interstate 5 and 19th Street that had hit a concrete barrier that turned out to be registered to Howard.

Police went to the suspected DUI driver’s home about a block away and found him at home. According to police they heard him shouting to other people in the house not to let the police in. Police said he smelled strongly of alcohol and denied that the car was his.

Witnesses say the man they saw driving the BMW was a black man wearing a red bandana around his neck. Police said that Howard was the only black man and they saw a red bandana at his home.

Howard took a breathalyzer test and was a 0.15 which is above the legal limit of .08, and was taken into custody. He was never prosecuted and the case was dismissed.

Representing himself Howard sued the city, state and the officers involved in the second arrest last year. He was seeking damages for false imprisonment, battery, assault intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of his civil rights. He said that the police officers lied about statements taken by a witness.

Wednesday, Howard said he was planning to drop the lawsuit saying he had changed his mind and he didn’t want to cost the taxpayers any money.

Council Hopeful Suing City Over DUI Arrest, Voice of San Diego.org, March 25,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Being Sued By City Council Hopeful Over DUI Arrest" »

A man from Imperial Beach suspected of driving under the influence who is on probation for DUI, led police on a chase in Chula Vista that ended when he slammed into a house.

The drunken driver was pulled over by police around 2:15a.m.on Monday for a traffic violation. As the officers approached his full size Chevy pickup truck on Quintard Street the man sped off, shortly after, he lost control of his truck and crashed into a house.

The intoxicated driver was pinned inside his truck. Firefighters had to pry the truck open to get the man out. He was then taken to a local hospital for his injuries.

A woman was at home when the crash occurred, but she was not injured. There was major damage to the garage and to a vehicle that was in it. Another vehicle was damaged in the driveway along with a neighbor’s car in the adjoining driveway.

The man was arrested on DUI charges.

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.

With police in pursuit, driver loses control, crashes into house, Sign on San Diego, March 23, 2009
Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Man Suspected of DUI Crashes into House" »

A suspected drunk driver from Escondido struck three vehicles in a Laguna Beach crash that sent 3 people to the hospital with injuries. The DUI driver was arrested then jailed on suspicion of felony DUI.

The crash occurred at 5:32 p.m. on Sunday in Laguna Beach, on Pacific Coast Highway just south of Camel Point Drive according to Sergeant Eric lee of the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Eric Anwyl, 21, of Escondido, was suspected of DUI when he crashed into a moving vehicle carrying a man and a woman, then, struck two parked cars while in his BMW M3. Another woman was in one of the parked cars.

All three people were taken to local hospitals in the area where they were treated for their injuries. Their injuries were not reported as life threatening.

Anwyl was not injured in the crash. He was taken into custody on suspicion of felony DUI.

Escondido Man Suspected Of DUI In Crash Jailed, 10 News.com, March 23, 2009

Continue reading "Escondido Man Taken into Custody on Suspected DUI" »

A TV sports personality was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after he almost struck a police officer on Saturday night, according to San Diego police.

KFMB-Channel 8 sports director, Kyle Kraska, was arrested for DUI near Sabre Springs.

A San Diego police officer was on a juvenile runaway call around 8:20p.m.when he saw a car speeding around the corner at Angelique Street and Avonette Court. The officer had to flash his lights and had to move out of the way to avoid getting hit by the vehicle.

The suspected drunk driver was in a 2003 Silver Mercedes, when he supposedly accelerated and pulled into the driveway of his home. The officer proceeded to follow him and arrested him.

Kraska was taken into custody and released on his promise to appear.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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.

TV personality arrested on suspicion of DUI, Sign on San Diego, March 18,2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego TV Sports Director Arrested on Suspected DUI" »

A San Diego woman suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a lagoon in Carlsbad early Wednesday morning.

Alicia Biggs, 22, of San Diego was driving drunk when her Toyota Tacoma veered off Interstate 5 through the guardrail and into the Carlsbad lagoon near Tamarack Avenue. The incident happened just after 2:00a.m., according to CHP Officer Eric Newbury. It is estimated that she was speeding at about 96 mph.

The DUI driver had moderate injuries and was able to swim to safety and call for help.

Carlsbad police found Amy Lopez, 27, a passenger in the drunk driver’s pickup truck floating face down in the lagoon fighting for her life. She was unconscious when they administered CPR after pulling her to shore. Lopez had been ejected from the vehicle.

The two women were taken to Tri-City Medical Center. Lopez is in critical condition.

Biggs will be charged with a felony DUI with injury when she is released from the hospital.

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.

Car Crashes Into Carlsbad Lagoon From I-5,10News.com, March 18,2009

Car Crashes off I-5 and into Lagoon; IDs Released, San Diego 6 The CW, March 18, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Woman That Was DUI Crashed into Carlsbad Lagoon" »

San Diego County law enforcement was out in full force on Friday March 6th in all areas of Fallbrook for their “zero tolerance” alcohol enforcement operation.

Twenty four officers from around the county in two-officer teams participated in the alcohol detail to crack down on DUI and alcohol related crimes. The detail took place all over the Fallbrook area from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. for drunk drivers and public drunkenness.

“I’m extremely pleased with the results of the alcohol enforcement operation conducted by in the Fallbrook area,” said Lt. Phil Brust. “We successfully took a number of suspected drunk drivers off our streets and potentially saved lives in the process.”

The majority of arrests were made on South Mission Road and SR76. According to authorities, the officers performed 109 traffic stops, administered 26 field sobriety tests, issued 25 citations, impounded nine vehicles, and arrested 8 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. Two people were arrested for felony DUI probation violations.

“We have an Intoximeter {breathalyzer} inside the mobile command unit,” said Brust, which is used when a person is brought in and are instructed to blow twice into the machine. Both of the blood alcohol readings are recorded and become evidence if charges are filed.

“Our mission going in was to provide an increased police presence in the community and target impaired drivers,” said Brust.

The alcohol enforcement detail was funded by the Avoid Grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety. Costs for this type of alcohol related operation are between $10,000 and $12,000.

“It’s well worth it, when you are talking about the possible loss of life and/or serious injury that can result from drunk drivers, said Corporal Jason King.

The law enforcement agencies that participated in the DUI operation in Fallbrook included the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, California Highway Patrol, police departments from Oceanside, Carlsbad, La Mesa, Escondido, and Coronado. Officers from the California State Parks and the San Diego County Probation Department also participated in the detail.

“These agencies and others are committed to keeping the streets of San Diego County safe for all of us,” said Brust.

Alcohol detail comes to Fallbrook, Fallbrook Village News, March 12, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego County Law Enforcement Participates in Fallbrook Alcohol Enforcement DUI Operation" »

A man who has been hiding from authorities for almost 20 years for attempted murder is arrested in Menifee, California.

Baldomero Johnny Diaz, 35, was facing a life sentence for a 1990 conviction of six counts of murder for a drive-by gang related shooting, was using false identities, names, Social Security numbers, and also mutilated the tips of his fingers in an attempt to destroy his fingerprints so he would not get caught.

In San Diego, Diaz was arrested for prostitution in 2001 using a false identity, in 2006 under the name of Edgar Francisco Gonzalez, Diaz was arrested again in San Diego for DUI or driving under the influence.

The fugitive gang member was only 17 when he escaped through a hole in a fence after serving only one month in juvenile hall. He has been on the run for 19 years. Prosecutors began investigating this case last month when they discovered Diaz was using false identities.

Diaz is being held without bail after being arrested in Menifee. He will be transferred to the California Department of Corrections to begin his prison sentence.

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.

OC fugitive arrested after 20-year search, The Los Angeles Times, March 4,2009

Gangbanger Fugitive For 19 Years Finally Arrested, The Post Chronicle, March 9, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Fugitive Who Had A Prior DUI Arrest in San Diego Caught" »

A suspected drunk driver was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving after hitting a light pole last month and killing his passenger, according to Vista sheriff’s investigators.

At his home in Oceanside last Thursday, Vicente Lopez, 22, was arrested for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Because of injuries stemming from the February 7th crash, he was taken to San Diego’s Central Jail. Central Jail is equipped for inmates who are wheel chair bound.

