California Criminal Defense Tutorial

Suspected DUI Driver Loses Control of SUV and Hits Power Pole

2012-01-27T18:07:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2012 - According to reports a driver suspected of driving under the influence lost control of an SUV and struck a power pole. According to Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Ron Chamberlin the accident was reported at approximately 11:08 p.m. at the intersection of Victoria Street and Pacific Avenue.

Sgt. Chamberlin said the driver of a Ford SUV lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole, knocking out power to several homes and businesses. He said there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. The driver of the SUV was injured braking multiple bones and was transported to an area hospital. The name of the driver has not been released, Sgt. Chamberlin said.

According to a Southern California Edison spokeswoman, crews are working to restore power to the homes and businesses that were affected. The Southern California Edison spokeswoman said that there was a total of 1,573 customers that lost power due to the crash and power was expected to be restored by 5:00 p.m. The customers that were affected were south of Wilson Street, north of Victoria, east of Via Straits Lane and west of Placentia Avenue.

2012-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Former Marine Facing at Least 12 Years in Fatal DUI Crash
January 25, 2012 - According to reports a former active duty Marine is facing at least 12 years after turning down a plea deal in a fatal DUI crash.

According to prosecutors former Marine Andrew Stueber age 27 lost control of the Ford Mustang that he was operating August 2009. Passenger Edmund Vandecasteele was in the front passenger seat when Stueber lost control of the vehicle slamming into a tree and splitting the car in half. Vandecasteele was killed in the crash and two other people in the vehicle and Stueber were injured.

Stueber according to authorities suffered head injuries in the crash, causing him to be hospitalized. Prosecutors stated that Stueber had a blood-alcohol level of 0.09 at the time of the crash.

Stueber, who was reportedly traveling at double the speed limit of 35 mph when he lost control of the vehicle refused a plea offer that would have had him jailed for a maximum of six years. According to his attorney Rob Harley opening statements begin in Stuebers trial on Thursday and the former active duty Marine could face a 12 year prison sentence.

Stueber has pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence. This was a public service message from inactive U.S. Marine, Michael Ehline, Esq., at Ehline Law Firm PC. 633 West Fifth Street, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. 213.596.9642.

Griffin O’Neal Faces Prison in DWI Car Crash

2011-11-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2011-) According to reports Griffin O’Neal, oldest son of actor Ryan O’Neal, could face prison time after a DWI car crash.

According to San Diego Deputy District Attorney Vanessa DuVall, Griffin O’Neal age 47 could face a maximum prison sentence of four years for possession for driving under the influence of drugs.

O’Neal was involved in a head-on collision on San Pasqual Valley Road, when he veered into oncoming traffic. January 12th, Griffin goes back in front of Superior Court Judge Eugenia Eyherabide for sentencing. O’Neal faces up to four years in prison, but could be sentenced to probation instead of prison time.

According to Deputy District Attorney DuVall stated that charges of possession of rock cocaine and drug paraphernalia were dismissed, due to O’Neal making a plea bargain. DuVall also said that O’Neal admitted to shooting his ex-girlfriend’s car and was convicted in 1992.

O’Neal was on probation when the accident occurred August 2nd at approximately 1:00 p.m. in the vicinity of Safari Park in San Diego, from a 2007 DUI conviction. The driver of the other vehicle and O’Neal were both transported to the hospital with injuries.

Toxicology tests showed O’Neal had marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and Xanax in his system at the time of the August crash. According to the Deputy District Attorney, O’Neal had a loaded firearm and shotgun in the vehicle, along with ammunition for both, at the time of the crash.

Heather Boxeth, the attorney representing O’Neal told the judge at his arraignment that O’Neal was on his way to aid his half brother at the time of the crash. She also stated that he has a wife and four year old son and resides in North County.

Disney Star Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

2011-10-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2011 - According to reports Disney star Mitchel Musso was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to authorities Mitchel Musso was arrested Monday for suspicion of driving under the influence, after being pulled over for a traffic violation at approximately 3:43 a.m. Sunday. Burbank Police stated Musso was stopped while driving a 2007 black Mercedes Benz and then failed a Breathalyzer and a field sobriety test. Police stated they smelled a strong odor of alcohol.

The 20 year old actor was booked at the Burbank Police Station, with bail set at $5,000; Musso was released on his own recognizance after a few hours.

The 20 year old Disney actor stars in Pair of Kings, PrankStars and stared on the Hannah Montana show on the Disney Channel.

Singer/ Actor Rick Springfield Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

2011-05-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

May 3, 2011 - According to reports singer and actor Rick Springfield was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to a sheriff’s deputy Springfield was pulled over at on Pacific Coast Highway at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, while driving a 1963 Corvette for speeding.

The 61 year old Springfield was stopped at Trancas Canyon Road where sheriff’s deputy stated that he showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol.

According to authorities the Springfield was administered a field sobriety test that made deputies at the scene believe he was impaired. Springfield was arrested for DUI and transported to the Malibu Lost Hills Police Station.

Authorities stated that at the police station Springfield submitted to a breathalyzer test that indicated his blood alcohol level of 10 percent. Springfield was released on bail and has a court date of July 5th.

This was a public service message from Ehline Law Firm PC 213.596.9642.

Holiday DUI Arrests Mount to 743 During the Two Week Period

2011-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2011 - According to reports during the two week holiday period there were 743 arrests for driving under the influence.

According to the California Highway Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, along with other police agencies during their Winter Holiday crackdown for DUI drivers arrested a total of 743 people.

The police agencies began the DUI checkpoints from December 17 at 12:01 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. January 2nd. The 743 arrests were drivers that were suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

According to authorities there were five DUI related deaths in Orange County during the holiday season.

The total for 2010 holiday season is up from last year during the same period that had a total of 602 driving under the influence arrests and no fatalities were reported.

The California Office of Traffic Safety funded the program that along with routine patrols had an additional 38 special check points, along with the California Highway Patrol involvement and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Driver Charged with the Vehicular Death of Nick Adenhart Sentenced 51 Years to Life

2010-12-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2010- According to reports the driver charged with the vehicular death of Nick Adenhart was sentenced 51 years to life in prison.

The driver identified as Andrew Thomas Gallo and arrested in the crash that killed Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two friends was sentenced Wednesday to 51 years to life in prison. Gallo age 23 will be eligible for parole after serving 49 years in prison.

Gallo who was out drinking with his stepbrother and ran a red light in Fullerton in the minivan he was driving at 65 mph crashing into the vehicle Adenhart and friends were in after he had pitched six scoreless innings earlier in the evening.
Gallo who fled on foot and was captured two miles from the scene of the crash told Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard Toohey prior to being sentenced he is a horrible person.

Judge Toohey after hearing from the family of 20 year of Courtney Stewart, Henry Person age 25 and Nick Adenhart, who were killed in the crash, along with Jon White who sustained major injuries handed down the sentence. Toohey told Gallo that night he ruined the lives of four families and with his own family five families’ total.

Partridge Family Singer Charged with DUI

2010-11-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

November 4, 2010-According to reports by a Los Angeles DUI lawyer, Partridge Family singer David Cassidy arrested for DUI. According to officials David Cassidy the former singer of the Partridge Family has been charged with driving under the influence in Florida.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Cassidy age 60 was stopped at approximately 6:00 p.m. Wednesday on the Florida Turnpike after weaving on the road an nearly causing an accident.

Cassidy allegedly told Florida Troopers that he had drank a glass of wine at lunch and had then taken a hydrocodone pill ay 3:30 p.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol officers reported they found a half empty bottle of bourbon in the back seat of the vehicle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cassidy failed a field sobriety test and two breath tests that were given at the St. Lucie County Jail. One of the breathalyzers showed a 0.139 and the other a 0.141, both above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
Cassidy posted $350 bail and was released from the St. Lucie County jail on Thursday.

Cassidy’s spokewoman Jo-Ann Geffen stated he admitted to taking a pain pill and intends to fight the driving under the influence charge. Geffen also stated that he was tired from attending a funeral. The spokeswoman stated Cassidy insists he was not drunk and would not jeopardize anyone on the road. He is currently looking for an attorney.

Lindsay Lohan Ordered Back to Jail After Violation of Probation

2010-09-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports actress Lindsay Lohan has been ordered back to jail after violating her probation.

Friday Beverly Hills Judge Ellen Fox ordered Lohan back to jail after violating her probation by failing a drug test for controlled substances.

Fox ordered Lohan to jail without bail until an October 22nd court date, stating she needed further information from probation officials about Lohan’s condition before a revocation hearing could take place.

Lohan was handcuffed, while her attorney asked to be heard on the issue of bail which Judge Fox declined to hear.

Lohan’s terms of probation state that if she missed a drug test or tested positive she could face 30 days in jail. However this is up to the judge, who could also send Lohan for drug treatment.

Lohan was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, appearing tense, but showed no other emotion.

This has been a public service message from the Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at:

Ehline Law Firm PC
11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400
West Los Angeles, CA 90064
(424) 217-1319

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Singer Faith Evens Arrested for DUI in Los Angeles on Eve of New Album

2010-08-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

August 23, 2010-According to reports singer Faith Evens was arrested over the weekend for allegedly driving under the influence.

According to reports Evens was stopped by the Los Angeles Police Department on Saturday night and arrested in Marina del Rey for allegedly driving under the influence.

Evans an R& B star was taken into custody after police officers on the scene detected alcohol, there has been no release of blood alcohol testing or if the singer was released.

The Saturday night arrest comes at a time when the singer is getting ready to release here first album in five years.

Michael Ehline is an experienced legal expert for DUI and criminal defense law. This has been a free public service message from the DUI Lawyer Los Angeles at:

Ehline Law Firm PC
633 West Fifth St., 28th Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.596.9642

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Orange County Independence Day Weekend Sobriety Checkpoint Arrests Down

2010-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2010-According to reports the number of drivers arrested over the holiday weekend is down from the same period in 2009. According to Irvine, Cypress and Buena Park police departments there were approximately 22 arrests during the holiday weekend at several DUI checkpoints set up.

Buena Park Police Department had a checkpoint in the vicinity of Beach Boulevard and Tenth Street, Friday through Saturday from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday. They setup a checkpoint at Beach Boulevard and McFadden Avenue from 8:00 p.m. Saturday until Sunday at 2:00 a.m. The amount of stops and arrests has not been available.

Cypress official’s checkpoint was in the vicinity of Lincoln Avenue and Moody Street between 7:00 p.m. Saturday and 3:00 a.m. Sunday. Their numbers show as 2 drivers that were arrested for driving under the influence, 42 drivers screened for DUI violations or licenses, with 8 people given sobriety tests.

There were 3 people attested on drug or warrant charges, and 11 drivers arrested for either not having a drivers license or a suspended license and there were 17 citations given out.

Irvine Police officials stated they stopped 331 vehicles, gave five sobriety tests and made one arrest, they also issued 37 citations between 7:00 p.m. Saturday and 3:00 a.m. Sunday in the vicinity of Culver Drive and Alton Parkway.

