San Diego Criminal Lawyer Blog

San Diego DUI lawyer, Steven Brodsky defended a 38 yo San Diego resident who was charges with a DUI. His BAC at the time was in the range of .18%. NOT GUILTY-SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR COURT with San Diego DUI Lawyer Stephen Brodsky.

Stephen Brodsky's client was driving on PCH when an Encinitas Sheriff pulled him over for doing 40 in a 35 mile-per-hour zone. The Encinitas Deputy Sheriff stopped this individual and parked his patrol car approximately 100 yards from where Stephen Brodsky ran a string of field sobriety tests.

During the trial, Stepehen Brodsky's client said that he was missing a hundred dollars from his wallet after he was bailed out of jail. During Stepehen Brodsky's cross examination, this completely took the Encinitas Sheriff by surprise when he asked him to explain the missing hundred dollars.

The Deputy seemed visibly nervous and acted very suspiciously, and compounded with the fact that he stammered everything seemed to add up that the Sheriff may indeed of taken the funds. The jury came to a quick conclusion and only after 30 minutes of deliberation returned a not guilty verdict.

A Temecula man who was on probation and driving on a suspended license when he reportedly caused a DUI crash killing an Orange County man, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Kenneth Lawrence Perez was handed the maximum sentence on a second-degree murder conviction in connection with the death of 65-year-old Chun Hong Kim in a DUI auto accident Aug. 25, 2005.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that Perez had two prior DUI convictions before this fatal accident. Eyewitnesses who testified during the trial also said that Perez was driving at a high rate of speed on an Orange County surface street when he tried to squeeze between two cars and slammed into Kim’s Mercedes Benz. Kim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Perez’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit in California, which is 0.08 percent.

Very often repeat DUI offenders suffer because they do not get the help they need. Jail or prison is not the answer to alcohol or drug addiction. A knowledgeable and experienced San Diego DUI Lawyer will be able to secure alternative sentencing for DUI offenders such as enrollment in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.

In most cases where a person has prior DUI convictions, the punishment for a repeat offense, especially if it involves serious injury or fatalities, is bound to be harsh. If you or someone you love has been charged with a repeat DUI offense, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer in San Diego and in surrounding cities for a free consultation. Also remember that just because you have prior DUI convictions, you cannot be arrested or charged with a DUI without strong evidence. Call us today to discuss your DUI case.

A DUI suspect in Perris reportedly crashed into a motorcycle and then left the scene inadvertently driving away with the motorcyclist’s dead body lodged in the rear window of his car. Tony Martinez, 54, reportedly cut off motorcyclist Nicholas Justin Campbell as he was pulling out of a parking lot, according to this news report on Fox News’ Web site. California Highway Patrol officials said Campbell was traveling at 80 mph when Martinez reportedly cut him off.

The motorcycle slammed into Martinez’s vehicle and Campbell was thrown through the car’s rear window. Martinez only realized Campbell was in his car after he got home. He then drove Campbell’s body to a Riverside County fire station where the 20-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead. Martinez was reportedly arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. In California, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. A DUI arrest in San Diego or elsewhere can adversely affect your job, mobility, auto insurance and quality of life. In some cases, where repeat DUI offenses are involved, a DUI conviction could result in significant jail time.

Do not let this happen to you. If you have been charged with drunk driving or vehicular manslaughter, which is a serious felony, please call a truly experienced San Diego DUI lawyer. Call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky. We will help you prepare a winning defense and fight your DUI.

A 57-year-old repeat drunk driver was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a November 2006 DUI auto accident in Murrieta that left one woman dead and two others with serious injuries. According to this news report in the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Douglas Kent Hale was driving his Ford pickup on Palomar Street in Murrieta Nov. 17 when he swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Mitsubishi Mirage. Officials reported that Hale’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.28 percent, which is more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Hale reportedly told a DA’s investigator that he has had a drinking problem for years and two prior DUI convictions. An ignition lock device was installed in his car a few years ago. This device is one where the driver has to blow into a tube for the car to start. Hale also admitted to attending alcohol education classes and AA meetings. Hale has been charged with second-degree murder and DUI resulting in death and serious injury.

