San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Last week, the Highway Patrol caught a suspected bank robber from California after stopping the suspect’s car for a traffic violation. Erick Dinse, 40, refused to stop for a trooper who tried to pull him over. Eventually, they resorted to road spikes to stop Dinse’s car.

After the trooper stooped Dinse, it was discovered that Dinse was driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the California Highway Patrol, Dinse had also stolen the license plates on his car and had an outstanding warrant for a bank robbery in Sacramento, California.

Authorities have charged Dinse with DUI, eluding police, possession of stolen property, driving without a license, and being a fugitive from justice, among other charges. He is awaiting extradition to California.

Highway patrol arrest suspected bank robber from California, ArgusLeader.com, August 26, 2008

Continue reading " Suspected California Bank Robber Charged with DUI " »

With the Beijing Olympics wrapping up last weekend, all the world was abuzz with news about Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, and the other Team USA athletes. Phelps may have broken Olympic records, but in 2004, at the age of 19, he received 18 months probation after pleading guilty to drunk driving.

Yes, even Olympic gold medalists have run-ins with the law. In Phelps’ case, his DUI defense attorney was able to reach an agreement with prosecutors that granted the Olympic swimmer probation before judgment. As long as Phelps complied with the terms of probation, his record would be expunged.

The terms of his probation included a requirement that Phelps pay $250 in fines and speak at three schools to advise young people about the dangers of alcohol and the importance of making good choices.

Phelps was also ordered to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs, attend a victim impact panel meeting sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and report to a probation supervisor once a month. In return for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped charges for driving under the influence, underage drinking, and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Why America should stop obsessing over Michael Phelps, College Off the Record, August 19, 2008

Olympic Champ Sentenced For DUI, CBSNews.com, December 29, 2004

Continue reading " Even Olympians Not Immune from DUI " »

Warning to those might consider driving with a blood alcohol level above .08: law enforcement agencies across the country and locally in Riverside County are intensifying DUI patrols from now until Labor Day in an attempt to crack down on drunk driving. “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest” is a nationwide campaign by the National High Traffic Safety Administration involving sobriety checkpoints and other measures.

Riverside police traffic bureau supervisor Karen Haverkamp said the county’s 30 law enforcement agencies are involved in the campaign, including the municipal police departments and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

In 2006, California had 1,597 alcohol-related traffic deaths, with more than 31,000 people injured in DUI crashes. As Haverhamp pointed out, those convicted of DUI face fines, jail time, and a revoked driver’s license, among other penalties.

County to step up DUI patrols, SignOnSanDiego.com, August 15, 2008

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Last week police arrested a Coachella, California man on suspicion of DUI after a hit and run collision. Baldomero Pita Morales, 23, is behind bars after hitting a guard rail on California state route 86 south of Dillon Road. The man fled on foot at about 7:30 pm last Tuesday.

At the time of the collision, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter was overhead and followed the driver until police arrived at the scene, according to CHP information officer Ramon Perez.

In California, drunk driving charges result in two cases to be processed. One is processed by the DMV and the other is processed by the court system. The case against the defendant in the latter includes two separate charges. These are known as the (a) and (b) counts, and the defendant can only be punished once for both of the charges.

Coachella man behind bars on suspicion of DUI, MyDesert.com, August 13, 2008

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In Bakersfield, California, a driver suspected of DUI hit another vehicle twice and led police on a chase for about six miles. Around 6:40 pm on Saturday, August 2, police officers headed to California Avenue and Oak Street in response to a call alerting them to a possible drunk driver in a white Dodge Neon.

As the driver, Gumaro Lopez fled the area, the 30-year-old hit a brown Honda Civic twice on California Avenue. Fortunately, the woman driving the Civic was not injured.

Police pursued Lopez and caught up to him at the 1200 block of Castaic Drive near Norris Road in Oildale. Lopez was arrested on suspicion of DUI, hit and run and resisting arrest.

Continue reading " California DUI Suspect Arrested " »

It seems all of California (and the rest of the world, for that matter) is buzzing about Shia LeBeouf's recent DUI arrest. Though no charges were filed against LeBeouf, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging the actor to install ignition interlock breaks on all vehicles registered in his name.

Here is an excerpt from the open letter MADD sent to LeBeouf:

An ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle's ignition system and is normally mandated to convicted drunk drivers as a condition of probation. We hope Mr. LaBeouf will voluntarily use the opportunity of his DUI arrest to educate his fans – and the country – about this life-saving device by installing the device on his vehicles.

California State Senate’s Public Safety Committee also forwarded a bill to Senate Appropriations Committee that would give first-time DUI offenders the option of installing ignition interlocks on their cars if they want to continue driving. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles and would allow those accused of DUI the chance to get back on the road sooner.