This has been apublic service message from the DUI lawyer at:
Ehline Law Firm PC
633 West Fifth Street, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-596-9642

Actor Chris Klein Arrested in Los Angeles For DUI

2010-06-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2010 - According to reports, actor Chris Klein was arrested yesterday in Los Angeles for driving under the influence.

Actor Chris Klein age 35 was arrested in Los Angeles while driving on Highway 101. Klein was pulled over to the side of the highway a little after 3:00 a.m.According to authorities the actor failed a series of field sobriety tests and submitted to a breathalyzer test and according to reports his BAC registered three times over the legal limit.

Klein was arrested and taken to jail in the Los Angeles Police Department jail in Van Nuys and held until posting $25,000 bail. According to reports this was not the actor’s first DUI offense in California and due the latest arrest for driving under the influence he could face a minimum of 4 days in jail. The sentence however could be suspended by a judge. Klein’s first driving under the influence arrest occurred in 2004.

Famous Painter Thomas Kinkade Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

2010-06-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports famous painter Thomas Kinkade was arrested on suspicion of DUI near Carmel.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Lehman, Thomas Kinkade was pulled over on Friday night and was arrested after failing a field sobriety test.

The painter was pulled over by a CHP officer because his 2006 Mercedes Benz did not have a front license plate. The officer stated Kinkade smelled of alcohol and then failed a field sobriety test and was released from jail the next day after posting bail.

Kinkade, born in Placerville began his career selling paintings has become one of the most collected artists in America with mass produced landscapes.

First Two Days of Holiday Weekend DUI Arrests Up in Los Angeles

2010-05-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2010-According to reports the first two days of the holiday weekend DUI arrests are up in Los Angeles according to authorities. According to the authorities in Los Angeles the number of driving under the influence arrests are up by approximately eleven percent in the first two days of the holiday weekend and the Memorial Day weekend law enforcement campaign.

The multi-agency DUI task force that is participating in the Memorial Day Weekend DUI campaign called Avoid the 100, have arrested 231 people for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Los Angeles County. The arrests have taken place between 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday night according to a written statement by officials involved in the Avoid 100.

It is also believed that some agencies have not filed their arrest reports as of this statement, leaving the possibility the number of DUI arrests will rise. The Avoid the 100 campaign will continue through Monday night with the multi-agency task force and officials are encouraging anyone witnessing a driver on the road that is under the influence to call 911 and report the driver.

The California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is funding the multi-agency task force. We hope this free infomation of public concern was helpful:

Ehline Law | Personal Injury Lawyer
888.400.9721

Locklear Flees Accident in Ventura County

2010-04-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports by a Los Angeles DUI attorney, the actress known for her roles in Melrose Place and Spin City allegedly left the scene of an accident in Ventura County.

Heather Locklear was not arrested Saturday after Ventura County Sheriff’s Department claim she allegedly fled the scene of an accident near her home. There was no blood alcohol tests preformed due to the amount of time between the incident and the Ventura County Sheriff’s office investigating the scene which led to the actress’ vehicle.

According to Capt. Ross Bonifigilio Locklear early Saturday morning veered off the road hitting a no parking sign. She then drove away without notifying authorities of the crash and was cited with a misdemeanor traffic violation.

The evidence at the scene of the knocked over no parking sign according to authorities match Locklear’s black BMW near her Westlake Village gated community.

Locklear is scheduled for a court appearance on May 17th, and is currently on three years’ probation for a September 28, 2008 incident when she was charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of prescription drugs. The star pleaded no contest in the DWI charges, and the lesser offense of reckless driving was dropped.

According to reports debris from the actress BMW was found at the scene of the accident near North Ranch Country Club that occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. that led authorities to believe that Locklear was involved in the incident.

Wahler Apologizes After DUI Arrest

2010-03-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

March 26, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports actor Jason Wahler apologizes for his behavior after a DUI arrest.

Last weekend Wahler age 23 was arrested in Newport Beach for driving under the influence and taken into custody. At the time of the arrest the actor was driving a 2008 Chevy Tahoe, and this was at least Wahler’s sixth alcohol related arrest.

The actor moved from Los Angeles back to Orange County approximately six months ago and had been regularly attending A.A. meetings, since a 2007 rehab. However, Wahler states with the travel to L.A. for acting roles lost contact with his sponsor. The actor stated that he believes everything occurs for a reason and says he is back on track after his DUI arrest and does not ever want to drink again.

Reality Star Injured in Alleged DUI Crash

2010-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2010 (Horatio Algren) According to reports reality star David ”Puck” Rainey was seriously injured in a DUI car crash.

Reality star David Puck was injured in a vehicle accident in rural San Diego County, when he veered off the road in the vicinity of Descanso, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings. The officer stated Thursday that Rainey had his eight year old son with him and vehicle rolled down an embankment trapping Rainey in the car.

Rainey was driving a Ford hatchback and his son Bogart was able to free himself and flag down a passing motorist, according to Officer Pennings. Both Rainey and his son were flown to the University of California in San Diego for medical treatment. According to a hospital nursing supervisor Rainey was in good condition, but could not comment on the stars injuries. It has been reported that Rainey is still hospitalized and will undergo several surgeries for his injuries.

Rainey’s son Bogart was released to his mother, Rainey’s wife Betty according to Rainey’s manager Michael Martin. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Pennings Rainey will be facing charges of driving under the influence, driving without a license and child endangerment.

The reality star appeared on MTV’s The Real World, the San Francisco set in the third season as a bad boy bike messenger.

Former Riverside Police Chief Charged with DWI

2010-03-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

March 23, 2010-According to reports the former Riverside Police Chief, pictured above, far right, has been charged with DWI. The former Riverside Police Chief was charged Monday with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The charges of driving under the influence stem from a February 8th crash against Russ Leach according to officials.

Leach was driving a city owned vehicle, according to Redondo Beach Dui Lawyer, Michael Ehline, after consuming four drinks at home and seven more at a club according to the California Highway Patrol investigation. It is alleged that Leach had the four drinks at home on February 8th, and then consumed seven more drinks at a strip club in Colton.

The former police chief was also taking several prescription medications that included warnings not to mix them with alcohol, according to the CHP. There was an employee at the Club 215 that was concerned about Leach’s condition, offering to call him a taxi, which he refused according to the investigation report.

Leach age 62 ran a red light in the black Chrysler 300 which was caught on tape at the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Van Buren in Riverside. This is when Leach struck what the California Highway Patrol states was a low-profile object, which flattened the tires of the vehicle and damaged the front end. Leach was able to drive on the rims a few miles before coming to a stop at approximately 2:50 a.m.
Officers at the scene stated Leach was confused and had been drinking, but no field sobriety test was administered. The former Riverside Police Chief was driven home from where the incident took place.

There is currently an investigation of the Riverside Police Department and former Riverside County District Attorney Grover Trask, led by City Manager Bradley Hudson to see if Leach was given special treatment because the position he held. Hudson issued a statement that his investigation is nearly complete and he will provide certain information about how the officers handled Leach’s accident.

According to Hudson the information at the scene of the incident made it clear that Leach had been driving while under the influence. He also stated that the protocol for motor vehicle accidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol was not followed. Hudson stated concerns about the former chief being afforded preferential treatment over what other motorists would be provided in similar circumstances.

The California Highway Patrol report focused on the accident and not on the actions of the police officers, according to spokesman Lt. David Lane. Leach is being charged with DUI the same as anyone would have been, and he would have been the night of the incident if pulled over by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Leach resigned a short time after the accident and admitted to being disoriented and taking medication, but did not comment on whether he had been drinking. Leach is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. since the filing of the misdemeanor charges by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office on Monday.

Los Angeles Man Arrested on Illegal Supergraphics

2010-03-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports a Los Angeles business man was arrested in the war on illegal supergraphics. The Los Angeles business man is being held on $1 million bail.

The business man identified as Kayvan Setareh age 49 and a resident of Pacific Palisades was arrested on Friday night on three misdemeanor city code violations. Setareh was arrested after a warrant was obtained by Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, who is accusing Setareh of three city misdemeanor violations, with two involving the city sign law according to Trutanich’s chief deputy William Carter.
The arrest comes after Trutanich filed a separate lawsuit involving over a dozen supergraphics that are scattered across the city. In a prepared statement the Los Angeles City Attorney stated that the days of lax and inconsistent enforcement of billboards and other outdoor advertising laws are over in the city.

After Trutanich filed the lawsuit workers used bolts and wire to wrap an ad around a building on the northeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue on a 1928 office building. The area is a major tourist destination along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and the official also stated Setareh has an ownership interest in the building.

Setareh has not made any public statements and will be arraigned Monday, city officials stated that the large sheets of vinyl can fall onto cars and pedestrians if not attached properly. Other law enforcement officials question the high amount of bail that is usually used in kidnapping, rape and homicide cases.

According to city officials they believe the sign, which is an advertisement for the film “How to Train Your Dragon” was placed on the building timed to correspond with the 82nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony held a short distance away at the Kodak Theater. They believe that during the live spots that it was planed the unpermitted advertisement would be seen.

Los Angeles activists have demanded stricter enforcement of the city’s sign ordnance and in August the City Council approved a citywide ordinance prohibiting the installation of the advertisements known as digital billboards and supergraphics stretched across buildings in the city. Vice president of the Hollywood Heritage a preservation group, Brian Curran stated that they contacted the city about the supergraphics sign last week and that the average supergraphics sign can generate $100,000 in advertising revenue per month.

Former prosecutor and city councilman Nick Pacheco has stated he does not understand the amount of $1 million in bail for three misdemeanors. Laurie Levenson a Loyola Law School professor questions if Trutanich is making an example of Setareh. Levenson also stated she does not believe a judge will allow the bail to stand that was approved in the warrant by Superior Court Judge Mildred Escobedo.

Chief Deputy Carter stated that the bail was warranted after Setareh was warned by both letter and email not to place a sign on the building. The placement of the sign raises public safety issues, the supergraphics weight hundreds of pounds or larger and they cover windows making it difficult for firefighters in an emergency. According to Carter the supergraphics advertisement also lacks the proper permits and building inspectors have not ensured it is safely attached to the building.
Eric Garcetti Los Angeles City Council President stated that he forwarded a brochure to the city’s attorneys and a cease and desist letter was sent to Setareh imploring him not to put up an unpermitted sign.

The brochure that was sent to Setareh was one that started a February 5th investigation after the neighborhood activists sent city officials a copy of the brochure. The brochure cited the building as an advertising space that could be seen during the Academy Awards. Looks like he will be needing a good criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.

Woman Fatally Injured in I-10 Rear End Crash—Driver’s

2010-01-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

January 7, 2010, (by Horatio Algren) According to reports a December 21, 2009, Sunday morning accident was fatal to a woman struck in the rear end on the I-10 Freeway by a driver traveling at an estimated 120 miles an hour.

According to the California Highway Patrol the crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of the I-10 Freeway at approximately 2:40 a.m.

The Woman has been identified as a 42 year old woman from Ontario and was driving a 1995 Mitsubishi, when the rear end of her vehicle was struck by a driver identified as Thomas Vanauken age 43.

