San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

San Diego DUI arrest of a local Imperial Beach man was taken into custody for allegedly driving while intoxicated three times within a five day period said Deputies on Sunday.

Around 6:30 in the morning on Sunday, it was reported to Sheriff Deputies that there was a drunk driver on the road on Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach. According to Sergeant Ted Greenwald, when Deputies discovered the driver, forty-four year old David Lakarnafeaux, the San Diego drunken driver was walking inside a bar located on Palm Avenue and Seacoast Drive. Greenwald also explained that when Lakarnafeaux was arrested by Deputies, they found out that he had already been charged with drinking and driving two times last week.

First Lakarnafeaux was arrested Tuesday by San Diego police and then again on Thursday by California Highway Patrol. The California Vehicle Code §23540 states that if a person is arrested for a second DUI within ten years of the first DUI, the person shall have to serve ninety days in jail and a fine up to $1000. As for the third DUI, according to the California Vehicle Code §23546, a person who has had a two time DUI offense and gets a third offense within a ten year period of the first two DUI’s, then the person shall serve 120 days to one year in San Diego jail and up to a $1000 fine. In addition, the person’s license will be revoked and could be issued as a habitual traffic offender for a three year period.

The three-time San Diego drunk driver was arrested and booked in San Diego Central Jail. He was also held on $100,000 bail. According to jail records, Lakarnafeaux is expected to show up to his arraignment at the El Cajon courthouse on Wednesday at nine o’ clock in the morning.

Man Arrested for Third DUI in Five Days, U-T San Diego, January 22, 2012

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A San Diego woman was sentenced Friday for felony charges of a DUI hit and run that resulted in injury.
Twenty-two year old Jessica Bloom pleaded guilty for driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing into a decorated marine that left him in almost a fatal critical condition. Bloom will spend four years and four months behind bars due to this incident. The victim, Sgt. David W. Smith is suffering from major injuries such as a lacerated kidney, lacerated liver, partial decapitation and bleeding of the brain. His life threatening injuries left him in “comatose for two days, paralyzed completely for two of three days and on life support for ten days.”

The crash took place around 12:30 p.m. last July when Bloom rammed into Smith’s motorcycle from behind while at a stoplight when she was behind the wheel of her Chevrolet Trailblazer. According to the prosecuting attorney, the San Diego drunk driver was reported to have a blood alcohol level of .37 percent, which is more than four times the legal limit. Matthew Williams, the prosecuting attorney said that Smith was launched onto the hood of the Trailblazer then onto the street. This prompted Bloom to get out of her SUV where she was in a state of panic asking if the victim was dead. Then she got back into her vehicle and drove off to her apartment building. Bloom’s hit and run prompted witnesses to follow her and call the police.

Judge Theodore Weathers said it was "beyond belief" and "beyond comprehension" that the defendant drank so much that day. It was also stated Bloom has been arrested before back in November of 2008 where she was arrested for a DUI.

Woman Guilty Of DUI That Injured Marine Sentenced, San Diego 10 News, January 6, 2012

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In Michigan, former Miss USA winner, Rima Fakih, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after she decided to be the designated driver that night.

Highland Park police arrested and charged the twenty-six year old with misdemeanor DUI then hauled her off to jail about 2:15 in the morning on Saturday. Fakih’s attorney, Doraid Elder, said that he would not release his client’s blood alcohol level during the time she was arrested or where his client as well as her friend had been drinking that night.

Since the former Miss USA’s friend had been too drunk to get behind the wheel, Fakih appointed herself to be the designated driver. She too was too intoxicated to be driving and when she realized that she was, she pulled her vehicle over when Highland Park police noticed her. It was reported that Fakih wasn’t released until Sunday around almost five in the afternoon. Fakih’s attorney told the media that his client was "very saddened and very apologetic for the situation she is in right now" and that she would take full responsibility for her bad decision.

Elder also states that "Rima has absolutely not a blemish on her record, she's never been in trouble, she's a law-abiding citizen and she has always given back to the community, the main objective here is to make sure that she gains the trust and respect and not only her family and friends but from everybody else who looks up to her.” If Fakih is convicted, she is looking up to 93 days in jail and fines. There is even the possibility where she would have to do community service.

Former Miss USA Rima Fakih Arrested on Suspicion of Drunk Driving, Police say,CBS News, December 5, 2011

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In Los Angeles, felony charges against Deputy Richard Patterson were filed by prosecutors for driving under the influence of alcohol while driving his motorcycle when he ran into the back of another vehicle.

The crash occurred on the 405 freeway on July 5 during the evening while the deputy as well as his wife was on the back of his motorcycle. It was near the Brookhurst exit in Fountain Valley when the drunken driver crashed into another vehicle. Two hours after the crash, it was revealed that Patterson’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit of 0.08 percent when he hit a 0.15 percent. Due to his blood alcohol level, prosecuting attorneys want a “sentencing enhancement because of that.”

