Category: DUI

Yes. DUI checkpoints are legal in California when law enforcement follows specific constitutional and procedural requirements. Police agencies can stop vehicles at sobriety checkpoints without individualized suspicion, but the checkpoint must be conducted in a manner that minimizes arbitrary enforcement and protects drivers' rights. Even though DUI checkpoints are...

Police bodycam footage can either strengthen your defense or support the prosecution's case in a California DUI matter. The video may reveal problems with the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, or an officer's observations, but it can also capture statements and behavior that prosecutors may use as evidence. Because...

A DUI conviction in California generally stays on your DMV driving record for 10 years from the date of the arrest. During that time, it can affect license suspensions, insurance rates, and penalties for future DUI charges. A DUI may remain on your criminal record much longer unless you successfully petition for...

If you are caught driving on a suspended license after a DUI in California, you may face additional criminal charges, longer license suspensions, fines, probation, and possible jail time. The penalties often depend on whether this is a repeat offense and whether you knew your driving privileges had been restricted. An...

Field sobriety tests are entirely voluntary in California. Refusing one carries no legal penalties, but chemical tests after a lawful arrest are a different matter. A failed field sobriety test can become the centerpiece of a DUI prosecution. These roadside exercises are graded subjectively by...

A false high BAC blood test can be caused by improper handling, contamination, medical conditions, fermentation in the sample, or testing errors at the lab. Even small mistakes in collection or storage can artificially increase the reported blood alcohol concentration. When you are facing a DUI in California, a...

Being charged with a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) is serious. You could be facing significant jail time and fines, not to mention the loss of your license and other restrictions. A conviction could have drastic repercussions for your professional and personal life long after the courts resolve...

A Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) is a credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard combining the elements of the merchant mariner’s document, merchant mariner’s license, and certificate of registry, which are no longer issued as separate documents. (46 CFR § 10.201.) When determining whether to issue or renew a Merchant Marine...

A conviction of a DUI can prevent the issuance or cause the suspension or revocation of a real estate license if combined with another conviction involving drugs or alcohol. The California Real Estate Commissioner has developed criteria for the denial, suspension or revocation of a real estate license in...