According to the California Highway Patrol Vanauken was driving a 2009 Acura MDX SUV and according to witnesses was traveling at an estimated 120 miles per hour. After the crash the Acura continued traveling in the eastbound lanes entering the car pool lane, where it struck the center divider wall. This caused the vehicle to flip over on its roof.

The California Highway Patrol stated Vanauken was allegedly driving under the influence at the time of the collision and sustained minor injuries, he was transported to Kaiser Hospital.

The woman that was fatally injured in the accident was also transported to Kaiser Hospital in Baldwin Park, where she was pronounced dead at 3:08 a.m. There were two other passengers in the woman’s vehicle, including a 32 year old woman from Pomona that sustained moderate injuries in the collision.

Vanauken according to the California Highway Patrol will face charges of gross vehicular man slaughter while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and causing injury or death.

Police Arrest Hit and Run Driver

2010-01-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports the driver of a hit and run accident that occurred Sunday has been taken into custody.

The driver of the BMW that was involved in a hit and run accident has been identified as Robert Charles Serrano age 36 of Chino Hills. Serrano was arrested by police on suspicion of felony hit and run according to authorities.

The hit and run accident that Serrano was involved in occurred at an intersection near the John Wayne Airport Sunday morning at Main Street and MacArthur in Santa Anna at approximately 2:00 a.m.

The BMW Serrano was driving struck a Scion that was stopped on Main Street at a red light, pushing the vehicle into the vehicle in front of it according to Santa Anna police, resulting in a four vehicle accident.

Serrano got out of the BMW after the collision and fled on foot from the scene where a 18 year old female passenger in the Scion was critically injured.

The woman was transported at the scene of the accident in critical condition to an area hospital.

Serrano was found at a relative’s home and taken into custody in Fountain Valley and according to reports he had left a bar prior to the hit and run. Driving under the influence has not been determined as a factor in the crash at this time.

Three Workers Hit By Driver Under The Influence

2009-12-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2009 (Horatio Algren) According to reports three Department of Water and Power workers were injured after being struck by a vehicle.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department the three workers were injured in the 5800 block of Franklin Avenue. The accident occurred Tuesday at approximately 1:45 a.m. when a driver allegedly under the influence drove through a work zone striking the three workers in the Los Feliz area.

The workers were working on an underground vault at the time of the accident and after hitting the workers the driver struck a DWP vehicle.

The driver identified as a female was arrested at the scene of the accident for suspicion of driving under the influence.

The Department of Water and Power workers are recovering from their injuries and according to the Los Angeles Police Department the two passengers in the vehicle were not injured.

Hasselhoff’s Ex-Wife Arrested for DUI

2009-11-29T22:34:00.000-08:00

November 29, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports the ex-wife of actor and singer David Hasselhoff was charged with DUI.

According to the California Highway Patrol Pamela Bach was charged with driving under the influence on Saturday night. Bach was stopped by California Highway Patrol officers in the vicinity of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, south of the 101 Freeway.

According to the California Highway Patrol spokesperson Bach was given breathalyzer tests that showed a .14 and a .13 percent blood alcohol level. The spokesperson also stated that the legal limit in the state of California is .08.

Bach is the ex-wife of David Hasselhoff and she appeared in 14 episodes of Baywatch as café owner Kaye Morgan.

Woman Allegedly Driving under the Influence in Hollywood Traffic Stop Sen. Kerry’s Daughter

2009-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

November 20, 2009 ( by Horatio Algren) According to reports Sen. John Kerry’s oldest daughter was arrested for driving under the influence after a Hollywood traffic stop.

According to LAPD Officer Bruce Borihanh Alexandra Kerry age 36 was stopped by police at approximately 12:40 a.m. Officers during the traffic stop detected signs of being under the influence of alcohol.

Officer Borihanh stated that the 36 year old Kerry was arrested and booked at the Hollywood Police Station by Los Angeles Police officer. Kerry was held at the Hollywood jail until approximately 5:25 a.m. when she was able to post $5,000 bail. Borihanh stated that he did not know what Kerry’s blood alcohol level was.

A spokesperson for Sen. Kerry stated that his daughter Alexandra Kerry was stopped for an expired vehicle registration and was released after the results from a Breathalyzer test at the police station proved that her blood alcohol level was under the legal limit.

The spokesman also stated that this is a private matter and Sen. Kerry will have no further comment. According to Richard French spokesman for the LAPD he did not know Kerry’s blood alcohol level, but stated that even when the drivers blood alcohol level is under the legal limit they can still be considered impaired and arrested for driving under the influence.

Hollywood Stars Plead Not Guilty in Separate DUI Charges

2009-11-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports two Hollywood star’s both pleaded not guilty in their DUI cases.

Actor Thomas Dekker plead not guilty to his DUI charges, which amounted to two counts of driving under the influence that stem from an October 9th arrest. Dekker was arrested October 14 after the October 9th accident when he struck a 17 year old riding a bicycle in San Fernando Valley. The bicycle rider sustained minor injuries in the accident. Dekker was arrested and taken to the Van Nuys jail until his bail was posted.

The second star to plead not guilty to driving under the influence, Stephanie Pratt was charged with misdemeanor DUI and pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles court room. Pratt agreed to enroll in a 30 day residential rehab facility.

Pratt could face up to six months in jail if convicted of DUI, and also faces a $1,000 fine.

Airport Scuffle—Tyson Arrested

2009-11-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports former boxer Mike Tyson was arrested after an airport scuffle.

Tyson was arrested after a scuffle with a photographer at the Los Angeles International Airport according to police. The incident occurred when the photographer attempted to take a picture of Tyson on Wednesday in the United Airlines terminal according to Sgt. Jim Holcomb.

The photographer was injured in the altercation and sustained a laceration to the forehead, according to Sgt. Holcomb the photographer was transported to the hospital. His name has not been released and according to Sgt. Holcomb the photographer was also arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police reports both men were booked and later released, according to the records Tyson’s release was at 8:24 p.m. after posting $20,000 in bail.
According to Sgt. Holcomb both men will be pressing battery charges against each other, and also stated there are several different versions how the incident took place.

In one reported version of the incident the photographer was said to have struck Tyson to get a reaction, and in another, the photographer stated that Tyson punched him in the face and tried to remove the film from the camera. Obviously, Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys want this case.

Driver Convicted of Texting While Under the Influence to be Sentenced

2009-11-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2009 According to reports by at least one DUI lawyer, sentencing will be early next month for Jeffery Francis Woods, who was earlier convicted of driving under the influence and killing a 14 year old bicycle rider.

Wood’s is facing up to ten years in prison after an August 29, 2007 crash when he struck and killed a 14 year old bicycle rider while driving under the influence of Vicodin and Xanax. At the time of the crash Wood’s had been text messaging in search of drugs.

According to authorities the accident occurred after 2:00 p.m. when he was driving in an erratic manner, following other vehicles too closely and crossed several lanes of traffic in the eastbound lanes of Indianapolis Avenue. Crossing lanes of traffic ending up in the oncoming lanes he struck the bicycle rider, throwing him approximately 200 feet.

The rider landed in lanes of traffic and Wood then struck a palm tree, drove through a wall coming to rest in the backyard of a home. The teen that was struck and killed was Daniel Oates, who was riding his bicycle to his friend’s house when Woods crossed lanes of traffic and struck him on the wrong side of traffic lanes. Oates had been wearing a helmet at the time he was hit and died from multiple blunt force trauma caused by impact.

Authorities stated that the text message that was sent one minute prior to the accident said “need bars?” This according to authorities is the street name used for the prescription drug Xanax.

Woods whose attorney claimed he had suffered a seizure at the time of the crash was not believed by the jury and the 22 year old will face sentencing December 11th for one felony count of vehicular manslaughter by lawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated and one felony count of driving under the influence. This message was brought to you by Ehline Law | DUI Lawyer.

DUI Driver Convicted of Fiance’s Death Given 55 Years

2009-10-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

October 30, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports a man convicted of having approximately twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system when he killed his fiancé and an unborn child sentenced to 55 years.

The Laguna Hills man Danny Calvin Ruiz age 36 was convicted in July of two felony counts, stems from a May 3, 2008 accident. The accident occurred on the way home from a wedding when Ruiz crashed the Chevrolet Blazer he was driving into a tree fatally injuring his fiancé and an unborn fetus.

According to Deputy District Attorney Susan Price, Ruiz had a blood alcohol level of 0.17, which is twice the legal limit and he was driving in excess of 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour speed zone at the time of the crash.

Ruiz had been convicted of an earlier DUI case, where he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence and was ordered to participate in an alcohol education program where he was instructed that diving under the influence can be deadly.

Due to the circumstances with the earlier driving under the influence conviction Ruiz was charged with second degree murder in the SUV death of his fiancé and the unborn child, which he was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Wrong Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash Facing DUI Charges

2009-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports a driver driving the wrong way on the freeway caused a fatal crash is now facing charges of driving under the influence.

An early Monday morning crash involving Jessica Shekell age 21 of Fullerton leads suspicion of driving under the influence according to authorities. Shekell was driving a 2003 Toyota Tacoma west in the eastbound FasTrak lanes of the 91 Freeway at the time of the fatal crash at approximately 3:00 a.m.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Denise Quesada the accident occurred when Shekell crashed into a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado east of the 55 Freeway. The collision fatally injured Sally Miguel age 44 of San Bernardino, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and Patricia Miguel age 30 of San Bernardino, who was a passenger in the front seat. Patricia was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where she later died.

There was also the women’s two nieces ages 15 and 11, according to officer Quesada the 15 year old sustained moderate injuries and the 11 year old sustained severe injuries and girls were transported to Western Medical and UCI Medical Center in Santa Ana.

Officer Quesada stated Shekell was transported to UCI Medical Center for treatment and faces charges for driving under the influence.

The Hills Actress Suspected of DUI

2009-10-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

October 18, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports Stephanie Pratt is suspected of driving under the influence.

According to Sgt. Mark Cohan of the Los Angeles Police Department Pratt age 23 was arrested at approximately 3:45 a.m. outside of a Los Angeles nightclub. Cohan did not elaborate on the circumstances that led up to the arrest and did state that she was taken to the Van Nuys Division where she was held with bail set at $5,000.

The Hills star was released Sunday morning with a ticket to appear for a court hearing, but did not have to post bail according to the spokesperson for the Van Nuys Division.

It is reported that Pratt attended a birthday celebration at Empire for cast member Holly Montag and then visited a local Los Angeles nightclub with the cast members before the driving under the influence arrest.

Actor Thomas Dekker Arrested For Suspicion of DUI

2009-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports actor Thomas Dekker has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after hitting a bicycle rider. The identity of the 17 year old bicycle rider has not been released, or the injuries sustained in the accident.

According to police Dekker age 21 was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after striking a bicycle rider in San Fernando Valley on Wednesday evening. The actor best known for his recent canceled television series Terminator The Sarah Conner Chronicles was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence and causing bodily harm according to reports.

Dekker’s bail was set at $100,000 according to authorities. Dekker was released early Thursday morning from the Van Nuys Jail after posting the $100.000 bail.

