Torrance DUI Lawyers
- Shook, Michael: CRIMINAL Felony Misdemeanors Murder/Attempts Drugs Sex Offenders Juvenile 3 Strikes Domestic Violence DUI Drunk Driving DMV Hearings License Suspension No Jail Time
- Frank, Daniel: Family Law, Criminal Defense/D.U.I., Personal Injury/Wrongful Death and General Civil Litigation
- Budris & Van Haren: A DUI (driving under the influence) arrest is not something to be taken lightly. Though it may seem that every other entertainment industry starlet is committing a DUI these days, the law does not care who you are when it comes to this crime. Many drivers are unaware of that by simply driving a car, you have given implied consent to be tested for drugs or alcohol if pulled over. If your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is 0.08% or higher while operating a vehicle, authorities can charge you with a DUI. Penalties Associated with DUI DUI convictions can carry numerous penalties and consequences depending on how many instances of DUI an individual has on his or her record. All may include fines, jail time and/or license suspensions, as well as completing a DUI program and other possible requirements. The following is a rundown of some of the penalties if convicted within a 10 year period: * 1st Offence: 96 hours to 6 months prison, $390 to $1000 fine, 6 months suspended license * 2nd Offence: 90 days to 1 year in prison, $390 - $1000 fine, 2 years suspended license * 3rd Offence: 120 to 1 year in prison, $390 - $1000 fine, 3 years suspended license There are certain circumstances that call for an enhancement of the penalties. These circumstances include driving drunk with a minor in the vehicle, having multiple DUI convictions on your record, having a BAC level that is more than double the legal limit, causing a DUI accident, or causing a DUI accident that results in serious injury or death. Don't allow a DUI conviction to seriously interrupt your life.
- Ayers, William: Admissibility of Field Sobriety Tests in Drunk Driving Cases: There are three standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) that make up the Standardized Field Sobriety Test battery. They include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the "walk and turn" test, and the "one-leg stand" test. The HGN test refers to an involuntary jerking as the eyes gaze toward the side. When intoxicated, a person's smooth and accurate control of his or her eye movements will break down. The walk and turn test and the one-leg stand test are referred to as the "divided attention" tests, which simulate the mental and physical capabilities a driver needs to drive safely. Of the three FSTs, the HGN is considered the most reliable field sobriety test, especially when used in combination with the divided attention tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has maintained that the three tests in combination accurately predict intoxication up to 80 percent of the time. Despite NHTSA's vote of confidence, there has been substantial criticism of the alleged scientific validity of the tests as reliable evidence of intoxication. As a consequence, various courts have approached the admissibility of the test results differently, coming to different conclusions as to the reliability of the FSTs. Despite the variety of responses, the overwhelming majority of jurisdictions allow the results of FSTs to establish probable cause to arrest and charge a motorist with driving while intoxicated or under the influence. Another conclusion universally reached by state courts is that the tests are not admissible to prove a motorist's specific blood alcohol level. Blood tests or breathalyzer tests are generally used to establish this fact. Where state courts differ is to what extent the results of FSTs, performed in real world situations, are admissible as a valid and reliable predictor of driving impairment. The majority of states, when faced with the admissibility of such evidence, have ruled that the tests are admissible as circumstantial proof of intoxication or impairment. As a result, most courts allow an officer to testify as to the performance of the motorists on the divided attention tests. With respect to the HGN test, however, a number of state courts have viewed the test as a "scientific" technique to which special evidentiary standards may apply. In that event, expert testimony explaining the correlation between alcohol consumption and nystagmus may be required before the admission of the HGN test results into evidence. In addition to the obvious evidentiary issue, it should be noted that the FSTs, by their nature, are intended to be used in the field. This fact alone introduces potential problems with respect to both their administration and their interpretation. When an officer makes an error in performing the FST, the majority view is to assign the error to the weight to be assigned to the FST and not to its admissibility.
- Frank Rorie: I'm in trouble and I need help right away, what should I do?
- John Hill: If the charges against you are a misdemeanor, you most likely will not have to appear in court.
- Gary Eto: Being charged with a DUI is of course an upsetting experience, but from the very beginning of your case itŐs extremely important to remember to make sure you have experienced legal representation on your side. From the more simple and straightforward DUI to those cases with other people or property involved, itŐs critical to seek out a knowledgeable attorney who can put his or her skills to work for you.
- Andrew Rosenfeld: Criminal charges can be devastating for you and your future. When your future is at stake, you need an aggressive attorney with the experience, insight, and techniques needed to defend your rights and interests.
- Stuart Bruers: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
- Sheldon I. Rosinsky: The best attorneys to defend you limit their practice to only DUI defense. California DUI laws have become complex and dangerous, and can be very costly to you.
- Edward Robinson: A general definition of custody will undoubtedly mention that custody involves the control and care of a thing or person. You can take custody of a child or of a painting. Many times custody denotes keeping something safe and secure, but in the realm of criminal law, custody is a serious matter that can trigger your Constitutional rights.
- Daigneault, Able & Daigneault Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or not) is an extremely serious matter. Time is critical. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest or your license will be suspended 30 days following your arrest. DUI convictions can often times be avoided through competent and aggressive representation
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