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The California Highway Patrol is suspending non-consensual blood draws in misdemeanor DUI / Drunk Driving cases and will obtain search warrants for blood draws in Felony DUI / Drunk Driving cases unless there are “exigent circumstances beyond the mere dissipation of the suspect’s blood alcohol content”. The new policy is a direct result of the US Supreme Court decision I posted about last week. Credit should be given to the CHP for following the 4th amendment of the US Constitution as reaffirmed by the US Supreme Court. So many of our clients were shocked to learn police actually threaten to… Read More

The US Supreme Court ruled that police officers are generally required to get a warrant when they can reasonably do so before they can draw blood when a DUI / Drunk Driver refuses to provide a breath or blood sample. People have a protected privacy interest in preventing a government agent from piercing their skin. Up until now in California, when people refuse to give a breath/blood sample, the police were threatening to physically restrain or physically restraining people and drawing their blood. In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects motorists from… Read More

As a result of DUI checkpoints being posted in advance on Facebook and Twitter, police agencies are starting to rethink their use of DUI checkpoints to catch suspected drunk drivers. Instead of focusing on weekend nights, police are starting to set up checkpoints during the week and at unusual locations. For example, a police agency in Northern California wine country set up a DUI checkpoint at the bottom of a winery’s driveway on barrel-tasting day! This change in policy will have serious negative consequences on business that have specific types of promotions that involve alcohol. Police will also no longer… Read More

onight, Saturday, 4/6/13, the Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Drunk Driving checkpoint from 8pm to 2am at Roscoe Blvd. and Gloria Ave. On Fridays, unless I am out of town, I post known DUI checkpoints for the upcoming weekend. I have been doing this for years. Starting this week, I will also post known DUI checkpoints here as well. Be safe and drive carefully. If arrested for DUI, call 888-4-TOPGUN right away.

As you may recall, I’ve been writing for quite some time about a former Massachusetts chemist who is accused of faking test results and tampering with evidence. Now the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts is asking the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to put on hold the sentences of defendants where the chemist was involved while motions for new trials are pending. This is yet another example of how defense lawyers are at the forefront of preserving our liberties in courts throughout the country so that we can continue to be a free society. No one should be convicted of… Read More

According to the Auto Club of Southern California, the cost for a first offense misdemeanor DUI / Drunk Driving conviction can be as much as $15,649. This is an increase of 29% from 2011. In some cases where the convicted driver is under 21, the cost could be $22,492. With the increase in fines, installation of ignition interlock devices, alcohol programs, increase or even cancellation of auto insurance and other costs, plus a conviction that stays on a driving record for 10 years, it is extremely important to have proper defense counsel if arrested for DUI / Drunk Driving.

This weekend, there will be many DUI / Drunk Driving checkpoints throughout Southern California. There will also be many police DUI saturation patrols as well. On Fridays, unless I am out of town, I post known DUI checkpoints. For more information about DUI tips, check out our FAQS page. Please drive safely.

Had a great time at First KKGO Country Fest at Alpine Village in Torrance last Friday. Met great people, listened to great country music performed by Jay Hollister Band and had wonderful food as well. I was very proud to be a sponsor.

This Friday, I’ll be sponsoring Country Fest at Alpine Village in Torrance. $10 to get in plus FREE dance lessons at 7pm. Food specials and The Jay Hollister Band will perform. The music, food, entertainment and location (Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90502) will be fantastic. I’ll be dressed Country Western. Can’t wait. I love Country Music! Check out KKGO website for more info. Make sure you say hello and introduce yourself.

Our client was seen making a right turn failing to yield to 2 pedestrians midway in the crosswalk. Client drove past pedestrians on wrong side of road. After being stopped, officer observed bloodshot/water eyes, slurred speech and odor of alcohol. Client admitted to drinking 6 shots of Soju. Client then failed 5 field sobriety tests and blew .105/.106 on portable breath test. Client was then arrested for DUI / Drunk Driving. After arrest, client blew .10/.10 back at jail. Prior to trial, client was offered and plead to exhibition of speed. Both driving under the influence of alcohol and driving… Read More