Nick Nolte’s Son Charged With DUI

2009-10-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

October 15, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports Brawley Nolte, son of Nick Nolte was arrested for DWI.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department Sgt. Jay Trisler, Brawley Nolte was arrested after police stopped his vehicle for speeding on the Pacific Coast Highway on October 6th. Nolte struck the back of a vehicle and then was involved in an altercation with police officers.

After being given a field sobriety test, officers on the scene believed Nolte was under the influence and placed under arrest.

Nolte has been charged with illegal possession of marijuana, and driving under the influence. After posting $5,000 in bail Nolte age 23 was released.

Santa Ana Teen Sentenced 15 Years To Life

2009-10-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

October 2, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports by drunk driving lawyers in Los Angeles, a North Tustin was sentenced 15 years to life after deadly accident. The teen identified as Milad Moulayi now age 18 was sentenced to the maximum amount of time in jail allowed by law, by Superior Court Judge Carla Singer for an accident that occurred August 28, 2008.

The sentenced stems from a single car crash that took the life of another teen after Moulayi had allegedly drank several shots of rum and was driving at an estimated 100 miles per hour according to prosecutors.

The passenger in the high speed crash that was killed was a student at the Foothill High School, along with Moulayi and identified as Mackenzie Frazee. In court Moulayi apologized to the Frazee family and asked for forgiveness.

The accident according to witness testimony and expert testimony painted Moulayi as being stumbling drunk from at least 10 shots of Sailor Jerry Rum and told by friends not to drive. It was testified that at least three other teens turned down his offer for rides home. Frazee accepted the ride in order to return home, since she had not asked permission. Experts testified that the Mercedes was traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour when the teen lost control and slammed into a concrete light pole.

Moulayi was treated for minor cuts and bruises and Frazee who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash was pronounced dead from blunt force trauma. Moulayi had a blood alcohol level of 0.11 shortly after the crash.

Former Actress and Reality Star Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

2009-09-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

September 27, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports former actress reality star Tawny Kitaen was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

According Newport Beach Police Sgt. Shontel Sherwood Kitaen was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon by Newport Beach police in the vicinity of John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. Kitaen was arrested at approximately 3:00 p.m. for investigation of driving under the influence, after Newport Beach police officers suspected she was driving her Range Rover while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The 48 year old Kitaen allegedly made contact with officers according to Sgt. Sherwood. Kitaen recently appeared on VH1’s Surreal Life and Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab on the same network, and was also arrested in 2006 when a search of her San Juan Capistrano apartment turned up 15 grams of cocaine.

Former Pitcher Of Oakland Athletics Arrested For DUI

2009-09-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

September 23, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports the former All-Star pitcher of the Oakland Athletics Matt Keough was arrested for driving under the influence.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Keough was arrested in Orange County for driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol level of 0.30 well above the legal limit of 0.08.

Keough age 54, reportedly ran a stop sign and was stopped at his home in Coto de Caza after ignoring a sheriff’s deputy. The District Attorney’s office stated that he has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

This is Keough’s second DUI, with the first one in 2005 that he allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.20, after a vehicle crash. The All-Star player, plead guilty and received 180 days in jail for violation of parole terms.

Keough pitched for the Oakland A’s from 1977 to 1983, and then went on to pitch for the New York Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros. The 54 year old former pitcher was also recently seen on the Real Housewives of Orange County.

DUI Arrests on the Rise among Female Drivers

2009-09-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

The National Highway Traffic Association has conducted studies concerning women being arrested for driving under the influence. The findings from these studies, along with statistics show that although overall numbers have lowered in these types of arrests, those that involve female drivers has risen almost 30 percent in a ten year period. In this same period, DUI arrests made among male drivers has dropped about 8 percent.

The President of MADD, Laura Dean-Moody states that "women are unfortunately picking up some of the same terrible, reckless behaviors that men have exhibited." It is still unclear whether there is 30% more drinking and driving going on among the same women, or whether this increase is due to several more female drivers on the road.

There are several different factors that could play into the reasons why there are more male DUI drivers than those of the female gender. To name a few would be the fact that numerous men drivers are more inclined to take risks, and men are generally the one who is designated to do the driving when they are out on a date. Times however are changing, and this could be one reason why incidents involving DUI arrests among women are climbing higher.

There are some who believe the same resources that are used will work just as well for both men and women, and some believe campaigns that are directed strictly to the female gender will be more beneficial. In any event, MADD is trying to raise the awareness and make resources available concerning DUI arrests among women that will be geared directly to these offenders. Usually things like checkpoints, road signs, and education for the community concerning risks and statistics, are used to rise the awareness of facts about DUI.

The NHTSA believes one of the scariest statistics is that every single year there are 2,000 driving fatalities that are alcohol related involving women who are at fault. The interest of MADD is to lower these frightening statistics.

Bakersfield Mother of Eight Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver

2009-08-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

August 9, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports a 25 year old driver has been arrested after hitting and fatally injuring the mother of eight children.

According to the California Highway Patrol Maria Rodriguez age 54 was struck and killed while crossing a Bakersfield Street, when a driver allegedly driving under the influence passed a stopped vehicle waiting for the woman to cross the street.

The driver has been identified as Luis Munoz Jr. age 25, that swerved around another vehicle that was stopped allowing the woman to cross the street within the designated cross walk. Munoz then fled the scene of the accident and was stopped by Bakersfield Police a short distance away from where the hit and run took place.

Rodriguez who was fatally injured in the hit and run moved from Jalisco Mexico with her eight children and became an American citizen in 2004, which according to her children was her proudest moment.

Munoz has been charged with suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence, hit and run and felony drunken driving. The 25 year old is currently being held in jail in lieu of $130,000 dollars bond.

Burn Notice Actor Charged With DUI

2009-07-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports, Burn Notice actor arrested for driving under the influence.

Jeffrey Donovan, the main character in the series Burn Notice is the latest actor to be arrested for driving under the influence according to reports in Miami Beach on July 12th. Donovan was driving a black 2009 Audi in the vicinity of 23rd street and Pine Tree Drive at approximately 11:30 p.m. when he came to a red light. According to Miami police officers who were stopped at the red light he screeched to a halt behind the police car and then swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle.

According to police Donovan allegedly had bloodshot and watery eyes, and smelled of alcohol. Police stated that Donovan allegedly said he had three drinks at the Fontainebleau and it was reported he failed a field sobriety test. According to reports Donovan refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Seventies Sitcom Star Arrested For Alleged DUI

2009-07-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

July 11, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports by a DUI criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, one of the stars from the popular 1970’satelevision sitcom Three’s Company was arrested after allegedly failing a field sobriety check on July 4th.

The actress Joyce DeWitt known as Janet Wood according to police drove around a barricade at Pine Avenue and Sierra Street and in the vicinity of the El Segundo annual fireworks display. According to authorities the incident took place at approximately 4:19 p.m. on the 4th of July.

According to El Segundo Police Sgt. Dan Kim, the 60 year old actress then exited a black sports car after driving around the barricade and walked toward one of the police officers. The officer was in uniform and standing next to his motorcycle, when the former sitcom star approached.

The officers observed DeWitt appeared intoxicated and administered a field sobriety test, which she allegedly failed. DeWitt was transported to the El Segundo jail and released at approximately 1:20 a.m. on $5,000 bail.

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DUI Arrests For First 12 Hours of Holiday Weekend In Los Angeles County

2009-07-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

July 5, 2009 (by Horatio Algren)

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, the first 12 hours of the 4th of July holiday weekend has resulted in nearly 100 arrests.

The California Highway Patrol has said that during the first 12 hours of the Independence Day holiday weekend there were 100 motorists arrested for driving under the influence in Los Angeles County. They also stated that during this time no one had died in traffic accidents in the county.

The numbers show that there were 89 people arrested during this same period of time last year and this year in Los Angeles County the California Highway Patrol states there have been 96 driving under the influence arrests in Los Angeles County.

There have also been five people killed statewide during this time period as compared with four people that were killed in alcohol related accidents last year.

DUI Driver Arrested After Bicycle Hit and Run In Malibu

2009-07-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) It has been reported by DUI attorneys in Los Angeles, that a man and his 12-year-old son were struck by a vehicle that fled the scene while riding their bicycles in the annual 200-mile Los Angeles Wheelmen Grand Tour event.

According to authorities the driver identified as Robert Sam Sanchez age 30 struck the two bicycle riders while they were riding on the shoulder of the street heading east in the 3400 block of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The riders identified as Rodrigo Armas age 45, who was fatally injured and his 14-year-old son that was transported to UCLA Medical Center with numerous broken bones. According to Los Angeles authorities the 14 year old was said to be in stable condition.

Sanchez was arrested after driving south about a mile and leaving the truck that he was driving when he struck the two riders and was found a short distance from the vehicle. According to Lt. Scott Chew of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Lost Hills, he showed signs of impairment from alcohol at the time of the arrest and is being held on $100,000 bail.

The man and his son were participating in the 200 mile Los Angeles Wheelman Grand Tour even that begins in Malibu and goes through Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.

Sanchez according to reports works as a clerk for the city of Malibu and is a resident of Oxnard.

Armas was a Los Angeles County deputy probation officer, husband and father of three children.

Fatally Injured Man Suspected Of Speeding And Drinking

2009-07-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports by one Orange County DUI lawyer a man that was fatally injured in an Orange County crash is suspected of being under the influence and speeding.

According to Orange County Police Sgt. Dan Adams the accident occurred at approximately 9:35 p.m. in the vicinity of Batavia Avenue and Flecher Street. The man is believed to have been speeding at the time he lost control of his vehicle and collided with an SUV.

The man who has not been identified pending notification of his next of kin was driving an older model Honda Accord. He was traveling north on Batavia Street when he struck the curb and lost control of the vehicle colliding with a GMC Denali traveling south on Batavia, near Fletcher Street.

According to Sgt. Adams the man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident and had no passengers in the Honda. The man and woman in the Denali complained of pain, and the woman was transported to the hospital.

Sgt. Adams stated that speed and alcohol appear to have been factors in the accident and investigators are asking for witnesses to the collision to contact them.

Dodgers Confirm Bellisario’s DUI Arrest

2009-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2009 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports by Los Angeles DUI lawyers, the Dodgers have confirmed Ronald Bellisario was arrested for driving under the influence near his Pasadena apartment.

According to the California Highway Patrol the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Bellisario was stopped on Fair Oaks Avenue, south of Colorado Boulevard in the vicinity of his Pasadena apartment.

The California Police Officer pulled Bellisario over after witnessing the ball player talking on a cell phone while driving.

The 26-year-old Bellisario was later released from the Pasadena Police Department on bail and reportedly stated that he was stopped for talking on his cell phone. He said he was given an alcohol test and it was normal and was given a paper stating the test was normal.

Alcohol Consumed By Adenhart Driver Before Crash

2009-06-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sheriff's Department in Orange County has not concluded how much alcohol was found in Courtney Stewart’s blood. Stewart, LA pitcher Nick Adenheart and Henry Pearson were killed when their car was T-boned by another auto.

