While California's criminal law allows someone charged with a crime to plead insanity, it is very difficult to succeed with this strategy. State law tends to hold individuals responsible for their actions unless their thoughts and self-control were extremely affected...
DUI Cases
How might a DUI conviction impact a college student?
In college, students often have a rich social life in addition to their academic life. When that social life involves alcohol, however, one mistake might lead to a criminal charge that impacts their life and their participation in college. How can a charge of driving...
How do officers determine whether someone is under the influence of drugs?
Many people are aware of the tests that officers may employ when determining whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol — including a breath test or field sobriety tests. However, you may not be aware of the ways that they identify potential drug use. How do...
When does a DUI conviction lead to IID installation?
After a drunk driving conviction, the penalties of a conviction can limit a person's freedom in various ways. Many people face limitations like jail time. They may also lose their license, but in some cases they may still be able to drive with an ignition interlock...
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI?
It can be easy to make a mistake after a night out with friends or a happy hour event. If that mistake leads to charges of driving under the influence (DUI), though, a conviction could have a serious impact on your future, even if this is your first time facing...
Do I need to report my DUI arrest to my boss?
Most people know about the long-term impact that a drunk driving conviction can have on their career. This can lead many to wonder whether they need to inform their employer that the authorities charged them with driving under the influence (DUI) after an arrest. Do...
Can you get a DUI for driving while hungover?
After a night out with friends, you may have taken all the right steps. You may have gotten a ride home from a designated driver or called a taxi to ensure that you traveled home safely. However, if you struggle with the symptoms of a hangover the next morning, you...
Can I be charged with a DUI if my BAC is less than the legal limit?
Most people know that drivers above a certain blood alcohol content (BAC) cannot legally operate a vehicle on California’s roadways. You may think that you cannot be in legal trouble if your BAC is lower than the legal limit, but that is not necessarily the case. What...
How does your criminal record impact the penalties for a DUI?
Mistakes happen, and some of those mistakes may live on in your criminal record. These past mistakes can have an even greater impact if you face criminal charges again. How might a prior conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) impact the penalties you face?...
Commercial drivers face stricter DUI penalties
When people in California hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), their life and their livelihood depend on maintaining that license. However, drunk driving charges can put their license and their career at risk. What should CDL holders know about driving under the...