The thirty-eight year old drunken driver who resides in West Covina is to be arraigned on Tuesday in Westminster. The charges this deputy faces is driving while intoxicated resulting in an injury and driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit causing injury. While Patterson was being treated for hip injuries at Western Medical Center, his wife suffered from a knee injury and arm and hand abrasions. Luckily, the others in the vehicle they crashed into were not injured.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Sgt. Pauline Panis, Patterson is still employed but couldn’t tell if he was on any sort of leave. If Patterson is convicted, he will face anywhere from probation to three years in state prison.

Deputy Faces DUI Charges in Freeway Crash , MSNBC online, November 28, 2011

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On Thursday, San Diego County Sheriff detective Barbara Jean Crozier pleaded not guilty in court for the two DUI crashes she was responsible for back in August in Palm Desert.

The forty-eight year old who is a detective at the Santee substation in San Diego County is looking at an injury hit and run as well as two counts of DUI injuries in which both are felonies. In addition, Crozier is facing four misdemeanors for driving under the influence as well as property damage resulting from a hit and run. Witnesses told the court that on August 30th, Crozier was driving when she crashed into a few parked cars and ran over a pedestrian’s foot in a parking lot of an apartment complex at Fred Waring Drive and Town Center Way. Finally, Crozier was caught by officials when she rammed her vehicle in the water fountain in the entry way of the Marrakesh Country Club located at 47-000 Marrakesh Drive.

Crozier was then arrested and booked at the Indio jail for hit and run driving and driving while drunk. According to records from the court she posted bail on the sixth of September. The drunken driver who is free on a $50,000 bond appeared at the Larson Justice Center at Riverside County Superior Court Thursday for her morning arraignment where her attorney was present. Crozier will have to reappear in court December 8th for a felony settlement conference.

The drunken driver’s employment status is currently unknown because officials decided not to disclose that information.

San Diego Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Not Guilty to Palm Desert DUI, KPSP Local, November 17, 2011

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A San Diego Woman accused for hitting bicyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol was ruled that she will have to stand trial on charges of hit and run, DUI charges and last but not least, gross vehicular manslaughter.

On Wednesday, K. Michael Kirkman, a Vista Judge, found that there was sufficient evidence against the twenty-three year old drunken driver, Julianne Elyse Thomson to carry on to trial on January 23 after their long preliminary hearing that day. Thomson is looking at fifteen years if she is found guilty for the death of Arthur John Jacobs, a sixty-four year old Vista resident.

On July 27 of this year, Thomson’s Ford F-150 truck collided with Jacob’s bicycle close to the intersection of El Camino Real and Cassia Street. The accident occurred while Jacobs was on his way to work at a nearby hotel when the truck hit him around 9:45 at night. According to a witness, the San Diego drunken driver ran into bushes and then drove at a rapid speed into a parking lot of an apartment complex said Lt. Paul Mendes of the Carlsbad police. Jacobs was declared dead by paramedics on the scene. According to police, the drunken driver was found by authorities across from the apartment complex where she was hiding out in bushes next to her parked Ford F-150.

According to Aimee McLeod, the prosecuting attorney said that Thomson’s blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit of 0.08, measuring about .25 percent.

Woman Accused Of Killing Cyclist To Stand Trial, San Diego 10 News, November 11, 2011

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than a million people have died in vehicle-related crashes since 1966. If a driver is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the chances of a crash is even more likely. From an officer’s perspective, there are several factors that go into determining whether or not a driver should be pulled over due to impaired driving. According to the NHTSA, there is a list of DWI detections to guide officers what to look for while on the road.

This guide includes but is not limited to:

Maintaining Improper Lane Positioning- weaving across lanes, swerving, turning vehicle with a wide radius and the possibility of colliding with another vehicle or object in another lane.

Speed and Braking Difficulties- Varying speed (stopping or speeding for no reason), extremely slow speed, problems with stopping such as jerky stops, too short of stops and too far of stops.

Vigilance problems- driving without the vehicles headlights, slow reaction to traffic signals, failure to respond to officer signals, and driving in opposing lanes.

Judgment Problems: improper lane changing, tailgating another vehicle, improper turns (too fast/sharp turn), inappropriate behavior towards officer (arguing) and last but not least, appearing to be under the influence.

Post Stop Cues: inaudible speech, balance problems, fumbling, providing false information to the officer, the scent of alcohol on driver’s breath, slow to respond to officer’s questions. * Any of these combined with inability to drive with headlights on or inconsistent signaling better the impaired driver’s chances of being pulled over by an officer.

For other information regarding driving under the influence, please visit http://www.nhtsa.gov

Continue reading "Detecting the San Diego Drunk Driver: From a Police Officer’s Point of View" »

A DUI arrest was made in San Diego on Sunday morning when a San Diego State University basketball player was caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

Twenty- year old Jamal Franklin, a sophomore, was pulled over by police on Campanile Drive and Hardy Avenue around 4:22 in the morning. Information regarding the arrest was made by university police where it was stated that Franklin was “transported to jail” as well as his car being towed. SDSU police refused to publicize Franklin’s blood alcohol level which the California law is that drivers of legal age and over cannot have a blood-alcohol level of .08. For those under twenty-one years, the law is .01.

Coach Fisher of the basketball team is aware of the player’s DUI arrest and is still collecting information regarding the case. Mike May, the San Diego State’s athletic department representative failed to comment on the incident. Franklin’s teammates have recognized how much their teammate has improved with his game as well as envisioned him to do well this season. It was also reported that at a nationally publicized game in July, Franklin knocked out his front tooth while dunking the basketball.