Toxicology tests have detected alcohol, but the amount has not been released to the sheriff's department, which was involved in this deadly collision in April.

All three died when their car was broadsided April 9th in Fullerton, by a minivan alleged driven by Andrew Gallo.

Reports from police indicated Gallo’s blood alcohol level was almost 3 times the legal limit at the time of the crash. According to police, Gallo has been charged with three counts of murder from his involvement in the crash.

Actress Charged With Driving Under The Influence

2009-06-09T00:59:00.001-07:00

June 7, 2009 (by Horatio Algern) According to reports actress Lori Petty has been charged with driving under the influence and will face two DUI charges.

The 45 year old actress was charged Friday with two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence according to the Los Angeles City Attorneys Office. The charges come after a May 30th arrest for allegedly hitting a skateboarder and causing injuries.

Petty struck the skateboarder with her vehicle in the vicinity of Venice Beach and will be arraigned on June 25th according to the City Attorneys Office spokes person Frank Mateljan. The spokesperson also stated she will be charged with driving without proof of insurance.

Petty has films like Point Break, Tank Girl and A League Of Their Own to her credit. There has been no word on whether the actress has retained an attorney.

Suspected DUI Driver Indicted In Death Of Angels Pitcher Nick Adenhart

2009-05-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2009 (by Otto Jones)

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, the driver suspected of being under the influence in the Fullerton crash killing three people including Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart has been indicted on murder charges.

The man identified as Andrew Thomas Gallo age 22 of San Gabriel was indicted by an Orange County Grand Jury on three counts of murder, hit and run, and driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Gallo allegedly had a blood alcohol of more than twice the legal limit with a blood alcohol content of .19 at the time of the hit and run.

According to the District Attorney Office spokesperson Farrah Emami, Gallo allegedly ran a red light and struck a vehicle driven by Courtney Stewart age 20 who was killed, Nick Adenhart and passenger Henry Pearson age 25 and a law student at Manhattan Beach. Jon Wilhite was also a passenger and was injured in the crash.

The hit and run occurred on April 9th, after Adenhart had pitched one of the best games in the major league games.

Sizemore Arrested In Hollywood For Outstanding Drug Warrant

2009-05-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports actor Tom Sizemore was arrested Thursday after police responded to a report of gunshots fired.

Sizemore was arrested in the Mount Olympus area of Hollywood Hills after Los Angeles police responded to a gunshots fired, which was unrelated to Sizemore. The Los Angeles Police found he had an outstanding Central California warrant for narcotics that was issued in Bakersfield in 2007 according to Officer Norma Eisenman. There was also another man reportedly a friend of the actor arrested on drug possession.

Sizemore was arrested only on the narcotics warrant and bail was set at $25,000, which was since posted, and he has been released. Los Angeles DWI attorneys will be watching this case closely.

Car Hits Woman In Crosswalk—Misses Toddler

2009-05-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2009 (by Otto Smyth) According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, a woman identified as Argelia Rojas age 49 was struck by a vehicle while crossing in crosswalk with her two year old nephew.

Rojas was crossing Westlake Boulevard in a crosswalk with her two year old nephew identified as Michell Ito. Witnesses state when she realized the vehicle driven by Linda Ellsworth age 60, Rojas threw her nephew out of the path of the vehicle.

Rojas was critically injured in the accident and is reportedly still in critical condition from being struck by the vehicle. The accident occurred approximately one half mile from the Westlake Elementary School that was ready to end classes for the day at the time the accident occurred.

Police are investigating whether Ellsworth failed to stop before she drove through the crosswalk striking Rojas.

Third Man Convicted Of Yacht Murders

2009-05-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2009

According to reports by boating accident lawyers in Los Angeles, a third man convicted identified as John Fitzgerald Kennedy in the death of Thomas and Jackie Hawks.

Kennedy age 43 was sentenced to death and is the third person to be tired in the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks, Skylar Deleon was sentenced in an earlier trial for the murders.

According to reports the Hawks were tied to the anchor of their yacht and thrown overboard in a plot to steal their fortune. They were thrown overboard off the coast of Newport Beach.

Deleon was tried earlier and said to be the mastermind in the plan to kill the Hawks, Deleon’s wife Jennifer Deleon was tried in the crime in 2006 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The forth man in the crime Alonso Machain is still awaiting trial and he cooperated with the authorities.

Arizona v. Grant Up Held By The Supreme Court :: 4th Amendment Rights Restored

2009-04-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Any DUI criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles County will be the first to tell you that the police have been permitted to search the passenger compartment of vehicles and the Supreme Court has allowed it when an inhabitant of a vehicle was arrested. This began when New York v. Belton in 1981 began the searches that were termed “incident to arrest.” This was begun as a protective method in case there was a hidden weapon in the vehicle the suspect might try to harm officers with. This lead to police becoming comfortable with searching vehicles and using safety as a reason even when the suspect had already been placed in custody. This allows police to make more arrests doing more searches while there is no safety issue.

This will now change since the Supreme Court ruled vehicle searches are legal only when the suspect has access to the vehicle or when the vehicle contains evidence related to the arrest in their ruling of Arizona v. Grant. To justify a vehicle search police will now be required to have a provable reason for the search and are no longer allowed to search a vehicle at random. This will change the unwarranted vehicle searches under the 4th Amendment and puts back some faith and justice.

There has been concern for some time over the capacity of police making arrests for minor offenses in order to avoid a refusal by the citizen to give consent to a vehicle search. One of the concerns is that there are certain states where a traffic violation can result in an arrest and police may do this rather than write a ticket, to have a right to search the vehicle. The Supreme Court ruling in Arizona v. Grant now creates a complication in kinds of arrests. This is because a moving violation will mean there is no evidence in the vehicle and that will give the motorist protection when they implement their 4th Amendment rights when stopped for a traffic violation.

This ruling is significant since it will affect all police officers on the street that has been trained to do vehicle searches after making an arrest. The Supreme Court sent a message to the police forces in up holding the 4th Amendment rights. Police officers will have to change the policy on vehicle searches and protect the individual rights of the occupants in a vehicle.

Brian Bosworth Arrested For Alleged DUI

2009-03-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

March 6, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by dui criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, Brian Bosworth the former Seattle Seahawk linebacker was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence.

The Los Angeles Police Department stated that Bosworth was pulled over by the LAPD West Traffic Division officer on Hollywood Boulevard for not having a license plate on this Harley Davidson. He was later arrested and booked for suspicion of driving under the influence at approximately 3:30 a.m.

According to Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Sgt. Alex Ortiz stated the traffic stop took place on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard.
It was also stated by the Hollywood Sheriff’s Department Bosworth’s bail was set at $5,000.

Bosworth was a linebacker for the University of Oklahoma and retired 3 years into a ten year contract with the Seattle Seahawks after a shoulder injury. He has also appeared in several movies like Stone Cold, Three Kings, the Longest Yard and Virus.

Driver Alleged To Be Driving Under The Influence At Time of Crash Pleads Not Guilty

2009-03-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, a woman identified as Brittany Deanne Schuetz pleaded not guilty in the January 31 accident where she was allegedly driving under the influence when she struck a vehicle.

The vehicle Schuetz struck was a 2004 black Acura Integra driven by April Junhee Whang who was killed in the crash. Whang was making a left hand turn when Schuetz struck her head on; the impact threw Whang into the cargo area of the vehicle according to Susan Schroeder from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The 20 year old is now being held on a $1 million dollar bail.

At the scene of the accident when police arrived Schuetz was sitting in her vehicle and according to police she was unable to answer basic questions. She was transported to UCI Medical Center for treatment and was then booked on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Police stated at the scene of the accident they could smell a strong odor of alcohol, her eyes were bloodshot and watering.

According to Schroeder the accident occurred on January 31st at approximately 1:30 a.m. and Schuetz had been driving her vehicle between 90 and 100 miles per hour on Beach Boulevard. Schuetz allegedly had a blood alcohol level of .24 percent, which is three times the legal limit of .08 percent.

It has also been reported that Schuetz had attended a party earlier in the evening and friends had asked her to find a different way home instead of driving, because she had been drinking.

Schuetz has also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence o June 14, 2007.

Celtics Player Gabe Pruitt Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

2009-02-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

February 26, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, Gabe Pruitt of the Boston Celtics has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in a Hollywood neighborhood.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson Officer April Harding stated that Pruitt was stopped by a police officer after 3:00 a.m. this morning while stopped at a green light in the vicinity of Sunset and Wilcox.

The officer approached the Mercedes s550 Pruitt was driving and upon speaking with Pruitt he believed the Celtics player to be under the influence. He was then administered a field sobriety test, which has been alleged that Pruitt failed. He was then arrested under the suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Pruitt is being held on $5,000 bail and Officer Harding stated he has been booked for driving under the influence and had not yet posted bail.

Hour’s prior to Pruitt’s arrest the Boston Celtics had played against the Los Angeles Clippers and lost 93 to 91. Pruitt is from Los Angeles and prior to playing for the Boston Celtics the 22 year old played college basketball for Southern California.

Unlicensed Teenage Driver Allegedly Causes Six Car Pile Up While Under The Influence

2009-02-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2009

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, there was a six car pileup that is allegedly the fault of an unlicensed teenage driver was suspected of driving under the influence after the Anaheim accident. The driver allegedly struck several vehicles according to police leaving five people injured and two people in critical condition.

According to Anaheim police officer Sergeant Tim Schmidt the accident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m., in the vicinity of the 2800 block of West Lincoln Avenue, teenage driver identified, as a 17 year old was in the westbound lane of Lincoln Avenue where the pileup began. According to Anaheim officer the 17 year old was driving a Nissan Maxima traveling over the speed limit when he erratically changed lanes crashing into two vehicles.

The driver struck the vehicle in front of him and the vehicle in back, the next crash he struck the rear of a sport utility vehicle the No. 1 lane. The impact of the collision sent the SUV across the median and into the eastbound lanes, where it was facing head on into the path of a Toyota. 17 year old driver of then struck a parked vehicle that disabled his vehicle.

According to Sgt. Schmidt when police arrived on the scene they administered a sobriety test, 17 year old was then arrested and he was reportedly driving without a license. His passenger another 17 year old was injured and transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.

One of the drivers in the first vehicles that were struck was injured along with a passenger in the SUV; the driver of the SUV was hospitalized in critical condition. The driver of the Toyota had to be freed by firefighters and was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.

The multi car pileup caused Lincoln Avenue to be closed for several hours in the areas of Beach Boulevard and Dale Avenue.

Felton Man Allegedly Under The Influence Will Go To Trial For Fatal Crash

2009-01-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, a Felton man identified, as Nicholas Steven Yeager will go to trial for an accident that occurred while Yeager was allegedly driving under the influence.

The accident that occurred the evening before Thanksgiving took the life of Monte Curtis Poston age 44 and injuring his wife Michelle.

