San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

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

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 Former TV Anchorwoman Arrested for Suspected DUI" »

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

Web Related Resources
California DUI guidelines about DUI

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

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

Web Related Resources
California DMV: DUI procedures if you are pulled over

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

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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

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California DMV guidelines about DUI

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

In between the hours of 6pm on Saturday February 7th and 2am on Sunday, the Chula Vista Police were out in force and conducted 18 field sobriety tests, 11 people were arrested and charged for suspicion of driving under the influence during a DUI sweep in Chula Vista. .

According to Officer Kenneth Hicks, police handed out 46 citations for vehicle code violations, 2 people were arrested on drug charges, and 19 cars had to be impounded.

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.

Chula Vista DUI Sweep Nets 11 Arrests KFMB News 8

Continue reading "Eleven Arrests Made in DUI Sweep in Chula Vista " »

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

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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California DMV guidelines about DUI

California DMV: DUI procedures after you are pulled over

Continue reading "Police Departments In Many Cities in California Plan DUI Patrols and DUI Checkpoints" »

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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California DMV: DUI procedures after you are pulled over

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Accidents Result of Three Deaths" »

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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Continue reading "Drunken Drivers Targeted in Imperial Beach " »

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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Continue reading " “Flashlight” Alcohol-Sensing Device Soon To Be Used in San Diego County" »

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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California DMV on drunk driving and field sobriety tests

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

Continue reading "Winter DUI Checkpoints In Force at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area" »

Pomona City Councilman Elliott Rothman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after failing a field sobriety test at about 11:03 p.m. Tuesday October 7, 2008, and was booked for a misdemeanor about 20 minutes later. Early reports indicated that his blood alcohol level was higher than the legal limit in California (0.08), however further analysis of his test showed his blood alcohol level at 0.04, half the legal amount allowed. Charges have been dropped.

Rothman has served on the Pomona City Council for 12 years, according to the city's Web site, and was recently elected Pomona mayor in the November 4, 2008 elections.

Rothman said he was pleased to hear the news about the last of the tests.

"That's great news," he said.

Rothman said he could not explain why he did not pass the field sobriety test.

"I really don't know," he said.

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.

Pomona Councilman Elliot Rothman Arrested in DUI, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, SGVTribune.com, October 8, 2008

LA County DA Drops Pomona Mayer-Elect Rothman’s DUI Charges, Daily Bulletin, DailyBulletin.com, November 5, 2008

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California DMV on drunk driving and field sobriety tests

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

Continue reading "DUI for Pomona, California’s Mayor-Elect Dropped After Blood Alcohol Test Analysis" »