The suspected drunk driver was driving in the southbound lanes of Santa Fe Avenue in Vista when he lost control and crashed into a light pole on Guajome Street, according to investigators.

Rodolpho Cisneros was sitting in the front seat of Lopez’s car when he was killed in the crash. The two men worked together in a flower shop in Oceanside. Cisneros’ Father was also in the car when the crash happened. He sustained severe injuries.

Bail has been set at $200,320 for suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, drunken driving causing great bodily harm and driving without a license.

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.

Driver in crash that killed passenger arrested, Sign on San Diego, March 6, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Oceanside Drunk Driver Arrested in Crash That Killed Passenger" »

Originally sentenced to serve 10 days in jail, Charles Barkley, Former Basketball Star will serve only 3 days of custody for DUI.

After reviewing Barkley’s case a judge decided he would reduce his time served by seven days if he would agree to enroll and complete an alcohol treatment program.

Barkley, who is 45 years old, was arrested on December 31 for failing a field sobriety test for drunk driving not too long after leaving a Scottsdale nightclub.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office the former NBA star will be reporting to jail on Saturday morning.

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.

Barkley's DUI Sentence Reduced To 3 Days In Jail, KFMB News 8, March 6, 2009

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "DUI Sentence For Charles Barkley Only 3 Days" »

There are too many deaths related to alcohol and DUI, according to Dr. Fred Simon Director of Medical Trauma at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla.

He was on duty the night Emily Dowdy was rushed in to the hospital after a drunk driver hit and killed her while she was crossing the street. The suspected DUI driver had five prior DUI convictions and had already spent five years behind bars.

Dr. Simon said that every night he is working, alcohol plays a factor in some way. He is now in the process of starting a foundation to address some of these issues with other doctors, law enforcement, paramedics, friends and family of Emily Dowd.

“We spend so many resources on a problem such as tobacco, that takes 30 years to kill somebody and alcohol as you know with this young lady, she was probably killed in about 8 seconds,” Dr Simon said.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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.

Local Doctor Has Seen Enough Drunk Driving Deaths, San Diego 6 the CW,

Web Related Resources

California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Doctor Has Seen Too Many Deaths Caused By DUI" »

A 19-year old crashed his SUV while driving under the influence and killing one of his 5 passengers, after attending a party is sentenced today to almost five years in state prison.

On December 3rd Rancho Bernardo resident Richard Caldwell pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.

The crash happened last April 10th about 2:30am when Caldwell lost control of his car while DUI and speeding in a residential area of Poway. The car rolled several times before coming to a halt and killing Charles Amaro II. Two other passengers were injured. Caldwell’s blood alcohol level was .12 percent. He was also seriously injured in the crash.

The DUI defense attorney argued for probation and told the court that his client had no prior criminal record and has already suffered greatly because of the loss of his good friend Charles Amaro on his 20th birthday.

Judge David Danielson denied the defense attorneys requests and said that “the message needs to go out to the community that if a motorist drinks and drives and kills or seriously injures someone, there will be consequences.”

The defendant apologized to Amaro’s Family and his mother, stating that he takes full responsibility for what happened.

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 level, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Teen Sentenced For Fatal DUI Crash, San Diego news 10, March 3, 2009

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California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "Rancho Bernardo Teen is Sentenced After Fatal DUI in Poway" »

In the Egger Highlands area of San Diego a suspected drunk driver hits four pedestrians as they waited to cross the street.

According to police, the crash happened around 7:00pm on Saturday Coronado Avenue near Thermal Avenue. The driver of the vehicle tried to avoid hitting a car that was turning onto Thermal Avenue and instead swerved towards the four pedestrians and hit them.

Three of the victims have minor injuries while one woman is being treated for severe leg injuries.

The suspected DUI driver is a woman in her 20’s. She was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.

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.

Car hits 4 people waiting to cross; driver arrested, Sign on San Diego, March 1,2009

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California DMV guidelines about DUI

Continue reading "San Diego Suspected Drunk Driver Injures 4 People" »

11 people were arrested when Officers from Chula Vista, Coronado, National City and San Diego participated in a DUI checkpoint that ended yesterday.

The checkpoint was set up on the island side of the San Diego Coronado Bridge. 11 were taken into custody for drunk driving or driving under the influence. 28 vehicles were impounded by police from people whose license was not valid.

The names of the 11 booked on DUI charges were not made public, three other people were arrested for drug crimes and taken into custody on suspicion of possessing marijuana.

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.

A person that has been charged with driving under the influence has 10 days from the date the arrest was made to request a hearing with the DMV. If that hearing is not requested his or her license will be automatically suspended 30 days after the arrest was made.

DUI Checkpoint in Coronado Nets 11 Arrests, San Diego 760KFMB, February 22, 2009

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California DMV: DUI proceedures

Continue reading "San Diego Police Arrest 11 at DUI Checkpoint in Coronado" »

There were four adults arrested when they agreed to buy alcohol from minors who were set up as a decoy for police in a sting last week.

Sheriff’s deputies from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit conducted a “shoulder Tap” operation last Wednesday in Encinitas.

Four minors stood outside five different liquor and convenience stores in Encinitas to ask adults who were entering the store to buy liquor for them. They told the adults they were under 21, according to the Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.

Out of nineteen adults asked, four of them said yes they would buy the alcohol for them. They were then cited and released for furnishing alcohol to a person under the age of 21.

In an unrelated article a 41 year old woman provided alcohol at a party to a group of teenagers. An eighteen year old then got behind the wheel of a car, sped away driving under the influence crashing and killing two other teenage passengers and severely injuring the other minor passengers. The women who provided the alcohol was taken into custody and went to jail.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in San Diego County

If you are under the age of 21 in California, it is illegal to buy alcohol. It is unlawful for any adult to buy alcohol for minors or to serve alcohol to minors. It is against the law for liquor stores to sell to anyone under 21 years old in California. Any adult who purchases alcohol for a minor has comminted a crime and can be punishable by jail.

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.

Four arrested in Encinitas alcohol-buying sting, Sign on San Diego

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SafeState- Responsible Adults Safe Teens

Continue reading "Encinitas Alcohol Buying Sting Cites Four Arrests" »

In the Vista courthouse today, a man is sentenced to 44 months in prison. On New Year’s Eve 2007 he was driving under the influence and led San Diego Police officers on a chase that ended with him jumping off the Coronado Bay Bridge with a police dog.

Vista Superior Court Judge Joel Pressman sentenced Cory Byron, 28, to 44 months in state prison which is the maximum amount of time under the plea agreement.

Byron pleaded guilty to one count each of felony evading and DUI, driving under the influence. He also has previous DUI charges from 2003 and 2005. Byron pleaded no contest to harming a service animal.

Byron who seemed drunk was seen swerving in and out of lanes in his pickup truck by Oceanside Police Officer Kedrick Sadler on State Route 76. When the officer activated his lights and siren Byron didn’t stop, instead he proceeded on State Route 76, running several red lights and hitting a car at College Avenue. He then turned South on Interstate 5, exited Pershing Drive and made a U-turn back onto the freeway according to Officer Sadler.

After driving onto the Coronado Bridge, the defendant struck a wall and got out of his vehicle. Officer Sadler said it looked as though Byron was going to run so he deployed Stryker his police dog after demanding Byron to stay put.

As Stryker was gripping the defendant’s arm it looked as though Byron was trying to fling the dog over the wall. As Officer Sadler tried to get to the dog, Byron put his leg onto the barrier and went over the side of the bridge with Stryker.

Byron was hospitalized with injuries. Stryker was buried at Camp Pendleton.

During sentencing Cory Byron admitted he was drunk. His blood alcohol level was measured at .17 four hours after the accident.

Web Related Resources

Man Who Killed Police Dog In Chase Sentenced, 10news.com, February 18,2009

Continue reading "A Man who jumped off San Diego’s Coronado Bridge Killing Police Dog Gets Prison Sentence" »

A San Diego off-duty police officer was shot at Monday night after a suspected gang member was thought to be driving under the influence.

Lon Chhay, 26, a documented gang member is being held in downtown San Diego at the Men’s Central Jail without bail. Chhay was arrested and booked on charges of attempted murder and possession of firearms.

