San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Yet another young actor was charged with DUI this week. In Los Angeles, California, Scott Michael Foster, star of ABC Family’s TV series “Greek,” was formally cited with two misdemeanors for driving under the influence (DUI). Foster was arrested on July 21 after LA police saw the 23-year-old at a traffic stop and noted signs of intoxication. After administering a breathalyzer test, officers confirmed that Foster’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit of .08 percent, according to E! online.

Law enforcement officials held Foster in custody until 5 am, when he was released on $5,000 bail. Foster returned to the set of “Greek” that morning. Ironically, his character on the show (“Cappie”) is a rowdy fraternity brother, proving once again that life really does imitate art.

Foster is also in a band called Siren’s Eye and has appeared in other TV shows including “Quarterlife,” “Women’s Murder Club,” and “The Game.” The actor is scheduled for arraignment on August 11.

In California, the minimum sentence for a first-time DUI offender is a 4-month suspension with the possibility of a restricted license 30 days into the sentence. If you have been charged with DUI, then you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these types of cases. Criminal attorney Victor Orsatti will review your case for free if you have been arrested and charged with DUI or DWI in San Diego.

Greek Star Foster Charged After Arrest, ContactMusic.com, July 30, 2008

Greek Star Paddled With DUI Charges, E! online, July 29, 2008

Related Web Resource

Scott Michael Foster, wikipedia.org

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steve Adler was recently arrested in Los Angeles, California for drug possession charges. At the time of a reported disturbance at a residence in Hollywood, Adler had an outstanding warrant. LA police took the rock star into custody and released him after he made bail.

Celebrity gossip websites report that Adler turned to celebrity therapist Dr. Pinsky's rehab center in Pasadena, California for help. The Pasadena, California rehab center is also the site of VH1's reality show "Celebrity Rehab," which featured Adler during its second season.

Following his return to rehab, Adler was arrested yet again after allegedly doing drugs and causing a disturbance in the "Sober Living" house. According to Adler's manager David Weintraub, "Steven Adler's arrest was an unfortunate situation that didn't have to occur in the context of him starring in a television show." VH1 chose not to comment on Adler's arrest.

If you've been arrested for drug possession or other charges and cannot afford bail, San Diego attorney Victor Orsatti can help. He may be able to get the bail reduced or eliminated. The criminal defense attorney can also discuss your legal options to ensure that you receive the information you need to understand California state law.

"Sober" Dime Dropped on G n'R Drummer, TMZ.com, July 25, 2008

Former GN'R Drummer Steven Adler Back In Rehab, The Gauntlet, July 23, 2008

Shia LaBeouf of "Indian Jones" fame was arrested in Hollywood, California early yesterday morning after a car accident around 3 am. Although details are scarce, the 22-year-old actor is suspected of DUI. According to TMZ.com, police say LaBeouf showed "outward signs" of intoxication at the scene of the accident.

The police arrived at the accident about 5 minutes after a call to 911. Two ambulances arrived and all injured parties walked to the ambulances without assistance. LaBeouf reportedly injured his hand his left hand and will require surgery. The female passenger in his car also suffered minor head injuries, while the driver of the other car involved in the accident also suffered minor injuries. At this point, it is unknown whether LaBeouf will face misdemeanor or felony charges.

The young actor has had several previous run-ins with the law, including arrest for a drunken encounter with a security guard at a Chicago Walgreens (the drug store chain did not press charges) and a ticket for smoking in a public place. In addition to the most recent "Indiana Jones" film, LaBeouf's resume also includes "Transformers," "Disturbia," and the Disney Channel's "Even Stevens."

Those who have been charged with a DUI in the state of California have ten days from the date of arrest to request a hearing with the DMV. If they do not request a hearing, then their driver's license will be automatically suspended 30 days after the DUI arrest was made. For more information on DUI cases in California, contact the San Diego Law Center. Your freedom is important.

Shia LaBeouf arrested in Hollywood on suspicion of drunken driving, Los Angeles Times, July 28, 2008

Shia LaBeouf Arrested For DUI Following Accident, eFluxMedia.com, July 27, 2008

Shia's Crash -- Blow-by-Blow Account, TMZ.com, July 27, 2008

After a wildly popular movie premiere, the drama surrounding "The Dark Knight" continues. While audiences from California to Connecticut lined up for tickets last Friday night, actor Christian Bale was in London preparing for the European movie premiere. Before attending the premiere, Bale allegedly assaulted his mother and sister at London's Dorchester Hotel Sunday night. According to the Sun newspaper, sister Sharon Bale and mother Jenny Bale filed the complaint.

