Criminal Defense

Do I Need a Lawyer Even if I’m Planning on Pleading Guilty?

By San Diego Attorney on November 15, 2022

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.

How Do Police Officers Measure DUI Impairment from Drugs

By San Diego Attorney on November 5, 2022

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.

What Are the Levels of Fentanyl Charges You Could Be Facing?

By San Diego Attorney on October 20, 2022

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.

Common Mistakes Officers Make at DUI Checkpoints

By San Diego Attorney on October 10, 2022

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.

Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships

By San Diego Attorney on October 1, 2022

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.

What If You Damage Property While DUI?

By San Diego Attorney on September 25, 2022

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.

Is It a Crime To Take Drugs Without a Prescription?

By San Diego Attorney on September 15, 2022

Many people use FDA-approved drugs to help them manage a myriad of health problems. These medications are usually given to you in conjunction with your doctor, who will issue a prescription. However, what happens if you possess these drugs without a prescription?

You should know that in the state of California, it is a crime to possess drugs without a prescription under the Business & Professions Code 4060 BP. This is because prescription drugs are controlled substances, meaning that possession and use of them without a valid prescription is illegal.

How Alcohol Affects Our Vision

By San Diego Attorney on September 5, 2022

Many adults enjoy a drink or two, whether it be for celebration or relaxation. As enjoyable as alcohol is, users should be wary of the negative effects that overconsumption can have on them, especially on their brains.

Excessive alcohol inhibits proper communication within the brain’s pathways, negatively affecting brain function. While alcohol can create feelings of happiness, bravery, and relaxation, it can also cause slurred speech, poor judgment, memory issues, and balance issues.

New DUI Prevention Technology Coming Soon

By San Diego Attorney on August 24, 2022

Recent Congressional legislation will require future cars to include technology that monitors the driver to determine if they are too intoxicated to drive. As stipulated by the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Biden in 2021, all new automobiles sold in America will be equipped with these drunk driving prevention devices as soon as the technology is available.

Automakers and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) are working together to design and implement Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) that will “passively monitor the performance of the driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether the driver may be impaired.”

Aging and DUIs: Does Your Age Change Things?

By San Diego Attorney on August 15, 2022

People are living longer an seniors continue to enjoy active lives. And this includes driving. There are over 40 million drivers over the age of 65, which is 50 percent more than there were just 20 years ago.

With more seniors driving, there’s a greater risk for problems that result from automobile collisions. In fact, over 6800 seniors die in traffic accidents annually.