About 8 p.m. Monday night Police Sergeant Bob Dare was driving in his own car on Interstate 5 in National City when he saw a speeding car approach him in his rear view mirror. He let the car pass thinking the man driving was DUI. The suspect suddenly braked hard and fired two shots from a handgun at Sgt. Dare’s vehicle. When the officer tried backing off the suspect then fired two more shots, said Dare.

He continued to follow the suspect while calling for back up and reporting the shooting.

A short time later police officers with the help of a police a helicopter pulled the suspect over at 45th Street and G. Chhay was arrested and brought into custody where he remains without bail.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Even though it is not clear if the defendant above was under the influence of alcohol. Driving while under the influence is against the law. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug to drive a motor vehicle.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in you blood, you will be charged with a DUI if caught. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

California DMV guidlines concerning DUI

Related Web Resources

Cop Shot at While Tailing Suspected DUI Driver from his Personal Car, San Diego News 6, February 17, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Off-Duty Police Officer Shot at While Following Suspected DUI Driver" »

San Diego has seen an increase of alcohol related crashes in young female drivers. Is it because of the rise in young Hollywood starlet DUI arrests recently? A researcher with the Automobile Club of Southern California has noted that there could be a trend here.

Researcher Steven Bloch has done a study which revealed that with the recent arrests of Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton, and Lindsey Lohan there has been a substantial increase in young female drivers involved in serious alcohol related crashes.

In San Diego County, Bloch said that the largest increase in fatal and injury crashes were among females driving under the influence of alcohol between the ages of 21-24. There were 110 crashes in 2007, up from 49 in 1998 a 124 percent increase, Bloch said.

Another factor in the rise is because advertisers from the alcohol beverage industry targeting young women through the products it develops and packaging if provides. “Walking through the supermarket, I saw one drink that was packaged to look like a perfume bottle.” said Bloch.

According to federal statistics, men are twice as likely as women to be involved in fatal crashes. The majority of fatal substance related crashes are from men with blood alcohol levels of 0.08 or higher.

“A lot of folks don’t realize they’re impaired when they get behind the wheel,” said Teri Kern’s operations director for Occupational Health Services in San Marcos. “There’s still a stereotype that people have to be “drunk” to get a DUI,” she said.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

With young Hollywood getting DUI’s and the attention it receives from other motorists. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is still 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:

REGION: Serious DUI crashes up among young female drivers, study shows, North County Times, February 15,2009

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Crashes Involving Female Drivers on the Rise" »

After being arraigned in a San Diego court yesterday, a 45 year old DUI suspect pleads not guilty to driving while intoxicated and killing a 24 year old pedestrian in Pacific Beach while she was crossing the street.

Alan Lester Mabrey had only been in San Diego for a few days before taking the life of a vibrant Emily Cathleen Dowdy while driving on a suspended license and DUI last Saturday night around 8:00pm.

Dowdy suffered massive head trauma and died 24 hours after being struck by Mabreys pick-up truck. San Diego police stated that Mabrey fled the scene, while a passenger got out of the truck to help the victim. Mabrey later returned to the accident where he was then taken into custody after being spotted in a Burger King Restaurant.

The suspect had a .22 blood alcohol level, which is almost three times the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including second-degree murder. Judge David Szumowski ordered Mabrey to be held on 2 million bail.

Mabrey is also being charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run causing death, DUI causing death with a blood- alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher causing death.

Mabrey has already spent five years in prison from his previous DUI. If he is convicted, he will serve a sentence of 15 years to life for the murder charge and an additional seven to nine years on the rest of the charges.

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.

Web Related Resources

Man With Many DUI Convictions Pleads Not Guilty To Killing Pedestrian, 10 News.com

Fatal DUI Suspect Pleads Not Guilty, KUSI News San Diego

Continue reading "Drunk Hit and Run Driver Pleads Not Guilty to Pacific Beach Fatality" »

A renowned big-wave surfer who was allegedly speeding and driving under the influence has been charged after a June 6th fatal crash that killed his 24 year old passenger.

Milton Willis 52, a long time resident of Solana Beach has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and two counts of felony DUI. A $500,000 arrest warrant has been issued. If Willis is convicted of manslaughter he could be facing up to 11 years and eight months in prison according to Steve Walker, a spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office.

The fatal crash occurred in the early morning hour of 1:40am on June 6th, 2008 at Coast Boulevard and 20th Street in Del Mar. Willis was driving his passenger, Bradley Dillahunty’s Toyota Avalon when he lost control of the vehicle. While traveling more than 65 mph in a 25-mph zone, Willis hit a parked car, slammed into a palm tree, spun around hitting another parked car witnesses say.

Bradley Dillahunty of Laguna Beach died on impact. He was wearing his seatbelt. Willis was partially ejected from his seat. Police officers who arrived at the scene said that Willis “had the odor of alcohol on him.” The pro surfer was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Willis and his Twin brother Michael were famous for mastering very large and dangerous waves in Hawaii in the 1970’s. The two brothers currently run a surfing school in Solana Beach. They have also written several instructional and inspirational books

Driving Under The Influence in San Diego County

Vehicular manslaughter charges and DUI manslaughter charges carry more severe sentences than a typical DUI. In California, It is unlawful for any person to drive while under the influence of any drug or alcohol.

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Big-wave surfer charged with fatal Del Mar crash Sign on San Diego

Famed Surfer Faces DUI Death Charge MSNBC

Continue reading "Well-Known Solana Beach Surfer Charged with DUI and Manslaughter" »

A 75 year old Chula Vista resident was hit by a drunk driver while crossing the street just before 7:30pm on Tuesday February 3rd. Police arrested Peter Dicesare of Whittier on suspicion of driving under the influence and fatally striking a pedestrian.

The incident happened in the 3100 block of Main Street in Chula Vista. While Ronald Seiler was crossing the intersection he was hit by Dicesare’s Jeep Wrangler. Dicesare was intoxicated at the time.

The 75 year old man suffered head trauma and many broken bones. He was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center where he died shortly after. Mr. Seiler is survived by his wife, reported by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dicesare 45, was taken into custody by police and booked on suspicion of DUI and drug possession. His bail is being set at $150,000.

Another unrelated accident occurred Saturday night February 7th just before 7:30pm in Pacific Beach. A woman in her 20’s was crossing the street at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Reed Avenue when a suspected drunk driver struck her.

The woman was seriously injured with severe head injuries. Alan Mabrey is expected to be charged with felony DUI.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Driving while under the influence can impair your judgment and your ability to drive safely, as in the two cases above where pedestrians where struck and killed or severely injured by DUI drivers. Vehicular manslaughter charges and DUI manslaughter charges carry much heavier sentences than a typical DUI. In California, It is unlawful for any person to drive while under the influence of any drug or alcohol.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol level you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could also be facing substantial fines and jail time if convicted.

Man In Custody After Fatally Injuring Pedestrian San Diego News 10

Woman Seriously Injured by Drunk Driver in Pacific Beach KFMB News 8

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California DMV guidlines while driving under the influence

California DMV: DUI proceedures

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Dies After Being Struck by DUI Driver" »

San Diego police arrested Yuma County Judge David Cooper on December 4, 2008 after a San Diego Chargers football game for public intoxication at Qualcomm Stadium.

Since then the Yuma County’s Attorney’s Office has filed a motion wanting Judge Cooper to recuse himself from all current and future DUI cases. Prosecutors in the county attorney’s office don’t think that Judge Cooper has the ability to be fair and impartial when rendering verdicts in driving under the influence cases now or in the future, because of his arrest for DUI.

The motion states “Although his personal conduct is troubling, the relationship of that conduct to his ruling is more troubling.”

There are more than 20 cases in which the attorney’s office believes Judge Cooper did not rule fairly. In the motion which was filed in the Yuma Justice Court gives several reasons where it disagrees with the verdict in each of the cases. By recusing himself Judge Cooper can avoid the appearance of impropriety pursuant to judicial rules.

Judge Cooper said that a copy of the motion has been sent to all of the DUI attorneys who have current driving under the influence cases before him, and that they have 10 days to file a response.

