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NEW Criminal Law Changes For California In 2012

More than 700 law changes were made into effect at the beginning of 2012. Areas include DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, and many others. Learn how these law changes may affect your criminal case. Read New Criminal Laws for 2012 - California

What to do when pulled over for DUI - Advice From DUI Attorney

DUI penalties can be serious. Here's what to do if pulled over when you've had one too many.

Please don't drink and drive Los Angeles authorities are taking more initiatives to crack down on drunk drivers through DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Now is the time to think about a plan of action if you get pulled over by the police after having ONE TOO MANY of your favorite alcoholic drink(s).

1 YOU HAVE JUST BEEN PULLED OVER – your heart is racing - heavy breathing

Hopefully you have purchased your drink(s) by credit card so this information can be used to challenge the test results.
Before the officer approaches your car, roll down all your windows to clear out the odor of any alcohol beverage emitting from inside your car from your heavy breathing.
Telling the officer, “I just feel buzzed” will not help your case.
If you do NOT know an answer to a question, say “I don’t know.” Do NOT guess.

2 TIME TO PERFORM FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS – pause - take a deep breath - relax

If you are 21 years old or older, you have the right to refuse the field sobriety tests and the preliminary alcohol screening test (handheld test at car). But, that refusal may have consequences in DMV & Court.
Stand straight. Don’t sway. Speak clearly. Speak in mono-syllables, for example, “no sir” or “yes sir” to the police officer. Use as few words as necessary to get your point across.
If you do agree to perform a field sobriety test, remove your heels before performing the “walk-the-line” and/or “heel-to-toe” test.
Request that any physical, mental or medical disabilities be included in the officer’s report.

3 AT THE POLICE STATION

You can choose between a blood or breath test.
But remember that the blood test is more accurate.
Refusing a blood alcohol test at the police station is not a way out. Your license will be suspended and used as an “admission of guilt” by both DMV & Court.

4 BACK AT HOME

Jot down the names of witnesses immediately so they can later testify how much, when and what you had to drink.
Retrieve your car from the impound lot ASAP.
Prepare for your DMV hearing.

If you have been arrested on suspicion of drinking under the influence in Los Angeles, contact us to learn more about your rights in court proceedings. This might be a difficult time, but as your DUI/DWI defense lawyer, we are here to help. Don’t fight DUI charges alone.

Sincerely,
TOM R. MEDRANO
DUI/DWI Defense Attorney, Los Angeles County

Our law office proudly represents first time offenders throughout Southern California.

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