The 34-year-old actor was arrested, questioned by police in London and released on bail yesterday. He claimed the allegations were false, though he cooperated with law enforcement officials. Bale's lawyer said his client visited the police station voluntarily and left without facing official charges. London police have stayed mum on the issue, as is their policy when there is no official charge. However, several media outlets have conjectured that police waited until Tuesday to question Bale to avoid interference with the British premiere.

When not shooting or promoting a movie, Bale resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and daughter. The Wales-born actor made his debut in 1987 in the Steven Spielberg film "Empire of the Sun." In "The Dark Knight," he reprises his role as the iconic comic book character Batman. The Wales-born actor has no prior criminal record in LA.

In California, assault (PC 240/241) is classified as a misdemeanor and carries with it a maximum punishment of 6 months in county jail. If you've been charged with assault in or near San Diego, then you need an attorney who understands these types of cases. Contact the San Diego Law Center for legal help with assault or other violent crimes.

Bale arrested and released; denies assault, Associated Press, July 22, 2008

Cops Knew Batman Would Return, TMZ.com, July 22, 2008

Morning Mix: Report: Christian Bale Accused of Assaulting Mom, Sister, Washington Post, July 22, 2008

Reality TV starlet and daughter of the late attorney Robert Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian spent all of three hours in jail on Friday after she admitted to violating her probation by failing to enroll in an alcohol education class and pick up roadside trash. She had been arrested last year for drunk driving.

Kardashian appeared on E! Entertainment Television's show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." But the biggest drama in the Los Angeles area jail was not Kardashian's presence. Just before the 24-year-old arrived, someone called in a bomb threat and the entire facility went under lockdown. After further investigation, the called turned out to be a hoax.

Thanks to overcrowded jails, Kardashians was released early, not unlike the short jail stints of other celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie. Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesperson Steve Whitmore insisted that the TV personality was treated the same way other inmates with similar charges are treated.

If you violated your probation or face charges for drunk driving, then contact Victor Orsatti. The San Diego DUI attorney will explain California's complex legal system and help you understand your options.

Khloe Kardashian’s Jail Sentence Shortened, andPOP.com, July 20, 2008

Khloe Kardashian does hard time: 3 hours, Associated Press, July 19, 2008

Former child actor Brian Bonsall is set to appear in court today after violating the conditions of his probation by missing daily breathalyzer tests, failing to pay for a class in a domestic violence, and submitting a positive breath test.

Best known for his appearance as Michael J. Fox's kid brother Andy on "Family Ties," Bonsall was charged and sentenced in 2007 for assaulting his girlfriend. She claimed that the 26 year old Boulder resident poured alcohol on her face as she slept and put her in a choke hold when she tried to leave. Police arrested him on March 28, 2007. Bonsall unsuccessfully pleaded self-defense and was sentenced to two years of probation. At the time, He told the court he was in rehab and had been clean for five months.

According to the probation-violation complaint, Bonsall received several warnings that he needed to pay for the court-ordered domestic violence classes. Last month his doctor placed Bonsall on a "financial freeze" so that he would only receive credit for the classes after he paid for them. Bonsall signed a contract saying he would pay for the classes by June 10 to comply with his probation. On June 12, Bonsall had not paid for the classes and submitted a positive breath test with blood alcohol content at 0.04 percent.

Bonsall has had several interactions with law enforcement in the past. He was suspected of drunk driving and stopped by police in 2001 and 2004, and he's been ticketed for underage drinking in two different counties.

Violating probation may require you to appear in court or land you in jail. If you've violated the terms of your probation, then you'll want a legal expert who can help you understand the differences between summary probation and formal probation and can explain your legal options. Your freedom is important, so contact Attorney Victor Orsatti.

'Family Ties' star Brian Bonsall accused of violating probation, DailyCamera.com, July 15, 2008

Brian Bonsall violates probation, Celebrity.RightPundits.com, July 15, 2008

California Highway Patrol officers arrested rapper Nate Dogg (real name: Nathaniel Dwayne Hale) after a car chase on June 23. The 38-year-old rapper is perhaps best known for his guest performances on hit albums by 50 Cent, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg. In a true bad boy fashion, Nate Dogg's estranged wife had called 911 after the singer allegedly threatened her life and chased her down Interstate 405.