So far they were not sure how many responses have been reported. The response period ends on Monday, then the attorney’s office have three days to file a reply. Anytime after that Judge Cooper can make his ruling on the motion.

In June 2001 Judge Cooper had another DUI arrest, which happened before he became a judge.

Yuma County Attorney: Judge should recuse himself from DUI cases YumaSun.com

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Arrest for Judge David Cooper" »

It happened again. The San Diego Chargers had another player arrested for DUI. This is the second time in a month. Jamal Williams the San Diego Chargers Defensive Tackle was arrested on suspected driving under the influence early last Sunday while driving on SR-94. He was pulled over for speeding.

According to the California State Highway Patrol, Williams gave a blood sample to test his blood-alcohol level. The San Diego Defensive Tackle was then taken into custody and later released. The results of his blood alcohol level have not yet been determined.

The San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said “It’s disappointing to hear about the issue involving Jamal Williams.” “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course,” in a statement through the team.

Smith also stated that “The Chargers have always been leaders and positive contributors to our community.” “We take our stature in the community very seriously. Through the Chargers and the NFL, our players help them deal with issues that affect all segments of society.”

Jamal Williams, who has been with the Chargers for 11 years was awarded this season the team’s Most Valuable Player Award that he shared with quarterback Phillip Rivers.

Interestingly, the Chargers were the first team in the NFL to implement Safe Ride Solutions. This is a program where intoxicated pro-athletes can call an off duty police officer for a ride home.

The Chargers were awarded the NFL’s Winston Shell Award for demonstrating dedication and commitment to developing innovative ideas and solutions for implementing this program.

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Chargers DT Jamal Williams faces DUI charges Sporting News

Chargers' Williams arrested on DUI suspicion Associated Press

Continue reading "San Diego Defensive Tackle Jamal Williams Booked on DUI Charges" »

Dr. Manoj Motwani, the founder of a University City laser eye surgery clinic pleaded guilty last Thursday to misdemeanor charges. He agreed to complete a 52- week domestic violence program, enroll in a drug diversion program, make restitution to the victim and pay $8,000 to a shelter for battered women.

The 40 year old laser surgeon, who founded the Alpha Laser Center in 1999 was arrested at his La Jolla home and booked on 14 counts of violating the Business and Professions Code for fraudulent prescriptions and one count of burglary for entering a pharmacy with intent to commit a crime, and misdemeanor battery on a significant other.

This all began because of an incident that happened on October 28, 2007 when Motwani allegedly beat his girlfriend Antonia Quast while driving on the 5 freeway near Clairemont Drive. A witness who saw the altercation called 911. As the fight continued Motwani fled the scene and left his girlfriend with cuts, bruises and a bloody nose on the side of the road. No arrests were made at that time.

According to Deputy District Attorney Lucy Weismantel, Quast showed CHP officers a bottle of the anti depressant Lexapro which had someone else’s name on it. Motwani is suspected of getting drugs and falsifying the names on the prescriptions. The computers at his home and at work were seized at a result of the investigations.

The University Heights laser surgeon is out on $190,000 bail. Sentencing has been set for February 24th.

Motwani also pleaded guilty earlier this week to a misdemeanor DUI in an unrelated case.

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Clinic founder accused of fraud, domestic violence Sign on San Diego

Continue reading "San Diego Laser Surgeon Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges" »

A 21 year old man was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence early Friday morning after fleeing the scene of a head on collision he caused after driving on wrong side of the road.

The accident happened on Medical Center Drive near East Naples Street in Chula Vista shortly after 2:00am, according to police LT. Daniel Hardman. The driver slammed head-on into the car of an unidentified nurse who had just got off work at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

She suffered major injuries and had to be extricated by firefighters after being trapped in her car. She was taken to the trauma center where police said she was in critical but stable condition.

The hit and run driver fled the scene after the incident occurred, but was taken into custody a short time later after witnesses led police to his home. He was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and felony hit and run, according to Lt Hardman.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

A judge may suspend you license if you are convicted of hit and run driving. In California it is unlawful for any person who has a 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to drive a vehicle. If you operate a vehicle while driving under the influence or DUI and are apprehended you are sure to face a fine as well as jail time if you are convicted.

Wrong-way driver causes head-on collision Sign on San Diego

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California DMV: concerning hit and run

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Arrested for Suspected DUI after Head on Collision" »

During a preliminary hearing today at the Vista courthouse, Judge Runston Maino decided that there was enough evidence presented by prosecutors to order John Francis Sudac of Carlsbad to stand trial. After searching Sudac’s car CHP officers found Marijuana and a Marijuana pipe.

Sudac 27, who was arrested for DUI, is facing charges of felony manslaughter, felony hit and run causing death, and possession of Marijuana after a hit and run accident on January 4, 2009 around 1:00am that caused a SUV to roll over killing a pregnant woman.

The Carlsbad man was said to be driving erratically, speeding and swerving in and out of traffic in his Nissan Altima on the 5 freeway just north of Lomas Santa Fe Drive when the fatal accident occurred. According to witness Lacreisha Wells, she slowed down when she saw Sudac’s car because she thought he was a drunk driver. About 30 seconds later, she said, she saw the crash up the road.

Sudac who allegedly fled the scene after crashing into the back of a Ford Explorer causing Yine Gonzalez 24, of Tijuana to be partially ejected from the vehicle as it rolled over several times. Gonzalez and her unborn child died at the hospital. Her husband, 5 year old daughter and two relatives were treated for minor injuries.

Sudac later turned himself into police, He has pleaded not guilty to charges. Sudac is out of custody on 200,000 bail could face 11 years in prison if he is convicted. The judge also ordered that Sudac not use alcohol or drugs.

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CHP: Drugs and Pipe Found in Car San Diego News

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Continue reading "Judge Rules Carlsbad Man to Stand Trial After Fatal Hit and Run" »

The Carlsbad Police arrested Lavar Toosweet McKiernan on Saturday January 25, 2008 on suspicion of driving under the influence. Around 8:20pm McKiernan was driving without headlights near Carlsbad Boulevard and State Street in Carlsbad when he nearly ran into three parked cars.

When the officers tried to pull him over he rear-ended another car driven by a 44 year old driver who was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, and then hit a telephone pole. McKiernan who was not able to drive his car after the crashes, ran on foot into the lagoon west of Carlsbad Boulevard said Lt Marc Reno.

Carlsbad police, the San Diego police helicopter and an Oceanside police dog found McKiernan hiding in 4 feet of water in the lagoon. McKiernan was trying to drown the police dog by holding and pushing him underwater, but was quickly apprehended by the Carlsbad police. He was then taken to Tri-City Medical Center with injuries.

McKiernan was later taken into custody at the Vista jail, where he is being held on charges including great bodily injury while DUI, evading a police officer and attempting to harm a police dog. Bail is set at $230,000.

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CARLSBAD: Suspected DUI driver hits motorist, tried to drown police dog North County Times

Continue reading "Carlsbad Man Arrested for Suspected DUI as He Tries To Drown Police Dog" »

There will be a crackdown on DUI offenders according to the South Bay Divisions District Attorneys office who is assigning Cally Bright to the task. For the next two years she will be solely prosecuting persons driving under the influence, particularly those offenders who have prior DUI convictions.

The California Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department and Police Departments of Chula Vista, National City, Coronado and San Diego will be working together adding extra DUI checkpoints, patrols and DUI sweeps for those who have warrants for their arrest.

The state Office of Traffic Safety has issued the Chula Vista Police Department a $525,000 grant which was written by Chula Vista police Agent Rusty Rea to help make this happen. “Your typical DUI offender may have driven under the influence 75 times in a year before we catch him” Rea said

With 800-900 DUI arrests in the South Bay area annually, Chula Vista police chief Rick Emerson said that there is a need for increased law enforcement and a full time DUI prosecutor. Having its own jail and police headquarters in Chula Vista, Police Chief Emerson plans to use it, no more releasing them on their own promise to appear for repeat DUI offenders.

Another part of the grant program is for more education. Calle Bright plans to visit businesses and high schools to “shift the focus from “think before you drive” to “think before you drink” she said.

