Alcohol Abuse and Using a DUI as a Wake-Up Call

By San Diego Attorney on February 1, 2024

DUI cases are unfortunately common in California. Between 125,000 to 200,000 California residents are arrested yearly on DUI charges, according to the DMV. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know people charged with a DUI are likely to be experiencing a range of emotions, from shock and regret to anger and confusion about how this could have happened. While some difficult times are ahead, this could be an opportunity for positive change.

The Stigma Surrounding DUI Charges

Whatever the circumstances surrounding an accusation of drunk driving, there are additional factors that come into play outside of the legal ramifications. Because of the stigma surrounding DUI charges, you may observe changes in the way people interact with you at home, work, or in social settings. It is important that friends and family of persons accused of a DUI work towards a more compassionate approach. Empathy can lead to finding constructive solutions to alcohol abuse instead of further isolation.

Alcohol Abuse as an Underlying Issue

Alcohol abuse is a complex and prevalent problem. In a recent year, about 28.8 million people over the age of 18 in the U.S. suffered from alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The fact is that almost 1 in 10 people abuse alcohol. This could be a major contributing factor to the high incidence of DUI cases in our state.

The Wake-Up Call: A Chance for Change

If you are struggling with excessive drinking and were recently arrested for DUI, this is an opportunity to make a change. To start, you can:

• Take this moment to reflect on your situation.
• Make an effort to acknowledge the problems alcohol may have created in your life.
• Take motivation from the fact that if you are convicted, you may be subject to jail time, fines, and having your license suspended as a reason to do something effective with your life.
• Seek healthy rehabilitation and treatment options that care for your whole well-being.

Legal Strategies for DUI Defense

While you focus on personal betterment, your case must still be handled. With the help of a skilled San Diego DUI defense attorney, you have several legal strategies available that could be used to address your situation. Some examples of DUI defenses include:

• Indicating an unlawful police stop. Law enforcement must have a reasonable suspicion that the driver has committed some kind of violation before pulling them over. If there were no grounds for the traffic stop, it could affect evidence collected after the fact.
• Making a motion to suppress. If the officer did not follow standard procedures during his DUI investigation, this can be used to label some evidence as unlawful.
• Challenging breath-test results. Standard roadside breathalyzers are subject to error. Your results and the test methodology can be investigated to find inaccuracies.
• Challenging field sobriety tests. Roadside tests conducted by law enforcement, including asking you to walk in a straight line or stand on one leg and count upwards from 1,000, can be subjective. Results can also be affected by age and specific physical conditions.

Call On Us for Your San Diego DUI Defense

If you are facing DUI charges in San Diego, you can turn to jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for personalized legal counsel and a strategic defense. Whether you are struggling with alcohol addiction or this is your first offense, we will treat you with the respect and empathy you deserve.

Serving the Southern California community for over 30 years, DUI defense lawyer James N. Dicks has the experience and skill to bring your case to the best possible outcome. Mr. Dicks served with the LA Police Department before becoming a criminal defense attorney. For you, that means he knows the law inside and out, a key to your legal success.

Call us to discuss your case free of charge at (760) 630-2000 today.