In this case, clearly, Hale faces a murder charge because of his prior convictions. Repeat offenders who face a DUI investigation should immediately retain the services of a truly experienced Riverside DUI defense attorney who will help protect your legal rights. If you or someone you love has been arrested on suspicion of DUI with priors in Riverside, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky a Riverside County and San Diego County DUI lawyer to find out how to fight your DUI. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.

A person suspected of driving under the influence reportedly crashed his minivan into a Hillcrest restaurant after getting into an argument with his female passenger. According to San Diego police, the driver smashed into the storefront and stopped near the Rice Kind on West Washington Street, losing control of his van, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Police said the couple was fighting, but that the man had let the woman out right before the crash. The driver, who has not been identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The woman was transported to the hospital for evaluation, but it is not known whether she suffered any injuries.

Penalties for a DUI in San Diego can be very serious. The punishments may include losing your license, probation, jail or prison time, costly fines, mandatory court imposed alcohol programs as well as much higher auto insurance rates. DUIs also wreak havoc on defendants’ personal lives, jobs and harm future career prospects. There may be even higher penalties if certain violations occur. It's important that you call a DUI Lawyer in San Diego.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in San Diego, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer in San Diego for a free consultation to discuss your case and defend your DUI charge. Don’t assume you are guilty. Mr. Brodsky will give you an honest evaluation of your case, listen to your side of the story and give you the best course of action for your defense. Call us today.

Michael Bejasa, a 35-year-old Sage man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after he crashed into a car on State Street and seriously injured his passenger, 37-year-old Stasha Lewellyn, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The accident reportedly occurred on State Street, north of Domenigoni Parkway, when Bejasa crashed into another car. Bejasa’s car rolled over and Lewellyn was ejected from the vehicle.

Bejasa was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, in this case, a hypodermic syringe. Police say Bejasa was drifting into oncoming traffic, but that the driver of the other car took evasive action and avoided a head-on collision. Bejasa’s vehicle was still struck on the passenger side, causing the car to overturn, ejecting Lewellyn.

The seriousness of a DUI charge usually depends on the nature of the accident, the level of the suspect’s intoxication or impairment and whether any deaths or injuries were caused as a result of the accident. Any DUI accident that involves severe injuries will result in a felony charge. This is true even when the victim is a passenger in the suspect’s car and even if he or she made a choice to ride with the suspect.

A DUI conviction could have a severe adverse impact on your life. It could affect your job, your career and could result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Do not let this happen to you. If you or someone you love is facing a drunk driving charge, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky to find out how to defend your DUI.

Murrieta police arrested a motorist on suspicion of drunk driving after a high-speed chase early morning on October 24, 2008. Steve Scott, 26, has been charged with evading arrest, hit-and-run traffic collision, driving under the influence and driving without a license, according to an article in the North County Times.

Police officials reportedly tried to pull over Scott for a traffic infraction. During the pursuit that lasted about 12 minutes, Scott reportedly crashed his sedan into a police cruiser’s front bumper causing minor damage. He also weaved in an out of traffic, sometimes driving in opposing traffic lanes and blew through several stop signs and traffic signals. Scott was finally arrested at the driveway of his Murrieta home, where the pursuit ended.

In the State of California, driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run are extremely serious offenses. In this case, the motorist apparently did not have a valid license. But if you do have a valid license and are accused of these crimes, it will result in a suspension or sometimes, even a revocation, of your driver’s license.

A DUI when combined with all these other offenses that Scott has been charged with, can have a devastating effect on his life. If you have been charged with DUI, hit-and-run or vehicular manslaughter in Riverside County, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside DUI defense lawyer for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Riverside criminal defense attorney Stephen R. Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer of San Diego and Riverside County has successfully defended numerous clients in DUI cases. He can and will help you too. Call us today.