At a news conference on ResourcesFriday, Bright said that the goal is “to prosecute these cases from start to finish aggressively.”

Related Web Resources

DA getting aggresive on DUI prosecution Sign on San Diego

The San Diego Sheriff’s department wants to see increased and aggressive Drunk Driving enforcement after a rise in DUI and drug arrests over the past holiday season. They are seeking a million dollar grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in order to do this.

The “Winter Mobilization” is a statewide program that involves sobriety checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, and individual department efforts throughout California. In San Diego it began on December 12, 2008 and ended on January 5, 2009. During this time Sheriff’s DUI arrests were up fifteen percent over 2007 with 664 arrests being made. There was also a 71% increase in DUI arrests made the weekend before Christmas, 2008, compared to the weekend before Christmas in 2007.

With Superbowl 2009 right around the corner, you can be sure San Diego Law enforcement agencies will to continue to aggressively enforce DUI violations throughout San Diego. Driving drunk in the state of California will result in 2 cases being charged against the offender. The first charge processed will be by the DMV and another by the court system. Although, the case against the defendant by the courts contains two separate charges. According to California DUI Attorneys these are known as the (a) and (b) counts (Vehicle Code 23152 (a) and (b). The defendant will only be punished once for both of the charges.

This is where representation from an experienced DUI Lawyer is helpful. They have the necessary resources you need if you have been arrested. The San Diego Law Center DUI Attorneys have years of experience winning DUI and criminal cases.

Web Related Resources

Sheriff's Dui Arrests Increase Fifteen Percent This Holiday Season: Aggressive Enforcement to Continue East County Magazine

Shia LaBeouf who’s been filming “Transformers 2” on the US Navy carrier Stennis off the coast of San Diego has lost his license for one year. The “Indiana Jones” and “Transformers” star had his license suspended for one year which took effect on January 17th. This is following the arrest for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence on July 27th 2008 and refusing to submit to a blood or breath test that is required by law according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

This happened when LaBeouf rolled his Ford F-150 while making a left turn at the intersection of La Brea and Fountain striking another car. The actor was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for severe injuries to his left hand which required extensive surgery. LaBeouf’s passenger Isabel Lucas, who will appear with him in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” due out next May was not seriously hurt as well as the driver of the other car. The actor was taken into custody and later released on Misdemeanor DUI charges.

Although there was insufficient evidence to charge the actor, Sheriffs deputies said that LaBeouf was not at fault. Simon Herbert the driver of the other car was later given a citation for running a red light.

A person who has been charged with a DUI in the state of California has 10 days from the date the arrest was made to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles, if the hearing is not requested his/her drivers license will be automatically suspended for 30 days after the DUI arrest was made. Second time offenders will receive a one-year license suspension.

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San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was taken into custody and released on suspected DUI charges after failing several field sobriety tests. Jackson who is on probation for a previous DUI arrest said in a brief statement released through the team spokesman that he didn’t think charges would be filed against him. However, one of the conditions of his probation is not to drive with a “measurable blood alcohol level”. Another condition of his probation is to “submit to a chemical test if requested by law enforcement”. Failure to do so could result in his driving privilege being suspended for two years. So, even if he is under the legal limit of .08 percent he could still be facing the loss of his driving privilege and some additional jail time.

Jackson was pulled over on Tuesday, January 6th shortly after 2 am on San Diego’s State Route 52 after appearing to be speeding, braking abruptly and weaving in his 2008 GMC Sierra said California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Baehr.

The San Diego Chargers wide receiver, who could be charged with misdemeanor DUI as well as probation violations, is looking forward to clearing his name and proving his innocence in the event that charges are filed against him.

This isn’t the first time the Chargers have had encounters with the law. In 2006 Steve Foley, linebacker for the Chargers was shot three times by an off duty Coronado police officer after an altercation in which Foley was arrested for driving under the influence and having a blood- alcohol level nearly three times California’s legal limit.

Related Web Resources

Chargers Jackson Arrested on Suspicion of DUI Sports Network

Lance Cpl Quintin Garza III a 21 year old Camp Pendleton Marine was booked into Vista Detention Facility on January 1st on suspicion of driving under the influence that allegedly caused a crash that killed 29 year old Guadencio Reyes-Guaintana of San Marcos. This was the only fatal DUI in North County on New Year’s Day.

According to North County’s Fire District dispatcher and the San Diego’s medical examiner’s office both vehicles were traveling northbound just before 5:00am when they veered off a curvy El Camino Real in Rancho Santa Fe. Guaintana-Reyes the father of a newborn daughter died at the scene. Garza only had minor injuries.

On Tuesday January 6th Garza was charged with Felony DUI with Injury and Gross Vehicular Manslaughter which he plead not guilty to. At his arraignment Judge Marshall Hockett raised his bail from $200,000 to $350,000. Garza will remain in the Vista jail while awaiting his next court appearance on February 4th.

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Marine Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal DUI Crash Marine Corps Times

The Office of Traffic Safety reports that in California almost 1,500 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes last year with more than 30,600 others injured

As a result of numbers such as these, state officials and local authorities are taking on extra DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints to make sure everyone either has a designated driver or remains sober when they get behind the wheel to drive this holiday season.

Police departments across California will conduct saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints around the holidays, officials announced several weeks ago. These extra patrols and checkpoints will be funded by the state.

During DUI saturation patrols, police will have additional officers on the streets looking specifically for drivers who appear to be driving while under the influence. This is strictly additional police force and won’t affect police’s response to routine calls.

Be aware, drivers, as police have not yet set a specific location or date for the next DUI checkpoint.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

DUI checkpoints do work. Police are able to clamp down on drivers who should have called a cab and checkpoints can also serve as a deterrent to drivers who think twice about getting behind the wheel. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Costa Mesa Police Plan Three DUI-Related Patrols, DailyPilot.com, December 7, 2008

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The Marine Corps will court-martial a sergeant major charged with drunk driving, unauthorized absence, making false official statements and violating general orders.

Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Kellison has been charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with one count of drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle; one count of unauthorized leave; two counts of making a false official statement; and four counts of violating orders or regulations, according to the court docket and charge sheet.

Kellison most recently served as the sergeant major for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

He is charged with driving under the influence with a government vehicle near Yuma, Arizona last July and missing a meeting of the Marine Corps Installations-West Marine/Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter and Meritorious Promotion Board convened at the Sonoran Pueblo Club at Yuma Marine Corps Air Station, according to the charge sheet.

He also drove at Miramar MCAS without a valid state driver’s license and drove government vehicles without a valid state driver’s license from March 3 to July 16. He also took his personal firearms in the government vehicle when he drove from San Diego to Yuma and used that same vehicle to get alcohol in order to get drunk.
Kellison also faces aggravated DUI charges in Yuma County, according to Yuma County Superior Court records.

A hearing was held December 16, 2008 at Miramar.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

No matter who you are, military or otherwise, driving while drunk is prohibited in the state of California. As noted above, military personnel will be charged in county court as well as within the military courts. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Corps to Court-Martial E-9 Charged with DUI, MarineCorpsTimes.com, December 20, 2008

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A Yuba City, California man was put into the hospital after a car accident last week, and now DUI charges may be pending.

Samuel Galaviz Jr., 35, suffered head and neck injuries in the single-car crash, reported the California Highway Patrol.

Galaviz was taken to a local medical center and later released, reported the hospital’s chief executive.

At around 5 in the morning on Monday, December 8, Galaviz was driving alone when his car missed a curve, veered over the shoulder and struck a dirt embankment. The car then tumbled over the embankment before landing in a ditch near the roadway. Galaviz was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered head and neck injuries, reported the CHP.

Police say they plan to pursue a DUI charge against the driver for alleged use of a prescription medication. Galaviz was not immediately booked at the local county jail because of his injuries.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Prescription medications often impair a person’s ability to drive safely. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Crash May Lead to DUI Charge, Colusa Sun Herald, December 10 2008

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Three San Diego residents died in traffic accidents during the Thanksgiving weekend, a decrease from the same weekend in 2007, police report.

In San Diego county, California Highway Patrol officers arrested 119 motorists on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. This number is 18 less than last year.