The SDSU basketball team’s first practice of the season is October 14th and the first opening game is scheduled for November 11th. “Franklin is one of the nine scholarship players eligible this season” and one of four players to receive regular minutes.

SDSU Basketball Player Arrested for DUI, Sign on San Diego, September 18, 2011

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In Vista on Tuesday, the testimony trial of a man accused of driving under the influence when he slammed into a sport utility vehicle ultimately killing the driver in Oceanside had finally come to an end.

The drunken driver known as William Vincent Romero could be convicted and have to serve fifteen years to life in prison as well as other charges for killing Oscar Lopez in the DUI crash that occurred in April of 2010. Judge Michael Kirkman of Vista Superior Court scheduled this case’s closing arguments for this coming Wednesday. Forty-four year old Romero is facing murder charges, a DUI resulting in gross vehicular manslaughter, driving with an illegal amount of blood-alcohol in his system, injury stemmed from a DUI as well as a hit and run.

Information provided by the California Highway Patrol, Romero was driving his 1993 Chevrolet Camaro south of the I-5 near Basilone Road around midnight. Then Romero started going into another lane when he crashed into Lopez’s Ford Explorer. Lopez who was in the car sleeping before his early morning work shift at a fish company was ejected from the SUV and killed immediately. Lopez’s five year-old son, Oscar Jr. was thrown from the vehicle as well however escaped any injuries. Romero tried to escape the scene but was arrested not too long after. The San Diego drunken driver blood alcohol level measured at 0.10 percent, which is above the 0.08 legal limit.

According to Matthew Greco, a Deputy District attorney, Romero was convicted of child abuse in 2004 where ultimately went to prison. In addition, Romero has been previously convicted of felonies for bribery and giving false evidence.

Closing Arguments Planned In Fatal Crash Trial , San Diego 10 News, September 6, 2011

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In Santa Ana California, the Long Beach fire captain pleaded guilty for critically injuring a cyclist in a crash while he was driving under the influence of alcohol back in April.

On the first day of April, John Hines, a resident of Huntington Beach, was drinking at a bar in Long Beach before getting behind the wheel of his truck. Hines lost control of his driving in Seal Beach and ultimately hit a cyclist who was in the bike lane. The victim, forty-seven year old Jeffrey Gordon was severely injured. Hines didn’t pull over to stop after hitting Gordon and just kept driving until he reached his home where he was later arrested. The drunken fire captain’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit where he measured at 0.24 percent. Hines pleaded guilty to the charges of a DUI resulting in bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, a hit and run with an injury as well as sentencing for causing an injury while having blood alcohol content above 0.20 percent.

Thirty-eight year old Hines will be serving a ninety day state prison sentence to determine whether or not he is fitting for prison. The second of December is his sentencing date where he could face up to seven years in prison. Andrew Katz, Deputy District attorney said that "It's not your standard DUI...this is a guy who was three times the legal limit at 1 in the afternoon. He knows better. This is a guy who's been sliding for a long time. And for a first responder who treats people at the scene to flee the scene is unconscionable. He should not be dealt with the same. He should be held to a higher standard."

Gordon, the victim, is hospitalized and being treated for a broken back as well as head and spinal injuries.

Long Beach Fire Captain Convicted in DUI Case, Sign on San Diego, September 6, 2011

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San Diego resident Long Xu was sentenced to four years and four months in prison for killing fellow car passenger and victim Jiani Cheng while he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Twenty-one year old Xu pleaded guilty in court for driving while intoxicated and for causing great bodily harm to Cheng. Xu’s defense attorney, Victor Orsatti, asked the court that his client receive probation. Orsatti argued that his client was “not a drinker and had five or six small glasses of beer at a karaoke bar before the crash. "This is a tragic situation," Orsatti said. "He (Xu) has led a tremendous life." It was stated in court that Xu had a blood alcohol content of .10% after the tragedy however it turned out to be .08 when he was retested. At the time of the accident, a witness said the Xu’s car had flipped on the northbound 11th Avenue onramp on Interstate 5 while going 60 mph.

According to Xu’s mother, she explained that she and her husband divorced two years ago and the divorce has affected her son. The other passenger in Xu’s vehicle was Guozhen Yu. Yu explained that Xu did well in school and that Xu helped him with his English.

The victim’s aunt and uncle appeared in court on behalf of their niece to watch justice be served since the victim’s parents live in China. Derek Grilz, Deputy District Attorney explained that this tragedy was “avoidable” if Xu had not made the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking.

Man Who Caused fatal DUI Crash that Killed Female Passenger Sentenced to Prison Term, San Diego CBS 8 News, August 12, 2011

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A DUI arrest in San Diego has been made for eighteen year old Joseph Edward Walsh who has been charged with two DUI felonies resulting from a drunken crash that occurred a few months ago.

Walsh who is listed to appear in court on Thursday for his arraignment is facing charges from causing injury and another felony count of driving with a considerable amount of alcohol in his system which also caused injury according to San Diego Police. On May 18, 2011, the crash occurred on Rueda Road where Walsh was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent when he smashed into an SUV carrying a couple and their four year old. After the collision, the vehicle Walsh was driving rolled four times ultimately injuring two passengers.