Carlos Rodriguez, 35, of Long Beach was arrested after officials say he caused a DUI accident in the Morongo Valley, which injured four people including two people on a motorcycle. According to a news report in the Hi Desert Star, Rodriguez was driving his 2001 Honda west on the Twenty-nine Palms Highway when he rear-ended a motorcycle injuring 24-year-old Marco Garcia and his passenger Erica Jacome, 20. Two of Rodriguez’s passengers were also injured in this Morongo Valley DUI accident.

Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving. In the State of California, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a misdemeanor under the California Vehicle Code. However, this could become a serious felony if there are injuries or fatalities involved in the DUI accident. In this case, had there been any fatalities, Rodriguez will be facing vehicular manslaughter charges, a far more serious offense that could result in a lengthy state prison sentence. Some DUI defendants also face murder charges depending on their prior criminal and DUI conviction record.

A drunk driving charge – whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony – could have a devastating effect on your life. Within 10 days of your DUI arrest, you will need to set up an appointment for a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The outcome of this hearing could well determine if you will continue to hold your driver’s license. Losing your driving privilege can put your employment in jeopardy.

Please do not let this happen to you. If you or someone you know has been accused of driving under the influence in Riverside County, please call Riverside DUI defense lawyer Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will fight your DUI and represent you at the DMV hearing so that you can continue to drive, work and earn a living. You can continue to live your life while we build your winning DUI defense.

An elderly woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and was investigated on a DUI in San Diego County after she crashed into a police patrol car in Oceanside, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The 78-year-old woman was driving south on South Coast Highway near Michigan Avenue when she reportedly made a left turn directly into the path of a police officer who was heading north.

The officer had the right of way, police said. Both the officer and the woman suffered minor injuries in the auto accident. Police say the woman “displayed signs consistent with someone driving under the influence of alcohol”, but there is no information about whether they administered Breathalyzer or field sobriety tests to arrive at that preliminary determination.

How a drunk driving case will be filed against you depends on a variety of factors including the damages and injuries caused, your level of intoxication and prior criminal record. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, you need an experienced San Diego DUI Lawyer to build a successful defense. Also, remember that you only have 10 days to request a San Diego DMV hearing after your arrest. So, it is extremely important that you consult a skilled DUI defense attorney so that immediate steps can be taken to preserve your right to a DMV hearing and fight your DUI charges.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI make sure you call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky San Diego DUI Lawyer specialist.

Marcel Vigneron, star of Bravo’s reality show, “Top Chef,” has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped by police officers initially on suspicion of speeding off of the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, according to an article in The Orange County Register.

There is a lot of attention in our society when a celebrity or a famous person gets arrested on suspicion of DUI. But the fact remains that it is the most common offense in the United States. The seriousness of a DUI charge depends on the defendant’s level of intoxication, whether anybody was injured in the alleged DUI accident and the extent of their injury; and whether the defendant had a prior criminal record. Depending on these circumstances, the district attorney will decide whether to charge the DUI as a misdemeanor or a felony.

A DUI conviction can jeopardize your driver’s license, you job, career prospects and even your freedom. Remember, that when you have been arrested on suspicion of a DUI, you have 10 days to request a DMV hearing, failing which you are very likely to lose your driving privilege.

If you are facing a DUI charge, you need an attorney experienced in defending DUI cases. Your attorney should know how to attack and discredit Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests. If you have been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, please make that call to California DUI attorney, Stephen Brodsky, who has successfully defended hundreds of people charged with DUI over 23 years. He will evaluate your case honestly and prepare a winning defense strategy for you.

A Riverside jury has convicted 33-year-old Marisol Garcia of second-degree murder in connection with a DUI accident, which killed her 11-year-old daughter, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The jury also found Garcia guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and driving with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 percent.

The drunk driving accident reportedly occurred on April 23, 2005 when Garcia, who had gone out for drinks after work in Irvine, picked up her teenaged son Steven and daughter, Marissa and drove to Riverside. Garcia hit a parked car at Van Buren Boulevard and Clay Street in Riverside and then crashed into a stop light and pole on Central Avenue. Marissa died at the scene and Steven was severely injured. Prosecutors said Garcia’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit in California.