Yeager appeared at a preliminary trial where a California Highway Patrol officer testified about the investigation of the accident and the alleged condition of Yeager at the Yeager crashed his Dodge Durango into the Ford Tarsus Poston was driving. According to reports Yeager swerved into oncoming traffic on East Zayante Road and struck Poston’s vehicle head on. Monte Curtis Poston was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and his wife Michelle was trapped in the vehicle and suffered injuries.

Yeager has been charged with several charges including gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, along with hit and run, endangerment of a child and driving without a license. If convicted of all the charges Yeager could face up to 13 years in prison.

Yeager left the scene of the accident and returned to his home with his 3-year-old son that was in the pickup truck when the crash occurred.

Plastic Surgeon Of Kanye West's Mom Sentenced For DUI

2009-01-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by citizen journalists, surgeon Dr. Jan Adams pleaded no contest of misdemeanor driving under the influence has been sentenced to one year in prison.

The sentencing stems from a June 26, 2008 incident when he was stopped by the California Highway for driving his Jaguar in the wrong lanes in the vicinity of Cordelia. Adams who was suspected of driving under the influence and when tested according to the California Highway Patrol, Adams blood alcohol level was .20.

According to Solano County Court Commissioner Ray Wieser who sentenced Adams to one year in prison, gave Adams credit for eight days he had already spent in jail.

Adams age 54 is the surgeon who preformed cosmetic surgery on Donda West mother of rapper Kanye West one day prior to her death, which was partially to blame according to reports, along with heart disease. It is reasonable certain the DUI lawyers in Los Angeles are licking their chops to get this case.

DUI Case Against Heather Locklear Dismissed

2009-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2009 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by drunk driving lawyers in Los Angeles, the September driving under the influence charge that turned out to be prescription drug related was dismissed today in a Santa Barbara court.

Locklear entered a plea agreement with prosecutors where she will serve three years of informal probation; she will complete 12 hours of DMV road safety classes which she will also pay $700 dollars.

Locklear was formally charged in November after the September incident when she was tested for drugs at the police station, after having blocked traffic in Montecito when she parked her car in the lanes of the highway. When California Highway Patrol officers arrived the officer stated the 47-year-old actress showed signs of being impaired.

In November Locklear was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Locklear was not present in court and was instead represented by her attorney Blair Berk, who did not comment on the case.

Barkley Former NBA Player Arrested For Driving Under The Influence

2009-01-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

December 31, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by drunk driving lawyers in Los Angeles, former NBA player Charles Barkley was arrested Wednesday of allegedly driving under the influence after being stopped for running a stop sign.

According to reports Gilbert Police Lt. Eric Shuhandle stated an officer with the law enforcement task force who target drivers under the influence stopped Barkley for running a stop sign in the Scottsdale Arizona area, at approximately 1:30 a.m. The traffic stop and arrest took place in the Scottsdale Old Town vicinity in the Phoenix metro area.

Berkley submitted to field sobriety tests after the officer who stopped him smelled alcohol, which according to reports he failed. Barkley was then arrested for driving under the influence and refused to submit to a breath test. He was then given a blood test according to Lt. Shuhandler.

Lt. Shuhandler said that Barkley’s car was impounded and after he was processed and cited he was released, he went on to state this is the normal process with driving under the influence charges. The police Lt. Stated the traffic stop and arrest was without incident and the former NBA player was treated the same as any other driver arrested for an alleged driving under the influence charge.

During Barkley’s NBA career he played 16 seasons for the Philadelphia 76’s, the Houston Rockets, and the Phoenix Suns, he also played on Olympic teams in 1992 and 1996. Barkley who is now charged with allegedly driving under the influence was an 11 time NBA All-Star, league MVP in 1993 and in 1996 selected as one of the NBA’s 50 great players. The former player was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Plans CheckPoints Through The Holidays

2008-12-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to hold DUI checkpoints though the holidays in areas like Huntington Beach and in the vicinity of Beach Boulevard and Baylock. There has also been one in Irvine and there will be one in San Clemente.

According to Chris Cochran a spokesman for the Office of Traffic Safety while the police will be out in force through the holidays holding checkpoints it is not just a matter of arresting drivers under the influence, but also to deter drivers who intend to drink not to drive.

According to the statistics by the Office of Traffic Safety in 2007 there were 1,616 people in the state killed in alcohol related vehicle accidents and that was a decrease from the 2006 year in California by approximately 8%. There were 30,642 residents of California injured in alcohol related accidents and 203,866 residents arrested statewide.

Adam Walsh Killer Named—Case Closed After 27 Years

2008-12-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles criminal attorneys, the person that has been sought after since 1981 for the murder and decapitation has been named closing the 27 year old murder case of the 6 year old Adam Walsh.

John Walsh father of Adam and host of America’s Most Wanted, along with wife Reve was present at a Tuesday news conference where they were told the deathbed confession of a long time suspect has now closed the case.

Otis Toole had confessed twice to the murder of Adam Walsh and later said he was not responsible for the child’s murder. Toole had also claimed to have murders hundreds of others and authorities determined most of these to be untrue confessions.

Toole’s niece confirmed the murder of Adam Walsh. She told John Walsh and his wife that Toole had made a deathbed confession in prison that he had murdered Adam Walsh.

The Hollywood Florida Police Chief Chadwick Wagner stated that Toole has been the main suspect in the murder of the child and they had linked him to the murder and that he has continued to be the main suspect. While Wagner would not divulge what evidence they had linking Toole to the murder, he did state they had no DNA evidence in the case. He also apologized to the Walsh’s for errors that occurred while handling the murder case of Adam Walsh.

Since the murder there have been other names mentioned, including that of Jeffery Dahmer. However, Toole was always the main suspect by the police and John Walsh, who stated investigators had found a pair of green shorts and a sandal that was similar to what Adam had been wearing at Tool’s home located in Jacksonville.

John Walsh has been critical in the past about the errors the police made in the case including loosing blood stained carpet from Toole’s vehicle preventing any DNA testing. Today Walsh praised the police for closing the case.

Walsh who took up the fight against criminals after his son’s murder has assisted in placing the faces of missing children on milk cartons, shopping bags, mailbox fliers and other places. He was also responsible in assisting with fingerprinting children, increased security in schools and stores.

Screenwriter Faces Charges of Vehicular Manslaughter After Blood Alcohol Is Over The Legal Limit

2008-12-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

December 13, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by drunk driving lawyers in Los Angeles, screenwriter Roger Avary has been charged by the prosecutors office with gross vehicular manslaughter on Friday. The charges stem from a January 13th single car accident, which caused the death of his passenger Andreas Zini.

According to reports Avary failed to negotiate a curve and crashed into a telephone pole while driving a Mercedes sedan and at the time of the accident his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. Along with the death of Andreas Zini age 34 and resident of Italy was Gretchen Avary who was seriously injured after being ejected from the vehicle according to Mike Lief the prosecutor in the case. The accident occurred in the rural area of Ojai late at night. According to reports Zini’s wife Maria was in a separate car following Avary’s Mercedes at the time of the accident.

Avary appeared at a hearing in Ventura County Friday with his attorney Mark Werksman, Avary has been charged with gross felony manslaughter, and two felony counts of causing bodily injury while intoxicated. There has been a pretrial conference set for February 20, 2009. If convicted the two felony charges of causing bodily injury while intoxicated holds a sentence of up to eleven years in jail.

Prosecutor Lief asked the court in a separate hearing to raise the amount of bail which Avary has been released on from $50,000 to $80,000. The judge hearing the case, Judge Kevin McGee declines Lief’s motion stating Avary has been present at all of the court proceedings. The judge did grant that Avary is allowed to travel outside of the country while out on bail.

Roger Avary is the Oscar winning screen writer of movies like Pulp Fiction, which he co-wrote with Quentin Tarantino and Beowulf.

Locklear Charged—Attorney Declines Comment

2008-11-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

November 17, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, actress Heather Locklear was charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence after being stopped two months ago by police and arrested in Santa Barbara County.

A prosecutor has stated that Locklear was charged with driving under the influence of legally prescribed drugs. There was no alcohol or illegal drugs found in the actresses system, only drugs that had been legally prescribed, according to Lee Carter the Santa Barbara County Deputy District Attorney.

The attorney representing Locklear is attorney Blair Berk, who has declined to comment on the charge of driving under the influence Locklear will be facing when she is arraigned January 26, 2009.

The charge Locklear is facing stems from an incident, which took place in September when she parked her car on a lane of the freeway in Montecito and was blocking traffic in the lane. This was seen by a California Highway Patrol officer and Locklear was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Two Car Crash Leaves Three Injured And One Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

2008-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by hit and run DUI attorneys, a two car crash occurred at approximately 2:51 a.m. in the vicinity of Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway.

Officer Denise Quesada of the California Highway Patrol stated that the details of the crash were not available, but there were three people injured and one person arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Officer Quesada stated that when officers arrived on the scene two vehicles were blocking the intersection; one was a Toyota Sienna and the other a Nissan Altima.

According to Officer Quesada the driver of the Altima was identified as Ayesha King age 23 and resident of Los Angeles. King was transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center with minor injuries.

Seung Kim age 41 and resident of Orange was the driver of the Sienna, Kim was arrested for suspected of driving under the influence and was booked in the county jail.

There were two other people transported to the hospital, however it is unclear which car they were traveling in according to Officer Quesada. The first is identified as Jiwon Lee age 27 and a resident of Brea. Lee was transported to Los Alamitos Medical Center with minor injuries. The other person is identified as Sarah Garrat age 25 of Bellflower and she was transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center with moderate injuries.

The accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Weekend Rain Claims Third Accident Victim in Potential DUI

2008-11-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, the California Highway Patrol a third man has died at a San Jose hospital after sustaining injuries in last weekend’s wet weather. The man has been the third to die was in the first of three fatal weekend crashes and has been identified as 24 year old Alex Booth a resident of Aptos.

Booth was involved in a crash in the area of Rio del Mar on Halloween night while riding his motorcycle traveling northbound in the vicinity of Sumner Avenue at approximately 11:35 p.m. According to reports by the California Highway Patrol Officer Grant Boles he was on a sweeping right hand turn when he lost control of a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle. Officer Boles also stated Booth was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was traveling at an unsafe speed. The California Highway Patrol officers on the scene were told by acquaintances of Booth that he had been drinking, the officers did not smell alcohol and did not begin a DUI investigation.

The second of these fatal weather related accidents occurred on Highway 1 when a 53 year old resident of Santa Cruz identified as Hipolito Perez Magana lost control of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma. Magana was driving in the northbound lanes in the vicinity of 41st Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol at the time of the crash it was raining heavily and the rear tires on the Tacoma showed signs of being bald. The truck flipped several times and was facing southbound in the northbound lanes when it came to a rest on its wheels.

The third fatal accident occurred Sunday according to the California Highway Patrol when a man identified as 72 year old Dirk Sundman of Santa Cruz lost control of a 2005 Vespa scooter. The accident occurred on Highway 9 in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz and Santa Clara county line. The California Highway Patrol reported that the roadways were wet at the time of the rain related dui accident and Sundman was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Police Officers Injured When Cruiser Hit Alleged DUI Driver

2008-10-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

October 18, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, a police cruiser was struck in the back end of the vehicle by an alleged DUI driver, two police officers were injured in the accident.

