San Diego Law Blog
Fentanyl Criminality in the Media


Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic, like morphine, but is 50 to 100 times more powerful. It is a schedule II prescription drug and is typically used to treat patients with severe chronic pain or to help manage pain after an accident or surgery. Fentanyl can be administered via injection, patch, or tablet. It is also sometimes used illicitly as a recreational drug. Fentanyl can be extremely dangerous; even a small dose can cause respiratory depression and death.
• Continue Reading “Fentanyl Criminality in the Media…”
Strange DUIs Involving Unique Vehicles


A DUI is a criminal offense that occurs when a person operates a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can include driving while under the influence of prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, illegal drugs, or alcohol. A DUI can also occur when a person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If a person is convicted of a DUI, they may face penalties such as fines, jail time, and the suspension of their driver’s license.
• Continue Reading “Strange DUIs Involving Unique Vehicles…”
What Are DUIs with No Proof of Driving?


DUIs without proof of driving are called “DUIs by discovery.” This is when the arresting officer finds no evidence that the driver was operating the vehicle. The most common type of DUI by discovery is when the driver is found sleeping behind the wheel. The driver may be charged with a DUI if the officer believes that the driver was intoxicated at the time of an incident.
• Continue Reading “What Are DUIs with No Proof of Driving?…”
Can You Get a DUI if You’re in an Accident That Isn’t Your Fault?


Suppose you meet some friends for dinner at a restaurant and have a few drinks with your meal. Then, as you are driving home (extra cautiously), someone runs a red light and T-bones your vehicle. When the police arrived to investigate the crash, can you get a DUI?
The short answer is yes. If you were over the legal limit, you could be charged with driving under the influence, even if the other driver caused the accident.
• Continue Reading “Can You Get a DUI if You’re in an Accident That Isn’t Your Fault?…”
Do I Need a Lawyer Even if I’m Planning on Pleading Guilty?


If you are facing criminal charges, there are plenty of reasons to retain a lawyer, even if you are planning to plead guilty. Under our country’s criminal justice system, everyone deserves a vigorous defense. Even if you plead guilty to a crime, you are entitled to fair process, a just sentence, and protection of your rights under the Constitution. It is in your best interests to speak with an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
• Continue Reading “Do I Need a Lawyer Even if I’m Planning on Pleading Guilty?…”
How Do Police Officers Measure DUI Impairment from Drugs


Aside from DUI checkpoints, police in California need reasonable suspicion to pull you over – facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has taken place or will take place, and that further investigation is warranted. If you were weaving excessively, driving erratically, ran a stop sign, or had a brake light out or a cracked windshield, you may be subjected to a traffic stop. Once they pull you over, officers will be looking for signs of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Continue Reading “How Do Police Officers Measure DUI Impairment from Drugs…”
What Are the Levels of Fentanyl Charges You Could Be Facing?


Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, similar to morphine, but 50 to 100 times more potent, as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is a prescription medication, used to treat patients with severe pain, particularly after surgery, or patients with chronic pain who cannot tolerate other opioids. As a prescription medication, fentanyl is sold under names such as Durgesic, Actiq, and Sublimaze.
• Continue Reading “What Are the Levels of Fentanyl Charges You Could Be Facing?…”
Common Mistakes Officers Make at DUI Checkpoints


Police routinely set up DUI checkpoints in an effort to catch people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unlike normal traffic stops, they do not need probable cause to stop you at a checkpoint. Although these roadblocks are permitted under California law, police are required to follow specific guidelines. When they fail to do so, defendants arrested at a checkpoint have grounds to challenge the arrest.
• Continue Reading “Common Mistakes Officers Make at DUI Checkpoints…”
Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships


In the past, domestic violence awareness has been primarily focused on heterosexual relationships. However, researchers found that participants who identified as gay or lesbian reported higher domestic violence and sexual violence rates than heterosexuals in a recent CDC study. In fact, gay men and bisexual women are more likely to experience severe physical domestic violence than straight people, as reported by HRC.
• Continue Reading “Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships…”
What If You Damage Property While DUI?


Driving under the influence, or DUI is considered an offense in the state of California. It is extremely dangerous to drive while experiencing the effects of alcohol, as it can alter your brain and your ability to function normally.
As DUIs often involve reckless driving, there is a possibility that you may damage property while driving under the influence. While DUIs alone can have a myriad of consequences, causing damage to someone’s property while driving intoxicated can worsen the penalties you may face.
• Continue Reading “What If You Damage Property While DUI?…”
Don’t Waste Any Time!
Call us today for a FREE Consultation
(760) 630-2000


- Criminal Law Expert - Led by a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Read More
- 100s of Cases Tried - Since 1990, James Dicks has represented hundreds of clients. Read Bio
- Client Approved - Read our online testimonials from satisfied jD LAW Clients. Yelp Reviews


- December 30, 2022
Fentanyl Criminality in the Media - December 15, 2022
Strange DUIs Involving Unique Vehicles - December 5, 2022
What Are DUIs with No Proof of Driving?