Nate Dogg is the cousin of fellow rapper Snoop Dogg and is set to be arraigned on July 16 on two felony counts of making criminal threats, a felony count of stalking, and a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license from an earlier DUI. In addition to his previous DUI charge, he was also sentenced to probation earlier this year for attacking his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend in 2006.

The morning after his arrest, Nate Dogg was released on bond. Several media outlets have attempted to contact Dogg's attorney, but he declined to comment on the case.

If you're facing criminal charges for DUI or other offenses in California, then Victor A. Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center can help. Attorney Orsatti will review your case and help you understand your options. Time is of the essence, so contact the San Diego Law Center and get the legal help you need.

Nate Dogg Charged With Stalking, E! Online, July 8, 2008

Nate Dogg Charged Over Road Rage Wife Chase, The Post Chronicle, July 8, 2008

Nate Dogg to Face Felonies, DailyBreeze.com, July 7, 2008

It can't be easy being the children of a celebrity. Case in point: Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal's son Redmond and daughter Tatum. Last January, cops pulled over Redmond for speeding on Malibu, California's Pacific Coast Highway. Police spotted the 23-year-old driving erratically and discovered drug paraphernalia when they searched his car. He was charged with two felonies: possession of methamphetamine and heroin and a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence (DUI).

In a Malibu court last month, Redmond pleaded guilty to the felony and misdemeanor charges in an attempt to avoid jail time. A second DUI charge was dropped as part of the plea deal. Redmond was fined about $1,700 and will remain in drug treatment until his July hearing. He was also placed on three years probation.

Having checked into rehab 12 times over the last decade, Redmond is no stranger to rehab. He also escaped a jail sentence in 2005, after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine and cocaine.

Redmond's half sister Tatum will return to court on July 28 after cops found her attempting to buy crack cocaine near her apartment in New York City. Tatum told People magazine that the incident was "a giant, horrible mistake."

Sound familiar? If you're being charged with drug possession or driving under the influence, then you need a lawyer with a proven track record for criminal defense. Victor A. Orsatti at The San Diego Law Center can help you understand your options and walk you through the legal process. Your freedom is important, so contact a qualified San Diego criminal defense lawyer and get the legal help you need

Redmond O'Neal Pleads Guilty to Heroin, Meth Possession, People magazine, June 27, 2008

Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal's Son Gets Probation, ShowBizSpy.com, June 27, 2008

Redmond O'Neal Pleads Guilty to Heroin, Meth Possession, Boston Herald, June 27, 2008

Beverly Hills, California was abuzz last week with yet another drunk driving scandal. This time it wasn't celebutante Paris Hilton or pop princess Britney Spears who was charged with DUI, but celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Jan Adams. Dr. Adams reportedly operated on rapper Kanye West's mother, Donda West, the day before she died last November. The LA County Coroner's office did not discover any surgical errors that may have caused West's death. However, Adams was already under investigation by the California Medical Board, which was considering revoking the doctor's medical license.

Last week also marked the last week for California's drug and alcohol diversion program for doctors. After being called ineffective (even by the California Medical Board, which operated the program), the program quietly closed its doors after 27 years. If Adams is any indication, then ineffective may be an understatement.

Adams pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 2003, then had his driver's license suspended after a 2006 DUI conviction. The California surgeon's license was still suspended when he was arrested on the morning of Thursday, June 26. Police officers found Adams' Jaguar XK8 traveling in the wrong direction on the Lake Herman Road offramp on Interstate 680 near Cordelia. After a field sobriety test, Adams was arrested and taken to Solano County Jail in Fairfield. He was found to have a blood alcohol level of .20 percent - almost three times the presumptive level for intoxication under California law.

The Harvard-educated surgeon and frequent TV show guest pleaded not guilty to all charges. Barbara James, Solano County Superior Court Commissioner accepted the plea and set a trial calling for 9 a.m. on Friday, July 18.

If you're facing charges for DUI or DWI, then contact an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorneys. Victor A. Orsatti will review your case for free if you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving in San Diego. Your freedom is important, so we look forward to working with you.

Drug program for doctors closes, The Sacramento Bee, July 6, 2008

Celebrity surgeon pleads not guilty, The Reporter, July 1, 2008