Not long after the accident, a few of Walsh’s peers from Serra High School claimed that they were in disbelief that Walsh was involved in the crash. A fellow classmate of Walsh, Katelyn Garber said that “He's [Walsh] is a pretty sharp guy, good grades, everything ... what happened was not him at all; nothing he would do. It was a shock … to all of us.”

At the downtown San Diego County Courthouse, a complaint was filed that said Sarah Martin, Laureen Mazza, Sameer Asadi and Mogadassa Amozgar were also injured in the incident yet the complaint doesn't explain which vehicles they were in and how those people were injured. The San Diego district attorney's office as well as the police department would not go into further detail.

Man Faces DUI Charges In Tierrasanta Crash, San Diego 10 News, August 8, 2011

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A DUI arrest in San Diego was made due to a near fatal crash involving a motorcyclist that could result in three felonies if the motorcyclist doesn't survive.

Jessica Bloom was driving her white Chevy Blazer in Rancho Bernardo on Sunday around 12:30 in the afternoon when Bloom accelerated in her SUV and rear ended a motorcycle. David Smith, the motorcyclist as well as a Marine, was thrown from his bike on impact. The young, drunk, San Diego driver left the scene immediately without stopping and did not pull over and get out of her SUV. Luckily, there were witnesses that saw the entire accident.

The motorcyclist was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido where he suffered from major head trauma and injuries to his liver and spleen. Due to the victim’s condition, there is a possibility he will not live due to his head injury. As of now, Bloom could be charged with felony DUI, felony hit and run and possibly manslaughter. The young, drunk driver was quickly arrested due to a witness who followed her when she tried to flee the scene. According to Traffic Det. Dan Wall, “People who watched the accident followed to her apartment and waited for police to arrive and take her into custody…I wish everybody would do it. It helps us out a heck of a lot.”

Wall also adds “Don’t put yourself in jeopardy or peril by driving 100 miles per hour (to follow someone),” he said. “In this case, they kept a reasonable distance and did not put themselves in jeopardy. That’s fine.”

Rancho Bernardo Hit-and-Run Driver Facing Two Felony Charges, PomeradoNews.com, August 1, 2011

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Del Mar DUI arrest for a well known Jockey on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol just hours after his big win on the opening day at the races.

According to the San Diego Police Department Lt. Andra Brown, the Jockey, Mike Smith, who is a Pasadena resident, was pulled over on Wednesday night near Carmel Valley Road around 11:30 p.m. in his 2011 Land Rover. Brown said that Smith was weaving and driving under the speed limit. This prompted a local officer to pull the Hall of Famer over and give him the option in completing a chemical breath test.

Due to his blood alcohol level, which has not been released to the public, the officer took the Jockey to county jail where he was released several hours later on bail. On September 1st the drunken driver is scheduled to make a court appearance for this incident. When Smith was contacted the next day after his arrest, Smith said "I got pulled over. I was taken down to the station and released. I am at work the next day. It's no big deal."

He later explained that the only person he is disappointed in is himself. According to the Jockey, he should have known better to not get behind the wheel after drinking more than two glasses of wine at 115 lbs. According to Joe Harper, the general manager as well as the President of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing Club, this incident will not legally inhibit the Jockey from future races.

Jockey Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI Apologizes, 10 News, July 21, 2011

DEL MAR: Hall of Fame Jockey Arrested on DUI Charges, North County Times, July 21, 2011

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DUI Charge In Fresno over Fourth of July weekend, for ex-Charger Lorenzo Neal who was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to a highway Patrol officer, the former fullback "Just ran off the road, struck a pole... nothing real major about it…luckily, he didn’t hit anyone.” Since the DUI incident, fans have been questioning his character and calling him a hypocrite because Neal was involved with Safe Ride Solutions, a group that provides safe rides to athletes who have had too much to drink. A Safe Rides Solutions promotional video advertises that "One wrong decision, one wrong DUI arrest, one accident can destroy it all in a second," and then Neal comes on camera by saying "They will come pick you up as well as your car and your friends and take you home safely."

According to a Highway Patrol officer, Neal failed a field sobriety test shortly after a round of golf. Neal’s response to the whole DUI incident was heard on air on Fresno’s KMJ radio station. "The truth of the matter is I wasn't double over the limit...I was very close to the limit. I mean, 0.11 or 0.10 and the limit is 0.08, so whatever." He also stated that he feels that the whole accident is being exaggerated and blown way of out proportion.

Luckily for the former Charger is that the California Highway Patrol did not take him into custody. Instead Neal was free to go with a friend; however he will have to attend his scheduled court appearance.

Former Chargers Fullback Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI, 10 News, July 6, 2011

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One of MTV’s star stuntman died in a drunken car crash on the morning of June 20, 2011 in Pennsylvania.

Ryan Dunn of MTV’s Jackass and Zachary Hartwell were going 140 mph in Dunn’s Porsche on Route 322 when the car crashed and caught fire. A tow truck hauled the demolished car away. It wasn’t reported until later that Dunn and his friend had been drinking before getting behind the wheel. According to the autopsy report, both Dunn and Hartwell suffered from “blunt and thermal trauma” in the accident.