Across the state of California, traffic accidents killed 32 people during Thanksgiving weekend, compared with 41 in 2007, and also across the state of California, the CHP made 1,530 DUI arrests, a decrease from 2007. This amount is 98 less than last year.

Fatality numbers reflect deaths reported by all law enforcement agencies in California, whereas the DUI arrests are those made only by CHP personnel.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Holidays are a time when people celebrate and enjoy a good time. However, it is easy to forget how much alcohol a person has consumed before getting behind the wheel. Stay safe and don’t drive if you’re at all unsure about your sobriety. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Three Die in Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Accidents, San Diego 6, December 1, 2008

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Sheriff’s deputies in Imperial Beach targeted drunk drivers with a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint last week in an effort called “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest.” The checkpoint was at Ninth Street and Palm Avenue between 7 pm on December 16 until 2 am the morning of December 17.

The sheriff’s office promised that vehicles driven by those without a license or on a suspended license would be placed on a 30-day hold. Storage of a vehicle can cost up to $1,500 for that 30 days.

Other checkpoints are being planned for various areas in San Diego County throughout the holiday season. The checkpoints are funded by the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

DUI checkpoints do work. If you are caught in a DUI checkpoint, your arrest is the result of many trained professionals doing their jobs right. They want drivers who drink to stay off the roads. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Drunken drivers targeted on Imperial Beach street, SignOnSanDiego.com, December 16, 2008

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For a family on a cross-country trip to visit grandparents last summer, the blissful vacation ended in tragedy after an unlicensed driver hit and killed 3-year-old Zachary Foster of El Cajon, California. Now, police report the driver was also driving under the influence of cocaine.

Kenneth D. Edwards, 41, was arrested shortly after the August 9, 2008 wreck in Fruitland Park, Florida and jailed on felony charges of vehicular manslaughter for leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and driving without a license.

The toxicology analysis concluded that traces of cocaine in Edwards’ blood at the time of the crash. Edwards plowed through a lawn and hit Zachary Foster while he played with toy cars in his grandparents’ corner lot front yard. Zachary’s parents, Amy and Charles Foster could only watch in horrified agony as Edwards struck Zachary with a borrowed car, got out of the car to look at the boy, and then quickly drove away. Edwards was arrested at a friend’s house about a mile away.

A habitual felony offender, Edwards was released from prison in October 2007 after a five-year stint for dealing cocaine.

Although the presence of cocaine in Edwards' blood does not actually prove he was under the influence of the drug, it could assist prosecutors as they pursue a DUI manslaughter charge, which carries tougher penalties than vehicular homicide.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Driving while under the influence of any substance can impair your ability to drive safely. In this case, the driver barreled across a front lawn and struck and killed a child at play. Vehicular manslaughter charges and DUI manslaughter charges carry much heavier sentences than a typical DUI. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Kenneth D. Edwards Could Face DUI Charge in Crash that Killed Toddler, OrlandoSentinel.com, November 20, 2008

Suspect May Face DUI Manslaughter, DailyPress.com, November 20, 2008

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Law enforcement agencies in California, although maybe not yet in San Diego County, California are relying on a new piece of DUI enforcement equipment: handheld alcohol screening devices or alcohol-sensing devices.

Opponents of these new devices insist these tools used in DUI investigations violate drivers’ rights.

“The passive hidden alcohol sensor defies the rule and belief that preliminary alcohol screening tests administered via a portable device are voluntary for adults. Obviously, secret samples obtained from these devices are not dependent on your consent or voluntary participation,” reads a press release from SanDiegoDWI.com a year ago, which leads many to believe these devices are being used in San Diego County already, if not very soon.

Starting this weekend, DUI task forces from law enforcement agencies in many California counties begin holiday season enforcement. Participating members in the program will receive the new DUI enforcement equipment, including those hand-held alcohol screening devices or alcohol-sensing flashlights.

What are these flashlights? Called passive alcohol sensors, they work much like a normal flashlight and provide light for officers who have stopped someone for a traffic violation. However, the flashlight device can also sense alcohol. The sensor triggers a color-based measurement scale, which goes from red to green, based on the amount of alcohol it picks up.

"We've used them for a couple of years in Livermore," said Livermore police Lt. Mike Peretti. "They're relatively new to most agencies in the county, but some are starting to use them.

However, Michael Risher, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, said the tool may be violating people's rights.

Risher reminds us that the state's vehicle code requires a driver's permission to take a preliminary alcohol screening test when police suspect he or she may be intoxicated.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Flashlight alcohol-sensing devices may be a violation of a driver’s rights, but an arrest because of driving under the influence is not. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

DUI flashlights help Fight Drunken Driving -- But Are They Legal?, MercuryNews.com, December 11, 2008

Alcohol-Detecting Flashlight A New Tool To Fight Drunk Driving, KTVU.com, December 11, 2008

Police Take Covert Breath Samples to Detect DUI, PRLog.com, November 7, 2007

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The trial of Shannon Shimp, 35, of El Cajon, for a double DUI accident in July 22, 2008 will be considered in a hearing this month. Witness Tessa Medearis, 19, of Vista, testified about the summer day when the accused drunk driver’s car hit her boyfriend’s car in Ramona, California, killing him instantly.

“All of a sudden, I see this white flash and hear this screeching noise, and the next thing I know, I wake up, it's completely black, everything's gone wrong; there's a car on top of me,” Tessa Medearis testified in El Cajon Superior Court.

Shimp is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

Medearis' boyfriend, Ian Kinney, was killed, as well as Shimp’s passenger, Joseph Edwards, 52.

Shimp had a blood alcohol level of 0.19 nearly two hours after the crash and is also charged with drunken driving causing injury. The legal limit in California is 0.08.

Witnesses testify that Shimp was driving a white flatbed truck east on state Route 78 near Ramona about 6 pm. He then crossed into the westbound lane to pass three vehicles, lost control of the truck and skidded sideways into a westbound Lexus driven by Kinney. The Lexus was pinned under Shimp's truck.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

The father of the victim Ian Kinney has stated publicly that choosing to operate a vehicle while under the influence makes any events that occur as a result of driving while under the influence not accidents. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

El Cajon Man To Stand Trial for Murder in DUI Fatalities, SignOnSanDiego.com, November 19, 2008

Suspect In DUI Double Fatal Pleads Not Guilty, 10News.com, July 25, 2008

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A teenager driving an SUV while drunk that crashed—the crash killed one of his passengers—back in April has pled guilty to two felony charges.

DUI driver Richard Caldwell, 19, faces punishment for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. He may be sentenced to more than 12 years in prison at his January 20 hearing.

The group in the SUV was returning home from a party and Caldwell’s blood alcohol level was 0.12. The legal limit in California is 0.08. The SUV was driving down a residential street traveling at more than 70 mph when Caldwell lost control of the vehicle. The speed limit on that part of the road is 35 mph. The victim, 20-year-old Charles Elias Amaro II, was crushed to death in the back seat.

In last week’s hearing, Caldwell admitted that his conduct caused great bodily injury to two of passengers. Caldwell himself suffered a broken elbow and brain injury, and he is now deaf in his right ear.

The judge told Caldwell his case would normally result in prison, but told the defendant that he would consider his background and the victims' wishes before fashioning a fair sentence.

"I think it's going to be a very difficult sentencing hearing," the judge said.

Any future felony "strike" conviction could bring a third strike sentence of 25 years to life behind bars, the judge told the defendant.

Amaro, 20, who was crushed to death in the back seat, was scheduled to appear in court on the day of his death on an unrelated drunk-driving manslaughter accident that killed a 19-year-old Temecula woman and injured a second passenger.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

This San Diego County DUI case is an all-too-real example of endangering one’s own life as well as the lives of friends by choosing to drive while intoxicated. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Teen Pleads Guilty In Fatal DUI Crash, 10News.com, December 3, 2008

Valley Verde crash driver pleads guilty, Outside.In.com, December 6, 2008

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Sheriff’s deputies and state park rangers will be watching for intoxicated drivers and underage drivers during this Thanksgiving weekend as desert off-road season kicked off the first of November.

The alcohol enforcement is funded by grant money from the Office of Traffic Safety and will include saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints.

