DUI

Understanding San Diego’s Social Host Ordinance

By San Diego Attorney on February 20, 2021

Anyone who has hosted a party knows how difficult it is to wrangle guests together and keep things orderly, especially when alcohol is involved. It is very easy to become distracted and lose track of the situation. If you are hosting anyone under the age of 21, you face certain legal difficulties in San Diego. Our county has strict laws designed to combat underage drinking, including a Social Host Ordinance that allows district attorneys to prosecute party hosts for allowing underage drinking to occur on their watch.

Alcohol in the Blood: Understanding BAC Levels in California

By San Diego Attorney on January 10, 2021

A person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is one of the key elements used by district attorneys to convict them of driving under the influence (DUI) in the state of California. Generally, if a police officer suspects someone of driving while intoxicated, the officer can pull them over and request a breathalyzer test to measure the driver’s BAC. If the driver has a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, then the officer can arrest the driver for DUI. However, BAC tests are not foolproof, and there are several factors that can influence the test to show a positive result, even if you have not had any alcohol.

How to Get a License Reinstated After a DUI

By San Diego Attorney on December 10, 2020

Being convicted of a DUI can lead to both administrative punishments and criminal penalties, each of which will have a major impact on your life. While first-time offenders may be able to avoid criminal charges, they may still have to deal with a license suspension if they are not successful in a DMV hearing. Losing your license could impact your career, your relationships, and generally just make it extremely difficult to live in California. Reinstating it, while not impossible, also requires several key steps.

The Value of a Wet Reckless Plea

By San Diego Attorney on October 14, 2020

When you are charged with a DUI in San Diego, you may automatically assume that the charges against you are set in stone. However, DUIs are complicated cases, and defendants have several options that can allow them to avoid significant prison time and fines. This will all depend on the specific evidence in your case and the effectiveness of your attorney, but you may be able to avoid a charge with a plea of wet reckless.

Understanding DUI Enhancements in California

By San Diego Attorney on October 1, 2020

The state of California has complex laws regarding DUIs that most defendants are not aware of how serious their charges can be. Even for first-time offenders, prosecutors in San Diego County can level significant charges if they have evidence of additional crimes or you meet certain criteria. These are often referred to as “enhancements” and can take a single misdemeanor charge and turn it into a felony.

Watch Out for the DUI Checkpoints

By San Diego Attorney on September 18, 2019

The San Diego police plan, publicize, and execute DUI checkpoints regularly. Locations for these checkpoints are chosen based on previous accidents and DUI arrests. In a recent article in the Times of San Diego, a representative of the police department stated that crashes involving impaired drivers can be reduced by up to 20% when well-publicized DUI operations are conducted on a routine basis.

Consequences of Multiple DUIs in San Diego

By San Diego Attorney on August 21, 2019

Here at jD LAW, P.C., “driving under the influence” charges in San Diego are somewhat of a specialty. Since 1990, our founder, James N. Dicks, has handled thousands of DUI cases and we offer a special rate for first-time misdemeanor DUIs—$3,000 for a one-time payment, and $3,500 in two installments of $1,750. (But we can be flexible if you need more time to pay for your defense.) In this spirit, we wanted to share this infographic with you, to remind you of what is at stake if you are convicted of a first (or second, or third) DUI. Do not risk it. Call (760) 630-2000 for a free initial consultation and get our help today!

Summer Drinks, Checkpoints, and DUIs

By San Diego Attorney on July 17, 2019

Summer is finally here! That means barbeques, family get-togethers, and outdoor recreation, with plenty of opportunities to have a few drinks. Unfortunately, some people do get behind the wheel with more than the legal blood alcohol limit in their systems. Police in San Diego are on the lookout for inebriated drivers, and are more proactive in their pursuit of potential DUI violations when the season comes around.

Multiple DUIs: Is It Groundhog Day?

By San Diego Attorney on February 13, 2019

Being arrested for a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense can result in fines and jail time, if you are convicted. However, sentencing for a second, third, or fourth DUI may be even worse.

Anyone charged with multiple DUIs needs to speak to a San Diego criminal defense attorney who can help get the charges reduced, or dismissed altogether. When choosing your attorney, do not just seek the help of any criminal defense lawyer—speak to jD LAW, P.C. Our team specializes in multiple DUIs.

Say No to a New Year DUI

By San Diego Attorney on January 10, 2019

In 2015, 69 people were arrested for drunk driving in San Diego County alone during New Year’s Eve and the following Sunday morning. In total, California Highway Patrol arrested over 1,000 people on freeways and local streets during peak hours on New Year’s Eve, from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 6:00 a.m. the following Sunday.

Not only is the arrival of the New Year a big drinking occasion, but police are also creating more checkpoints to catch intoxicated drivers. If you were arrested in a checkpoint, you should hire an experienced SD criminal defense attorney at jD LAW, P.C.