Dunn who was indeed driving, showed in his toxicology report results that his blood alcohol level was 0.196%-when the Pennsylvania state limit is 0.08. His alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit!
Before the crash even occurred, a photo of the two men drinking was tweeted by Dunn at a bar in West Chester Pennsylvania.

The stuntman had many friends who shared their sadness and condolences through twitter. Johnny Knoxville, a fellow Jackass member tweeted "Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan. I love you buddy." Benji Madden of Good Charlotte tweeted "I'm very Sad and Shocked to hear about Ryan Dunn,". "My thoughts & prayers are with his Family." Another friend of Dunn’s, Brody Jenner tweeted his condolences as well; "Just heard about Ryan Dunn… So sad.. #RIPRYANDUNN."

Jackass Star Ryan Dunn Killed in Car Crash, People Magazine Online, June 20, 2011

Ryan Dunn Was Driving Drunk When He Died, People Magazine Online, June 22, 2011

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In Sacramento, North County Assemblyman Martin Garrick was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The drunken driver apologized in his statement saying the incident was a “lapse in judgment” and that he well aware of the consequences that comes from drinking and driving. It was reported that California Highway Patrol officers spotted the sedan Garrick was driving when it sped through a 25mph zone in the downtown area of Sacramento. Garrick even blew through a stop sign. When police tried to pull Garrick over, the assemblyman kept on driving and accelerated until he pulled into the Capitol building’s parking garage.

Officers who spotted Garrick noticed that he showed signs of driving under the influence in which Garrick had to perform a field sobriety test. After he failed the test, officers took the drunken assemblyman to the station where he would later be released. Fifty-eight year old Garrick faces a misdemeanor DUI count.

The following is Garrick’s statement regarding his DUI. "I am deeply sorry for my lapse of judgment yesterday evening. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. I apologize to my family for the embarrassment I have caused them, and I hope they will forgive me for my actions. I also apologize to my constituents. They have the right to hold their elected representative to a high standard, and I regret that it was one I failed to meet last night. I will strive to never let them down again. Last night's incident was isolated, but it served as a stark wake-up call. I promise my family and my constituents in the 74th District that I will never drink and drive again."

Local Assemblyman Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI, 10 News, June 16, 2011

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A DUI arrest was made in Miami Beach early in the morning on Thursday for a famous rapper driving while intoxicated as well as driving with a suspended license.

Well known rapper, Flo Rida, was arrested when his blood alcohol level measured above the legal limit at a .185. The thirty-one year old rapper was driving out of control in his Bugatti when police pulled him over in South Beach. The police officer who stopped the drunken celebrity noticed the smell of alcohol on the rapper’s breath as well as the garbled speech and bloodshot eyes; all signs linking that the driver had been drinking.

When the officer asked the rapper to perform a field sobriety test, Flo Rida responded “I can’t do this. I don't think I can walk a straight line. I had a few drinks. Let's do another test. I live on the other side of the bridge. I can make it home." When the drunken singer refused to complete the test, the officer arrested him and brought him back to the Miami Beach Police Department where he would be processed and booked.

It was discovered that the reason why Flo Rida was driving on a suspended license was due in part of not paying a traffic fine when he was supposed to pay the fine by April 13. Flo Rida’s attorneys made a joint statement about the investigation where they both declined to comment.

Flo Rida Arrested for DUI in Florida, People.com, June 9, 2011

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Estella Warren was charged on Thursday for a Driving under the influence of alcohol, a hit and run and assaulting as well as resisting a police officer.

On May 23rd, the Planet of the Apes actress and model crashed her Toyota Prius into three cars in Los Angeles and kept on driving until police had spotted her to pull her over. When pulled over, it was reported that Warren was “resisting arrest” by kicking one of the officers. The drunken model finally was put into cuffs after she had refused a chemical breath test and clearly failed a field sobriety test.

While the actress was being booked at the station, she managed to slip her wrists from the handcuffs and tried to flee; however, she was caught and booked on a additional charge of felony escape. This makes a total of four misdemeanors in one night. The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model has her arraignment scheduled for June 17. Since been charged with four misdemeanors, Warren is looking at six months maximum behind bars.

This is not the first encounter the actress has had with the law. In 2007, she was convicted for driving under the influence. During her arrest last May, an L.A. County Sheriff representative explained that Warren was “uncooperative and demanding.”

Estella Warren Arrested for DUI, Hit and Run, Assault and Escape , E Online, May 24, 2011

Estella Warren CHARGED -- DUI, Hit-and-Run, Battery, TMZ Online, June 9, 2011

Estella Warren Charged with DUI, Battery on Officer,, People Magazine Online, June 9, 2011

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In Orange County California, a young teenage girl was killed from a drunk driver when she was on her way home from a birthday party.

The drunk driver whose real name is Austin Jeffrey Farley was charged with a felony for the murder and driving while he had been drinking. According to the police, the breath test showed that Farley blew a 0.20, which is more than twice the legal limit. Farley whose arraignment was on Wednesday is being held on one million dollar bail. It appeared that the night of the crash the Orange County drunk driver and his girlfriend had taken two cab rides that night before they proceeded to take his own truck to get some food while they were still both intoxicated; right before the crash occurred according to the district attorney.