The device has been proven effective in preventing DUI, and MADD is lobbying the California state senate to encourage passage of the bill. Washington, Nebraska, Alaska, and Colorado have already expanded use of the alcohol ignition interlock to all those convicted of drunk driving.

MADD Has A Message For Shia LeBeouf, HollywoodScoop.com, July 29, 2008

Continue reading " MADD Encourages Actor to Install Ignition Interlock Breaks to Crack Down on DUI " »

Actor Shia LaBeouf will not be charged with DUI in the now famous July 27 car accident in Hollywood, California. Though the Indiana Jones star showed physical signs of intoxication when police arrived, the other driver is listed as “Party One” for running a red light.

Meanwhile, LaBeouf is still recovering from hand injuries resulting from the car crash. Though rumors claimed the 22-year-old would need to have his pinkie amputated, LeBeouf’s publicist denies the rumors. In fact, LaBeouf has been spotted around Southern California wearing a cast over his damaged hand, including the infamous pinkie. He will need several surgeries on his hand.

LaBeouf is also rumored to be contemplating checking into a rehab clinic for his alcohol addiction. However, a representative for LaBeouf said the current focus is on healing the actor’s hand so he can return to work.

No Amputation for Shia LaBeouf, E! Online, August 6, 2008

Shia LaBeouf is reportedly heading to rehab, AZCentral.com, August 7, 2008

Continue reading " LaBeouf Considering Rehab After DUI Arrest in California " »

Fans cheering on the San Diego Chargers will find new rules aimed at preventing alcohol-fueled fights and unruly behavior at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium this season. The rules go into effect at tomorrow’s preseason opener, in with the Chargers take on the Dallas Cowboys, and will apply to all stadium events going forward.

Fans will be allowed two drinks per transaction until the third quarter of the game, when a one-drink limit goes into effect. During the fourth quarter, alcohol will be unavailable. During the December 4 game against the Oakland Raiders, alcohol sales will end after the first half. Alcohol management teams plans to watch fans inside the stadium and kick out those who appear drunk. Stadium officials are also adding more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are planned in the area during game days.

In 2007, 15 people were per home game on average. Police had to ask another 45 people to leave the stadium for violating the rules. In the past two years, the Chargers have taken away season tickets from several hundred fans who violated the stadium’s rules of conduct. Those fans also lost the right to buy season tickets in the future.

Chargers unveil code of conduct for fans, San Diego Union-Tribune, August 6, 2008

Continue reading " San Diego Chargers Tighten Rules to Prevent DUI, Bar Brawls " »

In Los Angeles, California, redheaded siren Angie Everhart was slapped with a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence back in April. She was released on $15,000 bail. More recently, the DUI charges were dismissed when the actress/model pleaded no contest to reckless driving charges.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner ordered Everhart to participate in a 12-hour alcohol education program and not to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in her system. He also gave the 38-year-old 36 months on probation and a $300 fine.

Angie Everhart has appeared on the covers of ELLE and Glamour magazines. She has also posed for Playboy and Sports Illustrated. Her film career includes movies such as The Last Action Hero, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood, Denial, Trigger Happy, and Gunblast Vodka. The vampy redhead is also famous for dating men including Syvester Stallone (to whom she was briefly engaged to in 1995), Howard Stern, Joe Pesci, and the Duke of York.

If you're facing drunk driving or DUI charges in San Diego, then contact an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer. Victor A. Orsatti will review your case for free if you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving in San Diego. In some cases, he may be able to reduce or eliminate jail time.

Angie Everhart Says No Contest To Reckless Driving, CBS2.com, July 31, 2008

Related Web Resource

Angie Everhart, wikipedia.org

While on tour in Texas last week, rapper Snoop Dogg and his entourage were stopped by police for having an expired registration sticker. Police stepped onto Snoop Dogg’s tour bus and searched for drugs after catching a whiff of marijuana. They discovered two ounces of the drug and arrested Ethan Calhoun, 27, and Kevin Barkey, 26, who confessed that the weed belonged to them.

Both men were transported to Navarro County Jail on drug possession charges and, if convicted, face fines of up to $2,000 and six months in jail. The pair appeared before a justice of the peace and were released after posting bond ($1,500 each).

Snoop Dogg has not been charged in connection with the two men on his tour bus. However, the rapper, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr., had been arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California last year. He pleaded no contest to felony gun and marijuana charges and agreed to five years’ probation, plus 800 hours of community service.

San Diego lawyer Victor Orsatti handles all types of felony or misdemeanor cases, including drug crimes. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, or other drugs, then contact Attorney Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center. He may be able to reduce or eliminate jail time if this is a first offense.

Snoop Dogg's Tour Bus Stopped By Police; Two Men Arrested On Drug Charges, MTV.com, August 1, 2008

Snoop Dogg Tour Bus Pulled Over; 2 Arrested, AccessHollywood.com, August 1, 2008