San Diego County is home to the second largest off-road community in the state. The off-roading season, which started on Halloween weekend, lasts through the Easter holiday.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

DUI checkpoints are funded because they work. Remember this as you head out for off-roading fun during Thanksgiving weekend. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

DUI CheckPoints Ocotillo Wells, SignOnSanDiego.com, November 1, 2008

DUI Crackdown, UnionTrib.com, November 6, 2008

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Two teenage brothers were killed and another person injured when a suspected drunk driver crashed his pickup truck in their car at a Chula Vista, California intersection on Friday, November 21 at about midnight.

Investigators from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office identified the two brothers as Jason Spickerman, 16, and Daniel Spickerman, 18, both of Chula Vista, California.

A GMC pickup truck was traveling west on Main Street and collided with a Mitsubishi Galant at Brandywine Avenue. The GMC pickup driver fled the scene, but was picked up a short distance away and identified as Enrique Coronado, 31. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, and driving without a license reported the Chula Vista Police Department in a written statement. Homicide charges are pending.

The driver of the Mitsubishi was taken to a local hospital and released.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Enrique Coronado’s decision to drive under the influence ended two lives. And now, with homicide charges pending, he’ll be culpable for vehicular manslaughter sentencing in California. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Brothers Killed By Suspected DUI Driver 10News.com, November 22, 2008

Driver Suspected of DUI After Collision Kills Teens, SignOnSanDiego.com, November 23, 2008

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In a trial that belonged in television, Jason Shirley was found guilty of DUI in his second go-round with the state of California.

In October 2007, Shirley was arrested after driving his car into an apartment building in Fresno, California, and then leaving the scene. He was chased down and then failed a breathalyzer test. Just a few short months later, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Shirley, although he has yet to play in a single game.

In Shirley’s first trial, Fresno State coach Pat Hill testified that Shirley suffered a concussion during a recent game against Nevada. The defense argued the concussion was to blame for Shirley’s bad decisions that day. And they argued that the breathalyzer failed when it reported Shirley was driving under the influence. The case ended in a mistrial.

In the second trial, Shirley took the stand and admitted he drank a 40 oz bottle of beer before driving into the apartment building. He also testified that he thought he ran over a curb and not into the building. After three hours of deliberation, the jury found Shirley guilty on charges of DUI and hit-and-run. He was sentenced to 30 days in a work program.

The Bengals released a statement about Shirley:

"The club is aware that the vehicular charges against Jason Shirley, stemming from his college career, have been resolved against him," the Bengals said in the statement. "He will likely complete the legal obligations required by the court during the offseason, and the club expects that he will do what he needs to do to put this incident behind him and contribute to the football team."

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Shirley’s breathalyzer signified he was well over the California blood alcohol limit of 0.08. Breathalyzer tests are reliable indicators used by police to discover if a driver is driving under the influence. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Bengals Jason Shirley Found Guilty of DUI Despite His Interesting Defense NFL FanHouse.com, November 12, 2008

Jason Shirley Guilty on DUI Counts KSEE24.com, November 10, 2008

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In 2008, alcohol-related crimes dropped overall, declining 17 percent, however, DUI arrests near San Diego’s beaches are up 8 percent. This after a one-year temporary ban instituted on all San Diego beaches instituted in late 2007. Even after this report, Proposition D, which made the alcohol ban permanent on San Diego beaches, gained voter approval on November 4, 2008. Will this mean more DUIs, or less?

Police officials aren’t entirely sure. Proponents insist that the permanent ban will continue to improve alcohol-related crime rates while opponents of the measure caution that there were many other factors at play that may have caused the results.

"I can appreciate the fact the police want to present statistics such that crime is always going down," said Jacob Pyle of the group FreePB.org. "However, a decrease in community visitors with a corresponding drop in crime does not make my community safer."

Pyle also noted that the city is on track to have almost 4 million fewer visitors to its beaches this year.

San Diego city councilman Kevin Faulconer said the police report proves the beach communities are safer with the alcohol prohibition.

"I think the statistics we've seen today bear that out," he said.

Faulconer, who represents a large portion of the beach areas, was the mastermind behind the one-year trial ban on alcohol at San Diego's beaches and coastal parks following a altercation in Pacific Beach on Labor Day.

Councilman Ben Hueso also praised the ban, saying it has done a lot to reduce crime in San Diego's beach communities. And he reproached beachgoers who think alcohol is a necessary to having a good time while at the beach.

"If people aren't going to the beach because they can't drink, I think that's very, very sad," Hueso said.

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Finally, A Beach Alcohol Ban (Which Needs A Tweak), San Diego Union-Tribune, SignonSanDiego.com, November 8, 2008

Alcohol-Related Crime Drops Following Beach Booze Ban, North County Times, NCTimes.com, October 22, 2008

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James Poet, San Diego State University Associated Students President, has been arrested and charged with DUI and possession of marijuana.

Campus police said Poet was arrested Friday, October 17 at 3:20 a.m. as he was driving alone in his own vehicle on 55th Avenue near Remington Road near the SDSU campus.

The Daily Aztec, the SDSU student newspaper, reported Poet as saying, "I do have some personal issues going on right now." The paper also reports that Poet confirmed he has a court date and hopes to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

This news comes after the recent arrest of Aztec basketball player Lorrenzo Wade on burglary charges and last year’s arrest of Ronnie Williams on DUI charges. Also, last May, close to 100 people were arrested as a result of a 6-month undercover investigation involving SDSU students and drug activity on campus. The arrest comes shortly after a five-week university ban on alcohol at fraternity and sorority parties.

James Kitchen, Vice President of Student Affairs, wrote in a statement, "We are both shocked and disappointed at the news of James Poet's arrest which has the potential for serious consequences. However, as with any other student accused of breaking the law, James should be afforded due process and a chance to defend himself in court."

Kitchen also wrote "James has made many significant contributions during his tenure as AS President for which we are appreciative."

Poet's case will likely be turned over to SDSU's Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for judicial review and potential disciplinary action if there are violations of the student code of conduct, a spokesman said.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Harsh reality for Poe, which is often the case for drivers caught driving while under the influence. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

SDSU Student Leader Arrested, NBCSandiego.com, October 22, 2008

SDSU Student President Arrested in DUI Case, SignOnSanDiego.com, October 22, 2008

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San Diego State University’s basketball team is missing a few of its most senior and most valuable members in upcoming games. Senior guard Richie Williams had been suspended from play before the start of last year’s season because of his DUI arrest in October 2007. In January 2008 he pleaded guilty to underage drunk driving. The court suspended his license for one year and Williams was assigned to a first-time conviction program. However, the court issued a bench warrant in recent weeks after Williams failed to enroll and attend the program.

And this year, before the season even got going, senior forward Lorrenzo Wade was suspended indefinitely while he faces a felony first-degree burglary charge stemming from an incident on September 21.

Wade was SDSU's leading scorer in the 2007-2008 season, but police say he and another man, Brian Cepeda Ware, were involved in the attempted theft of a television from a woman’s apartment near San Diego State University. Wade pleaded not guilty the same day he was named to the preseason all-conference team in the Mountain West. All this came about after surrendering to authorities and spending a day in jail.

Aztecs coach Steve Fisher will be fair but judicious with both players. “We're going to reserve final judgment until this goes through the process, but I'm very disappointed and angry with a senior leader [Wade] that knows what's right and knows how to handle himself. We talk about it all the time, 'Don't you be the one that people are going to read about in the newspaper.' ”

Fisher said Wade's suspension began in early October. Wade, 22, is out on a $50,000 bond. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from probation to up to six years in jail.

As to Richie Williams, Fisher said, “I was under the assumption that everything he had been asked to do had been completed. Apparently, that's not that true.” Fisher said he first learned of Williams’ bench warrant when he was informed about the story hitting the Internet.

As to the team’s effectiveness in the 2008-2009 season, Fisher said, “We've certainly had to deal with more of them than you'd want, and I don't like it. . . . This should be a time where you're supposed to be excited about the first practice. This is an unwanted and unnecessary distraction that affects everyone.”