In 2009, there was a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated that Farley pled guilty to. He was even forewarned by the court that he would be prosecuted for murder if there was ever a death due to his drinking and driving. Court records also showed that he had alcohol related problems even as a minor when he went through two diversion programs for the alcohol related crimes he committed.

Although Farley was warned about his drinking and driving and the consequences that could come from that, and still choosing to drive under the influence anyway, he will be charged with murder instead of vehicular manslaughter due to his prior DUI guilty plea back in 2009.

Murder Count Brought Against DUI Offender in Wreck, Sign On San Diego, June 1, 2011

Continue reading "Orange County Drunk Driver Prosecuted for Murder" »

On Sunday night in Los Angeles, Rick Springfield was arrested for the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A La Sheriff pulled the 61 year old rocker over around 8 p.m. due to a traffic violation, however on a breath test Springfield blew a .10, above the legal limit. Officers could smell the alcohol in the vehicle when they decided to issue the singer a sobriety test which he failed.

After he failed the test, he was taken into custody by the officers where he was released on $5,000 bail a short time later. Springfield’s rep did not comment. Earlier on Sunday the Jessie’s Girl singer was at USC where he attended The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The rocker’s arrest gives great attention to the persisting problems in the United States of driving while intoxicated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2009 alone. There are steps that people can take to avoid a dangerous situation that results from drinking and driving such as; assign a designated driver that will not drink when with a group, call a taxi or alternate ride, or take away the keys of a friend that has been drinking.

Rick Springfield Arrested for DUI, People Magazine Online, May 2, 2011

Cops Nab Rick Springfield for DUI, USA Today Online, May 2, 2011

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A San Diego Police Officer is under investigation for a hit and run crash as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Around 7:30 p.m. on February 22th of this year, San Diego off-duty officer, 41 yeart old David Hall was driving northbound on Interstate 805 in his GMC Yukon SUV when he crashed into Chevrolet Suburban. Officer Hall kept on driving after hitting the other vehicle when a Highway Patrolman saw him and then started following him on the freeway.

On a breath test performed right outside his Linda Vista home, the San Diego drunk driver blew three times the legal limit. The woman driving the Suburban told officers she was ok and left right after. Paul Neuharth, a former police officer, and now a San Diego criminal attorney explained that this incident could cost Hall his job just for the hit and run alone. Not only does Hall have this accident going against him, Hall also has been facing other legal dilemmas due to domestic violence.

This San Diego DUI case is going through internal review by the San Diego Police Department and is being reviewed by the District Attorney’s office. The issue of why the San Diego drunken officer was not arrested is still in question and the San Diego Police Department didn’t offer to explain why.

SDPD Officer Suspected Of DUI, Hit-And-Run Crash, San Diego 10 News, April 12, 2011

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In San Diego Ronald Troyer drove his car into a sidewalk and into a La Jolla bakery ultimately wounding three teenagers and two adults.

While Troyer was driving his 1984 Chrysler New Yorker, he was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. On Tuesday David Uyar, Deputy District Attorney, said that the drunken driver had smoked marijuana right before the crash occurred. Not only is he facing charges for driving intoxicated, he is also facing charges of reckless driving, driving on a suspended license and a hit and run. The 66 year old San Diego drunk driver faces up to fifteen years in prison because of his two previous DUI convictions and will be sentenced on May 4.

Two victims who were struck by Troyer are Ian Brininstool, who broke his leg and Alani Aguerre. Aguerre suffered the most injuries because she was dragged under Troyer’s vehicle where her pelvis was crushed, broker her leg and broke both of her arms.

The third victim, fifteen year old Myles Polger explained that he hopes Troyer gets what he deserves. Polger stated that “We just want to make sure he doesn’t have the opportunity to get in a car again and hurt anybody else.” The young victim is now in physical therapy due to arm and leg injuries from the accident.

Man Under Influence Of Drugs Guilty In La Jolla Bakery Crash, San Diego 10 News, April 6, 2011

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In Vista, Pamela Marabea’s Ford Explorer was struck by a truck at 82 miles per hour ultimately killing her. The driver of the truck, seventeen year old Jeanette was under the influence of pain killers, anti-depressants, marijuana and alcohol at the time of the horrific crash.

Jeanette’s alcohol intake was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the accident. When the San Diego teenage drunken driver was in the emergency room, there were several instances where she was pronounced dead; however she survived with permanent loss of peripheral vision, short time memory loss as well as no recollection of the deadly collision. Fifty-three year old Marabeas, the driver of the Explorer, died at the scene.

On Friday, the Vista Superior Courthouse had their 10th annual Youth in Court Day where the destroyed SUV was put on view to show for the 1,000 students attending the consequences of drinking and driving. Jeanette, the teenage drunken driver who prefers to be identified by her first name only, spoke at Youth in Court Day. Jeanette told students that she was remorseful of the decisions she made. She also explained that by the time she was seventeen years old, she was into drugs and an alcoholic.