It has been reported by Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez that the male and female officer that were in the police cruiser were traveling on Orangethorpe Avenue at approximately 2:00 a.m. this is when they were struck from behind by a vehicle identified as a pickup truck. The two officers identities have not been released, they are officers on the Anaheim Police force.

The collision forced the police vehicle into a driveway and the pickup truck rolled on its side. The driver of the vehicle had to be extracted from the vehicle by Anaheim firefighters.

According to Sgt. Martinez the driver has been identified as Luis Bustanante age 24 of Anaheim and when he was extracted it is alleged that he appeared intoxicated. Bustanante was transported to the Western Medical Center for treatment. He was held on suspicion of felony drunk driving, driving without a driver’s license and booked into the Anaheim City Jail.

The male and female Anaheim police officers were transported to the UCI Medical Center In Orange with neck and back pain. According to Sgt. Martinez the male officer is a department veteran and the female officer who was driving at the time of the collision has recently graduated from the police academy.

Day One In The New O.J. Simpson Trial

2008-09-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, what began the day as the first day of jury selection held a rejection for the defense attorneys from the judge. Simpson’s attorneys made a request that they ask each prospective jury member if they believe that Simpson was guilty of murder in the murder of his ex wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. If they did would they be capable of considering only the evidence in this case without prejudice.

The trial that will be held in Clark County and presided over by Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass rejected Simpson’s attorney’s request. The judge went on to state that this was included in the questionnaires the potential jurors filled out.

Judge Glass did make a statement to the potential jurors saying that if they wanted to hold Simpson responsible for his acquittal, wanted to be on television or write a book after the case they should not be there.

The 500 potential jury pool that started out, was trimmed down by the judge, the defense attorneys and the prosecutors in the case to approximately half the size, with 248 remaining to choose 12 jurors and 6 alternates. This was based on a 26 page questionnaire that each potential juror filled out. Both the defense and the prosecution are allowed to reject eight of the potential jurors and three alternates without reason.

Simpson who is now age 61 and the co defendant in the case Clarence C. J. Stewart age 54 if convicted of the charges could spend life in prison.

This case stems from the alleged robbery of two sports collectibles dealers in September. Simpson was charged with approximately a dozen different charges after his arrest.

Labor Day Results In For Riverside DUI’s

2008-09-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

September 6, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to Los Angeles DUI lawyers, the results that are in, during the Labor Day holiday weekend the California Highway Patrol made 390 arrests throughout the county and 51 of these were in Riverside.

In a statement from the Riverside Police Department Traffic Bureau Supervisor Karen Haverkamp, a.m. a combination of sobriety checkpoints and the amount of patrols that wre on the streets in Riverside was the reason for the motorists driving under the influence were caught. There were 30 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies that were a part of a two week DUI anti driving under the influence campaign.

According to the California Highway Patrol there were 80 percent of their officers on the roads between six in the evening Friday and midnight Monday in their drunk driving, over the limit campaign that ended with 390 arrests for the holiday weekend.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted funds for this campaign in the amount of $700,000.

If you have been involved in a driving under the influence traffic stop then you need an experienced DUI/DWI attorney, in Orange County or LA, Los Angeles DWI attorneys can be reached at 800-400-9721.

Rejected Man Allegedly Used Car As Weapon

2008-09-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

September 5, 2008 ( by Otto Smyth)

According to Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys, the Orange County District Attorney Sunday evening allegedly attempted to run down six people after he was rejected by three women. The 23-year-old man has been identified as Bryan Adam Curiel a resident of Pasadena was charged with six counts of attempted murder and several felony charges this week stemming from the incident. The felony counts include six counts of aggravated assault, one count of driving under the influence and one count of hit and run with injury.

According to authorities Curiel was accompanied by a friend, patronized a bar in the vicinity of the Newport Beach pier, after which they entered a doughnut shop where Curiel attempted to engage in conversation with three women who asked to be left alone. Curiel followed the women out of the doughnut shop still attempting to have a conversation. Two men and a woman joined the three women; this is allegedly when Curiel began shouting profanities and left.

This is when he allegedly returned approximately ten minutes later in his vehicle traveling at an estimated 50 to 60 miles an hour heading toward the group of six near the parking lot.

Curiel’s vehicle smashed into concrete benches that were bolted into the ground, due to the rate of speed his vehicle moved the benches several inches.

Only one person out of the six was injured when his foot was struck. If Curiel is convicted of these charges and receives the maximum sentence he could be sentenced to life in prison. It appears these victims will need Orange County personal injury lawyers.

If you have been the victim in a pedestrian accident, then you need an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney and they can be reached at 888-400-9721.

California Labor Day Weekend DUI Sweep

2008-09-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

September 2, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys, the California Highway Patrol stayed busy over the holiday weekend with motorists driving under the influence. It was reported that the California Highway Patrol arrested 23 motorists for driving under the influence in San Luis Obispo County and they made 48 DUI arrests in Santa Barbara County.

There were also several drunk driving checkpoints set up throughout the weekend in California, and the Lompoc Police made two driving under the influence arrests on Sunday night. The San Luis Obispo Police had a checkpoint on Friday night and made three driving under the influence arrests.

All of the weekend information is not compiled yet, and the California driving under the influence arrests for the weekend will most likely rise.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence and need the assistance of a skilled Orange County DUI/DWI lawyer they can be reached at 888-400-9721.

Alvarez Sentenced To 11 Life Terms For Metrolink Train Crash

2008-08-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

August 20, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

It has been reported that Juan Manuel Alvarez who was found guilty of a Metrolink accident that killed 11 passengers on the train was sentenced to 11 life terms.

Alvarez was found guilty after an eight week trial that stemmed from parking an SUV on the Metrolink train tracks in what he claimed was an attempt to commit suicide but did not have the courage to follow through. The train accident claimed 11 lives and during the trial the prosecution claimed it was an attempt by Alvarez to get attention from his estranged wife.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders who passed the sentence of 11 life terms sentenced Alverez. Judge Pounders stated that he did not believe that Alverez intended to commit suicide and that if he were allowed by law to give him a sentence of forever he would.

Approximately 6 families of the victims of the deadly crash addressed the court and Alvarez during the sentencing.

Alverez age 29 is responsible for the deadliest train crash in Metrolinks history and will not be eligible for parole.

Defense attorney Michael Belter who represented Alverez stated that he has filed a notice of appeal on behalf of his client.

If you or a family member is involved in a train crash there are experienced Orange County train accident lawyers that can be reached at 888-400-9721.

Actor from Hit Show "Office" Faces Drug Charges

2008-08-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

August 19, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles DWI lawyers, Craig Robinson who plays a warehouse foreman on The Office is facing two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor for driving under the influence.

Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on August 21st stemming from a June 29th traffic stop. Robinson was pulled over for a traffic violation in Culver City and was arrested after the officers believed he was under the influence. The officers found amphetamines, cocaine and cannabiniods while inspecting the actors’ vehicle.

Robinson posted $10,000 bail the same day of his arrest and was released.

If you have been charged with a DUI/DWI offense there are experienced Los Angeles and Orange County DUI/DWI attorneys that can be reached at 888-400-9721.
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Irvine Man Sentenced For DUI Death

2008-08-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

August 16, 2008 (Patrice Garby)

Los Angeles drunk driving attorneys reported that an Irvine man was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months in prison on Friday for gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI that resulted in the death of CSU student Ashley Knight last November 2007.

Reportedly, Brian Burchfield, aged 22 had been drinking at a bar near Orange circle and at a friend’s house on the night of November 16, 2007 and then decided to drive home. Burchfield was driving east on the westbound lanes of the 22 Freeway when he crashed head-on into the car that Knight was riding in as a passenger. The driver Samira Bahu, reportedly was seriously injured in the accident that killed Knight.

According to Vicki Maciha who is the senior Victim's Advocate for the areas local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the sentence that Burchfield received from Judge Carla Singer, was one of the stiffest drunk driving sentences this year. If you know someone who was killed in a DUI, call 888-400-9721.

The Importance of Hiring a Qualified DUI Attorney

2008-08-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

Almost everyday a California resident will be killed by a drunk driver or be involved in a drunk driver incident. DUI is rampant through out Orange County cities like Mission Viejo or Marina del Ray. Orange County DUI attorneys are always finding that they have no lack of DUI cases. The importance of hiring a qualified DUI Attorney when you have been cited for DUI/DWI cannot be overstated.

In an effort to stem the frequency of people being arrested and cited for DUI, new laws are being put into action. The penalties are already very steep in Mission Viejo and Marina del Ray. They strictly comply with the state's DUI/DWI laws. If you are convicted of a DUI in California, you could lose your drivers license, you can be fined heavily, your auto insurance rates will go up, you may have jail time imposed and your employment status may be in jeopardy.

The importance of hiring a qualified DUI attorney simply cannot be overstated. If you hire a really good DUI attorney he or she may be able to get the charges dropped or reduced. Look for one who specializes in DUI cases. They will know up to the minute DUI laws the best and will know exactly how to defend you. In many case a good DUI attorney can save you from having your license revoked and can put together a more effective defense than would have ever dreamed is possible.

Now that the Department of Motor Vehicles has requested that the arresting authority confiscate drivers’ licenses upon any arrest for DUI, many people are finding they need a good DUI lawyer to get their license back. If your license is confiscated, a sr-22 form (SR22) must be obtained from your auto insurance company and filed with the DMV. The SR-22 is the "Proof of Financial Responsibility" form. This form needs to be filed with DMV before your license can be given back. Sometimes a good DUI attorney can even help you find good insurance quotes for those who have been convicted of a DUI or DWI and find their insurance rates have gone thru the roof.

Two Coto de Caza Residents Arrested After Solo Car Accident

2008-08-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys reported yesterday that two unidentified Coto de Caza residents were arrested for suspicion of DUI after one of them crashed into a light pole on the fourth of July.

According to witness reports, a single car crashed into a light pole and also damaged landscaping around 3:55 a.m. Sunday morning. The male driver somehow lost control of his gray Honda Prelude while driving northbound on Coto de Caza Drive. The driver was not hurt in the accident.

Witnesses reported that a second driver then stopped at the scene of the accident. The reports at this time are sketchy and not many details have been released. The driver of the second car remains unnamed at this time.

According to California Highway Patrol reports, the investigation of this accident led to the arrest of both drivers for driving under the influence. Names of both drivers have not been released. According to reports, one driver listed a home of Via Barcaza as the residence. The other was listed as living on Cambridge in Coto de Caza.

Scott Michael Foster Arrested In Hollywood

2008-07-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles drunk driving attorneys, the actor from the show Greek was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Foster age 23 was arrested early Monday in Hollywood according to the Los Angeles Police Department spokes person Ana Aguirre for misdemeanor drunk driving. Foster was stopped in the vicinity of the Sunset and Wilcox intersection.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. when he was stopped for a routine traffic stop and was then given a field sobriety test and taken into custody.