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

San Diego State University players are scrutinized because of their status as NCAA athletes. Even if you're not an athlete, driving while under the influence is still against the law. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Charge Sidelines Aztecs’ star Wade, Sign On San Diego.com, October 16, 2008

Axtecs Williams Admits DUI Guilt SignonSanDiego.com, January 10, 2008

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Rachel Silva, 27, of Oceanside, California pleaded guilty this week to felony child endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence. The incident occurred March 15 this year when Silva tailgated a San Diego police officer Frank White and his wife, a Carlsbad police dispatcher. Because of her road rage, Silva and her son were wounded by White in a Lowe’s store parking lot.

California state Attorney General’s Office, which prosecuted Silva, alleges that she “willfully placed her son under circumstances likely to produce great bodily injury or death.” Misdemeanor counts of driving while possessing marijuana and driving on a suspended and revoked license for a previous DUI conviction were dropped in exchange for the plea.

The prosecution alleges that Silva’s blood alcohol level was 0.15 (California’s legal limit is 0.08) when she drove into the path of White and his wife around 9 p.m. Officer White swerved in order to not hit her car and yet Silva tailgated him, revving her car’s engine and honking. Police say Silva pulled alongside the couple’s vehicle once in the Lowe’s parking lot shouting and then sideswiped their car.

Officer White then fired his gun at Silva’s Honda as a warning, but the woman used her Honda to hit White’s Mercury Milan again. Officer White then fired four additional shots into the windshield of Silva’s Honda.

Silva was struck twice in the arm and her 8-year-old son was hit twice in the left leg. White now faces trial on a felony charge of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and a misdemeanor count of exhibiting a weapon. He could be sentenced up to nine years in prison if convicted. White and his wife were uninjured.

Defense contends that White identified himself as a police officer and that Silva was the aggressor.

Silva’s actions were a violation of probation for a 2007 drunken driving conviction in Temecula. She is now in a substance abuse treatment in a residential rehabilitation clinic. Silva faces up to four years in state prison at her spring 2009 trial, presided over by Judge David Danielson.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Besides the fact that harassing other drivers is frowned upon, driving while under the influence is against the law. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Woman in Off-Duty Cop Shooting Pleads Guilty to DUI, 10news.com, November 10, 2008

Silva Guilty on Two Counts in Plea Agreement, SignonSanDiego.com, November 10, 2008

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TV news anchor John Boel was arrested October 19 in Shelby County, Kentucky for DUI and driving with an open container of alcohol. California law stipulates that it is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. If apprehended, drivers can face license suspension and jail time, however, with a previous DUI, charges may be more serious.

A well-recognized face on WLKY-TV in the Louisville, Kentucky area, news about Boel’s arrest spread quickly. Well-known in his community and an upstanding member of a prominent church, Boel’s has borne the brunt of Louisville locals expressing their disdain. Many were surprised by the news anchor’s behavior. “What an odd thing to do. He wasn't driving after drinking. He was drinking and driving at the same time,” was a comment left on the Lousiville Courier-Journal website’s story about Boel.

Boel has worked at WLKY in Lousville for 20 years and this year, the WLKY-TV Noon and 6 p.m. anchor received his 62nd Emmy statuette. Five of those awards have come for his work as a news and sports anchor. He has also won over 70 first-place honors in A.P., S.P.J. and Murrow Awards, as well as the Eclipse Award.

All awards aside, Boel refused a breathalyzer test at the scene, and was taken to the Shelby County Jail and later released on his own recognizance. In California, drivers who refuse the chemical test can be sentenced to jail terms if they've previously been convicted of DUI.

Boel's next court date is scheduled for November 25.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

Even though a person is on television doesn't mean they are exempt from obeying the law. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

News Anchor Faces DUI Charge, Courier-Journal.com, October 19, 2008.

John Boel, WKLY.com, October 29, 2008.

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Continue reading "DUI for Popular TV News Anchor, John Boel" »

Actress Lindsay Lohan is the subject of a lawsuit filed by three men in a Santa Monica, California Superior Court who were passengers in her vehicle when she was stopped and arrested for her second DUI in 2007.

The lawsuit was filed by Ronnie Blake, Jason Sutter, and Dante Nigro, and the trio are seeking unspecified damages. They claim that Lohan was angry and aggressive in her driving, causing them to feel "shock, fear, and panic at [her] surprising and sudden act" of allegedly commandeering the car to chase her personal assistant through the streets of Santa Monica. They also allege that Lohan was intoxicated and "hostile" and "endangered" the mens' lives during the "joyride." She allegedly told them, "She was a celebrity ... she could do whatever she wants."

Ed McPherson, Lohan's attorney, has called the lawsuit "absurd" and told TMZ.com, “These guys had the night of their lives.”

Lohan spent 84 minutes in jail for her second DUI.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Lohan Sued Over “DUI Carjacking”, SFGate.com, October 22, 2008.

Linsday Lohan Sued by Passengers in DUI case, People.com, October 21, 2008.

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Continue reading "Santa Monica, California Lawsuit Filed Against Lindsay Lohan For 2007 DUI" »

In June 2008, former NFL football star and Crimson Tide commentator was arrested for driving under the influence outside Mobile, Alabama. Police say Stabler was pulled over for a traffic violation on Alabama 59 and then subsequently charged with DUI after refusing a breathalyzer test. In California, drivers who refuse the chemical test can be sentenced to jail terms if they've previously been convicted of DUI.

Stabler posted $1,000 bond and was released from jail. His trial will be October 22, delayed because city officials had a hard time finding a judge to preside over the case. Stabler is reported as having “extensive legal dealings” in the area and a special prosecutor has been appointed for the trial, which will take place in Robertsdale, Alabama. In California, if convicted of DUI, your hearing will likely be in the town in which your arrest occurred.

Public records indicate that Stabler has two previous DUI charges, stemming from arrests in 2001 and 1995.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Police Arrest Kenny Stabler on DUI Charge, AL.com, June 9, 2008.

Ken Stabler Arrested for DUI, RollAlabamaRoll.com, June 9, 2008.

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Continue reading "Famed NCAA Football Radio Commentator Kenny Stabler’s DUI Trial Set for This Month" »

Eric Carmen was arrested last month for driving under the influence for the second time in less than two years after slamming his Range Rover into a fire hydrant in Orange, Ohio. The singer reportedly handed police a credit card when asked for his license, and his breathalyzer test was nearly three times the legal limit—0.234 (0.08 is Ohio and California’s legal limit).

A half-empty bottle of Grey Goose vodka was found on the passenger’s seat, TMZ reported. California law stipulates that it is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. If apprehended, drivers can face license suspension and jail time; with a previous DUI, however, charges may be more serious.

The police report showed that Carmen was released to his attorney on a personal bond. Carmen, formerly part of the band “The Raspberries” and author of the songs “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes” was arrested for DUI in 2007 and thereafter sentenced to a alcohol education program.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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

It is illegal for you to drive if you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood. You will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Singer Eric Carmen Charged With Second DUI, Starpluse.com, September 10, 2008.

Hungry Bloodshot Eyes, TMZ.com, September 10, 2008.

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Continue reading "Second DUI for Eighties-Era Raspberries Singer Eric Carmen " »

Hours after helping the Oakland Raiders win against the Kansas City Chiefs, Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelley was arrested in Oakland for drunk driving.

Tommy Kelly was pulled over on Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence and was then charged with a DUI. A 300-pound defensive player, Kelly was signed to the Raiders last year just before he was to become a free agent. His contract, the largest ever given to a defensive lineman, is a seven-year $50.5 million contract, which includes $18.125 in guarantees and $25.125 million in the first three years.

AOL's celebrity website TMZ.Com confirmed the arrest and reported that Kelly posted bail and was released from police custody. The Oakland Raiders representative had no comment.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

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

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or href="http://www.sandiegolawcenter.com/lawyer-attorney-1239594.html">DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Tommy Kelly DUI Bust: Oakland Raiders Star Arrested, National Ledger.com, September 16, 2008

Oakland Raiders Star Busted for DUI, TMZ.com, September 16, 2008

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Continue reading "Oakland Raider Popped for DUI in California Hours After Wining Game" »