Erin Limonchi, Marabeas daughter attended Youth in Court Day as well. Limonchi told students that “this isn’t an accident. Many of you will make a calculated decision to drink or do drugs and drive…To me this is murder.” At the time of the accident, Jeanette was weeks away before she was going to turn eighteen. She was sentenced to 480 days in Juvenile Hall.

North County Students Get Their Day in Court, Sign on San Diego, March 18, 2011

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On Tuesday in Hollywood, Christina Aguilera was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol in public.

According to the authorities, the “Burlesque” actress will not be prosecuted even though she was “extremely intoxicated.” Steve Whitmore, a Sheriff’s spokesman explained that Aguilera “didn’t really understand where she was” and that she was “not belligerent in any way whatsoever.” The sound of “burning rubber” prompted police to pull over the songbird and her boyfriend which could be heard from a distance. The driver, Matthew Rutler, had a blood alcohol level 0.09 percent which showed up on the field sobriety test. The legal limit for California is a 0.08 percent.

Twenty-five year old Rutler was arrested for being past the legal limit of alcohol while driving and Aguilera was arrested for being drunk in public. Later on, Rutler was released on $5,000 bail and it is still unknown whether or not he has hired an attorney. According to police, the singer was too intoxicated to get herself home so she was held at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s station. Police issued her a breath test; however the results will be kept privately since she will not be brought to court. Unfortunately, she will have a misdemeanor on her record.

The singer, according to Whitmore, had to be fingerprinted and put into a cell until she was sober enough to pass a sobriety test. When Aguilera had sobered up just enough, she was released on $250 bail around 7:30 a.m. where she was driven home safely by someone who came to pick her up.

Christina Aguilera Arrested For Drunkenness,San Diego 10 News, March 1, 2011

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Erin Limonchi of San Diego is working her way to change teen DUI laws after her mother, Pamela Sue Marabeas, who was killed by an underage San Diego drunk driver in September of 2009.

Marabeas, an X-Ray technician was hit by a seventeen year old girl at Mission Gorge Road and Highway 125 where the San Diego resident was killed. It upsets Limonchi that the teenage drunk driver didn’t receive a harsh enough punishment for her mother’s lost life. According to Limonchi, "The time allotted to her was not significant enough that we feel was adequate enough for taking somebody's life," she explained.

It is Limonchi’s mission to change the DUI laws regarding teenage drunk drivers. She feels that if a drunken teenager that gets behind the wheel resulting in an injury or death to another driver, then that teen should be tried in adult court. Limonchi also states that "If you really injure or kill somebody, how is that going to weigh on you the rest of your life, how is that going to change your family members' lives and how is that going to change the lives of those who you inflicted the pain on?"

Limonchi is encouraging people not to drink and drive this Super Bowl weekend. She knows that her mother would support the change in underage DUI laws regarding injury or death. She explains that she has already been in contact with a legislator who is willing to write it.

Daughter Fights to Change Teen DUI Laws & Attitudes, CBS 8 San Diego, February 1, 2011

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The majority of Americans would associate New Years Eve and drunk driving to go hand in hand.

According to MADD (Mothers against Drunk Driving), the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas someone is more likely to get a DUI or hit by a drunk driver within that window of time. On New Year’s Eve, many Americans have become accustomed to find other ways of getting to their destination safely if they have been drinking, however, many of them do not realize that the dangers of drinking and driving extend throughout football season.

Alcohol consumption at this time of year seems never ending due to holiday office parties and get-togethers with friends and family. Then add poor weather, inadequate driving and other distractions due to the holiday season which would result in a possible driving disaster to occur.

According to FindLaw.com, these are some very useful tips to be DUI-free this holiday season. If you decide to drink the night you go out, be sure to select a designated driver who will not drink and make sure passengers get home safely. If a designated driver cannot be found, take a cab or use public transportation, especially if you are travelling alone. If you do get pulled over and have been drinking, try to keep your composure so that the officer doesn’t feel that you are a danger on the road even if you blew below a .08 on the breath test. This may include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and swerving of the car while driving. If an arrest occurs, hire an attorney because drink driving does have serious consequences.

Don't Make DUI Part Of Your Holiday Festivities, San Diego 10 News, December 15, 2010

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In San Diego Izaiah Wallis is making improvement after being injured in a crash due to drunk driving but he still has a long way to go to be fully recovered.

On Tuesday night Passion 4 K.I.D.S. hosted a fundraiser to raise money for Izaiah’s medical bills at the Paradise Point Resort. The medical bills are costing as much as $30,000 each day. Adrian Gonzalez, a former Padres star signed autographs for money which he donated to show his support. Overall, the fundraiser showed overwhelming support. Gonzalez said that “They’re going through tough times right now and they just need to know we’re here for them, we love them and we’re praying for them.”

On October 18 Izaiah was seriously injured in a drunken driving crash in Oceanside and has since been at Rady Children’s Hospital for treatment. So far the baby has gone through six surgeries. The morning of the accident, Izaiah’s grandfather took his grandson on a walk in his stroller when a 17 year old drunk driver crashed into them. The grandfather suffered from broken bones. The driver’s blood alcohol level was .21.