Foster was booked on misdemeanor DUI charges and was released at approximately 5:00 a.m. after posting $5,000 bail. He is scheduled for an August 11th court appearance.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you need an experienced Orange County or LA DUI/DWI attorney who can be reached at 888-400-9721.

Indiana Jones Co-Star Arrested After Rollover Crash

2008-07-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles drunk driving lawyers, the Indiana co-star Shia LaBeouf was arrested after an accident that occurred early Sunday morning in Hollywood.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokes person Sgt. Scott Wolf, LaBeouf age 22 was involved in an accident at an intersection at approximately 3 a.m.
Sgt. Wolf also stated it was apparent to the officers responding to the scene of the accident that LaBeouf was intoxicated. LaBeouf was booked for a misdemeanor DUI and then released, the accident occurred when in the northbound lane he attempted to make a left hand turn at an intersection when the crash occurred and LeBeouf’s vehicle rolled over.

He was then arrested at the scene and transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center to be treated for minor head, hand and knee injuries.

A female passenger in LaBefouf’s vehicle was not injured and the driver of the other vehicle also uninjured in the accident.

This comes after a November incident when LeBeouf was charged with criminal misdemeanor trespassing. This was due to a incident in a Walgreen’s store in Chicago between LeBeouf who had been drinking and security guards.

Man Arrested For Suspected DUI After Big Rig Crash On Cuesta Grade

2008-07-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles drunk driving attorneys, an accident that backed up traffic on Cuesta Grade according to reports by the California Highway Patrol resulted in a driver being arrested for DUI.

The accident was occurred when a man who has been identified as Andrew Mangas age 25 of Arroyo Grande struck a tractor trailer at approximately 1:00 p.m. Thursday.

According to reports Mangas sustained minor injuries and was transported to Vista Regional Medical Center.

It is also reported that witnesses stated that Mangas was driving erratically prior to the accident.

Los Angeles Parents Arraigned For Allowing Children To Be Truant

2008-07-23T18:55:00.001-07:00

An arraignment was held on Thursday for 13 parents that had been charged with failing to comply with state law requiring them to keep their children in school. The criminal charges had been filed by Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's office.

California State law requires that children attend school full time from kindergarten to the 12th grade. The parents were charged with one count of violating the state education code and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Marne Perez, one the parents arraigned on Thursday, had allowed her 12 year old daughter to miss 63 full days of school and 66 other partial days from her seventh grade classes at Fulton Middles School . The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has released a report saying that Perez’ daughter is failing her classes as a result of her absences.

In another case involving the truancy of a 15 year old boy, Bella Freire had allowed her son to miss 76 full days and 23 partial days. The boy attends eigth grade classes at Vista Middle School . Freire’s son is also failing his classes.

According to released reports the other parents charged were identified as Esmerelda Dixon, Cecelia Cruz Morales, Madeline Stapelton, Darryl Finely, Angie Corral, Yvette Wilson, Roxana Membreno, Mauricio Membreno, Lenita Ezeb, Guadalupe Jacinto and Juan Francis Jacinto.

Each parent has been given the option to complete a diversion program sponsored by Operation Brite future. Delgadillo said, “Parents have both a moral and a legal obligation to keep their kids in school and away from dangerous and violent criminal street gangs.”

Kardashian’s Next Reality—Jail

2008-07-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys and police reports the main participant in Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s, Khole Kardashian will be finding her next roll in jail.

Kardashian violated her DUI probation from an arrest that occurred in July of 2007. The Superior Court Judge hearing the case has orderd Kardashian to surrender to authorities July 18th. She will serve 30 days in jail for the violation, she was also ordered to in an alcohol treatment program within three weeks.

She will also remain on parole and according to her publicist Jeff Raymond she is willing to do whatever amount of time she needs.

Kardashian is 23 and the youngest daughter of defense attorney Robert Kardashian and also known for the program she appears on E! Entertainment Television.

The original driving under the influence arrest was featured on an episode of the program.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence you need the exepert help of an experienced DUI/DWI attorney. In Orange County experienced DUI/DWI attorneys can be reached at 888-400-9721.

Police Shoot Mile Hill Robbery Suspects

2008-07-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

July 11, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys, the incident occurred on Friday morning at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Information is still sketchy on the details but what has been reported is that there were to men shot by police in the Miracle Mile vicinity according to a statement from Officer Julianne Sohn. The men were robbery suspects involved in the incident and the officers were responding to a call about a robbery when they shot the suspects. The last report was that they were not killed but there has been no report on their injuries, but paramedics were treating them. There have also been not reports if they were transported to the hospital.

Officer Sohn also stated that no police officers were injured during this confrontation. There have also been some reports that there was a five car accident at the scene of this shooting. There is no further information about the vehicle accident at this time. Los Angeles criminal rights attorneys are waiting to see if the shooting was justified.

Steve O Appears In Court

2008-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys said that according to reports Steve O, whose real name is Stephen Glover made an appearance in court on Tuesday. The 34 year old Glover who became famous because of the dangerous stunts he is known for is required to give the court updates.

Glover was arrested and pleaded guilty to cocaine possession at a hearing in the beginning of June.

The Tuesday hearing his attorney gave a report to the court about Glover’s drug and alcohol addiction, this comes after his July 3 posting on his MySpace where he told fans he had checked back into a treatment facility. Tuesday he told the court during his appearance that he had checked back into a treatment facility on the suggestion of his psychiatrist.

He has also stated that he suffers from bipolar disorder and other mood disorders and also commented that he has done a lot of damage to his brain. After this report to the court he is due to reappear again in approximately two months to the court on his progress about his alcohol and drug addiction.

When questioned by reporters Glover’s attorney stated that he had been in a medical recovery hospital while Glover stated that he was in the loony bin jokingly. He did go on to say that he has this has helped him to decide what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. He also says that he can continue to host the MTV program Jackass including many of the stunts but that his main focus is staying away from alcohol and drugs.

If you have a chemical dependency and caused a personal injury, or need a Los Angeles DWI attorney, call 888-400-9721.

Ex Los Angeles Ram Arrested For Suspected Rape

2008-07-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys, the latest legal news indicates that a player that formerly played on the Los Angeles Rams has been arrested on rape charges and has been identified as Tony Zendejas.

Zendejas age 48 was arrested on Thursday July 10th for allegedly drugging and raping a woman who was at his sports bar, San Dimas Sports Bar; this is according to statements from the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office. The charges that he is facing are rape with the use of drugs, sodomy by a controlled substance, sodomy of an unconscious person, and also rape of an unconscious person. Each of these charges are a felony in the state of California.

In a statement from Zendejas attorney, Timothy Younger, Zendejas was released the same afternoon on $260,000 bail. Attorney Younger went onto say that his client is both taken aback as well as astonished at the accusations against him and he wants to clear his name.

The charges these charges come from an incident that occurred January 26th of this year when he served a woman a drink at Zendejas Mexican Restaurant, which he owns. The woman claims she became sleepy and later woke at a motel near the vicinity of the restaurant and contacted the police that she had been raped.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives investigated the allegations of the woman’s claims.

According to reports the former Ram’s kicker was arrested at his home in Yorba Linda without incident. If you were arrested for a crime, there are California criminal defense attorneys who want to help at 888-400-9721. Address 633 W. Fifth St., 28th Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90071; 1875 Century Park East Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90067; 14003 Palawan Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 620 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660.

The Number Of Things People Need To Know When They Get Arrested

2008-07-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

There are few people if any that plan or want to be arrested and yet it occurs everyday to people who thought they would never be on the wrong side of the law. Being arrested can and does happen to anyone, a few beers after work with the gang from work can put a person over the legal limit to drive. It could be that the people your out for the evening with do something stupid and because your with them you are now involved. In the end it does not matter what the reason the arrest happen for but rather how you handle the situation. There are certain things that you can do that will put you in a better position when it is time to face the police.

These are vital as a way of keeping things under control in what can be a tense and
upsetting situation.

1. Use Your Manners: In other words be polite to the police officer, it is their job and nothing more in most cases. By using your manners and being polite there is a chance you will not be arrested, if you are remain polite. It is an upsetting and stressful time and by voicing opinions it can make things worse, it can also make any time in custody more difficult for you.

2. Don’t Use Voice: this means do not talk; do not offer information that can be used against you. You do have the right to remain silent, remember that and use it to your advantage. The officers might even try luring you to offer information but do not. When it is time to go to court whatever you have said can be used in court, if you have said nothing then there will be nothing to use.

3. Submit To Alcohol Testing: If you are pulled over by the police for driving under the influence you will be asked to take a breath, urine, or blood test. In the case that you are not drunk submit to the testing and if you are drunk submit to it anyway because in most states it can be refused but at the cost of your drivers license. By refusing any testing you will be forfeiting your drivers license from months to a year.

4. Search Procedures: At the time of an arrest the police will search your person and often your vehicle or the area where you are at the time of the arrest. They perform searches to protect the officers from weapons that might be on a person, as well as illegal substances. In some instances it may not be clear what officers are searching for, however without having a search warrant they can not search other rooms in your home, or inside of baggage that has been seized during the arrest.

5. What To Do During A Search: Allow the police to do their job, do not make sudden movements and do not place your hands in your pockets. Remain calm, do not for any reason put up a fight or place your hands on a police officer.

6. Stay Quiet In Custody: If you are arrested do not make threats even if you are or know someone who is important that could make this situation easier. The police do not want to hear this and it could make the time you are being held more difficult.

7. Request An Attorney: At the time you are arrested you do have the right to request an attorney. Even if you cannot afford a lawyer, you still have the right to be represented; this means an attorney will be provided for you. Being represented by legal counsel will ensure that your rights are protected and they will also advise you what questions to answer as well as ones you should not answer. Never forget that anything you say without an attorney present can be used against you in court, so stay quiet when the attorney is not present. Another function that the attorney provides is to make deals with the prosecutor when you have broken the law and this is something you cannot do for yourself.

8. Protecting Yourself: When you are pulled over by the police memorized the officers’ name and badge number if possible. If there are any pedestrians in the vicinity ask them to observe, they should not interfere with what the police are doing or saying but observe. This can be helpful in the event that you need to make a complaint against the officer.

9. Resisting Arrest: Do not for any reason resist arrest, this is a mistake that will cost you, it will amount to extra charges for resisting arrest. Running from the police is basically admitting guilt, because someone who is innocent would not run. Even if you fear the police themselves or because they carry weapons, stay put, do not run and add charges to what you will already possibly be charged with.

10. Home and Felonies: If you have committed a felony and you are in your home the police cannot arrest you without first going to a judge. The police must convince this judge that they have enough evidence to arrest you for the crime in order to get a warrant. They can arrest you when you are in a public place without a warrant. When the police come to your door without a warrant stay inside, this allows you extra time that can be used to contact your attorney and avoid an invalid arrest.

11. Using A Line: Police often use lines to bait a person, it can be anything from having DNA evidence against you, having witnesses that will testify, an exorbitant amount of drugs in your home or the other person who was also arrested is talking and you will take the fall. These are ways to get you to talk and by saying anything it will be used against you in court. Keep quiet, do not talk and wait for your attorney to be present before saying anything. news. Technorati Profile