Izaiah, thankfully no longer in a coma, faces blindness, paralysis and brain damage due to the drunken driving crash. The drunk driver now has to serve 480 days in program for youthful offenders. The fundraiser’s organizers goal was to raise $25,000 to help with the hundreds of thousands of dollars that so far has cost Izaiah’s young, uninsured parents. Lucy Verde, the mother of Izaiah, quit her job to care for her son.

Fundraiser Held For Baby Injured In DUI Crash, San Diego 10 News, December 15, 2010

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Jim Leyritz, a former New York Yankee was sentenced on Thursday for a drunken driving conviction in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

The World Series hero received one year of probation and a $500 fine for the conviction which is practically a slap on the wrist compared to what he had faced before in court; a fatal car crash that killed a woman in 2007, however the jury felt that he wasn’t responsible. Circuit Judge Marc Gold noted that the ballplayer completed two alcohol treatment programs but told him not to violate the law or his probation again. If his probation is violated, then Gold will give him maximum jail time.

Leyritz could have received six months in jail for driving under the influence which would be a harsher sentence but David Bogenschutz, his attorney, explained that jail was too severe for the ballplayer’s first DUI offense by stating “He is a first offender, plain and simple.” Stefanie Newman, the prosecuting attorney, wanted Leyritz to serve a four month jail sentence because of the player’s “air of entitlement” since he was a professional ball player as well as having a few violations while he was out on bail.

Leyritz was a catcher for the New York Yankees and played eleven major league seasons, mostly with the Yankees. He’s also played for the Dodgers, Padres, Angels and Rangers. He is best remembered for the home run that won the Yankees the championship in 1996.

Ex-Yankee Leyritz Gets Probation, Fine In Fla. DUI, December 2, 2010, San Diego 10 News

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San Diego DUI related crashes in the vicinity of the University of California San Diego have been reduced because of the California Highway Patrol operation which is aimed at 18-24 year-old drunk drivers.

San Diego drunken driving crashes have been reduced by 63 percent because of increased law enforcement and on -campus instruction since the campaign began on June 1, 2009. San Diego DUI fatalities were reduced by 40 percent. San Diego Area Commander of the CHP Captain Rich Stewart said in a statement, “Anytime a program results in lives saved it’s a success in my book.”

According to CHP Officer Art Athens, San Diego DUI injuries sustained while driving under the influence were diminished by 72 percent. With increased law enforcement by the California Highway Patrol on Interstate 5, 805 and highway 8, the San Diego Police Department along with UCSD Police there has been a reduction in San Diego DUI related incidents.

The CHP DUI campaign was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a “College Driving under the Influence Corridor 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 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.

CHP campaign cuts DUI crashes around UCSD, Sign on san Diego, November 3, 2010

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http://www.sandiegolawcenter.com/index.htmlSan Diego County DUI arrests were slightly lower than last year over the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to the San Diego County California Highway Patrol.

There were 88 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in San Diego County between Friday evening and late Monday night. Two less San Diego DUI incidents than last year at the same time, according to the California Highway patrol. There were no traffic related deaths reported during this holiday weekend span, as was the same last year.

Statewide drunk driving arrests were higher than in 2009. There were 1521 motorist that were charged with driving while intoxicated, compared to 1417 DUI arrest made last year. In California, 21 people died in DUI related crashes compared to last year where there were 12 DUI traffic related fatalities.

If you are charged with a San Diego DUI it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice from an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

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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.

88 drivers jailed on suspicion of DUI over holiday weekend, Del Mar Times, September 7, 2010

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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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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

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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.

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Sheriff's Dui Arrests Increase Fifteen Percent This Holiday Season: Aggressive Enforcement to Continue East County Magazine

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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This holiday season the San Diego County Sheriff’s department is ready to combat drivers who drive while under the influence. They may be better prepared than ever. San Diego County sheriff’s department was just awarded a $1.1 million-dollar grant to increase DUI patrols and checkpoints.

Paid out over the next three years, the AVOID program grant will cover extra shifts for 760 deputies (6,000 extra hours), 32 additional DUI checkpoints, and 207 saturation patrols. All this aimed directly at drivers who may have had too much to drink.

Pat Hodgkin from Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that drunk driving crashes kill two people every week in San Diego County on average. She hopes with this AVOID program grant, those numbers will change.

"Everybody is behind this. Everybody is very excited about this," Hodgkin said.

Corporal Jason King with the sheriff's department agrees. "Economically this is going to put extra officers and deputies out on the street to actively pursue DUI enforcement."

Sixteen separate police agencies will join for the program in cities in San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Escondido, La Mesa, National City, Oceanside and San Diego. The money will also provide beefed-up patrols for big drinking events through the year, including opening day at Del Mar racetrack, St. Patrick’s Day in downtown San Diego, and events at Qualcomm stadium.

The grant money goes into action this weekend, with seven DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols across the county.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

A San Diego County DUI is expensive in 2008, with court costs, fines and fees, drivers arrested for DUI could be looking at a cost over $10,000. 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.

Sheriff's Department Lands Million-Dollar DUI Grant, CBS8.com, December 11, 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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FAQ about the Alcohol Ban for San Diego Beaches

Change to City Council Policy on Alcohol at San Diego Beaches

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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