This case clearly shows that California has harsh DUI laws and penalties that are intended and designed to stop drivers from operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. California’s Vehicle Code Section 23152 states that it is a misdemeanor to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that it is misdemeanor to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent. However, the charges will become significantly more serious if the DUI accident involves injuries and/or fatalities, as in this Riverside DUI crash. Drivers in such cases could face vehicular manslaughter charges. If they have had prior felony DUI convictions, they could face murder charges.

If you or someone you know has been accused of drunk driving in Riverside County, please call, Stephen R. Brodsky, the top Riverside and San Diego DUI Lawyer for a free consul and case evaluation. You need the best representation you can possibly get in your DUI case because the stakes are extremely high.

A Vista woman pleaded not guilty to drunken driving in connection with a crash that killed a San Clemente man, the North County News reported. California Highway Patrol officers said 24-year-old Tatiana Magruder of Oceanside was driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am on the Interstate 5 when she crossed all four lanes of traffic and rear-ended a 1998 Lincoln Navigator driven by 68-year-old Vaughn Leslie Powell near the Cockleburr Overcrossing.

Prosecutors allege Magruder tried to keep driving, but only made it a mile past the scene of the accident. Powell was ejected from the Lincoln and died at the scene. Magruder has been charged with drunken driving, fleeing the scene of an accident and manslaughter.

In the state of California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. The result of the breath or blood test performed on the suspected drunken driver along with his or her prior criminal record and whether there were any injuries or fatalities involved in the alleged DUI accident, will determine the seriousness of the charges. It is very important for any DUI defendant to remember that while you may have been determined to have a BAC of 0.08 or higher, you can still be successfully defended against DUI charges.

Find out how we do it. If you or someone you know has been accused of drunken driving, call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case and build your DUI defense.

A 34-year-old female driver in Inglewood has been arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving after police say she struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street in Lennox, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The pedestrian was hit by the 2006 Nissan Altima when she was reportedly walking east on the crosswalk at Hawthorne and Lennox boulevards. She suffered head injuries and internal trauma.

According to California Highway Patrol reports, the driver “displayed objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication.” She was arrested and booked at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s station in Lennox soon after the incident.

Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony DUI, punishments for a DUI offense in Southern California including San Diego, can be very serious. Penalties may include loss of driver’s license, probation, jail time, hefty fines, mandatory court imposed alcohol programs and much higher auto insurance rates. It can also become increasingly difficult to get a job with a DUI conviction and no driver’s license.

If you have been arrested on suspicion of a DUI, contact experienced California DUI lawyer Stephen Brodsky today. He has the experience and knowledge to defend you aggressively and obtain the best possible result in your case. Call us right away to discuss your case and build your defense.

Police are seeking an arrest warrant for a former professional surfer in connection with a DUI car accident June 6 in Del Mar, which killed his passenger. According to an article in the North County Times, 51-year-old Milton Willis of Solano Beach survived the crash that killed Bradley Dillahunty, 24, of Laguna Niguel. Willis was injured as well, but is recovering from the crash.

Police officials say alcohol is a “major factor” in this DUI accident, but refused to tell the media the result of the toxicology tests. Investigators will submit that report, the accident report, crime report and request for an arrest warrant to the county district attorney’s office, which will then decide whether or not to file criminal charges against Willis, who is expected to turn himself in after he has recovered from his injuries. The accident occurred on Coast Boulevard when police say Willis slammed his Toyota sedan into several parked cars and then into a large palm tree.

Continue reading "DUI Charges Could Be Filed Against Former Pro Surfer" »

California Highway Patrol arrested a man on suspicion of DUI in National City after the suspect tried to run away from the scene of an accident on the northbound Interstate 805. According to this news report, the solo crash involving a Cadillac occurred just south of Plaza Boulevard.

Eyewitnesses told CHP officers that the man tried to get his friend out of the damaged Cadillac, but fled before officers arrived on scene. The man, who has not been identified, was arrested shortly afterward on Palm Avenue by CHP officers and National City police officers. Both the driver, who was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and his passenger suffered minor injuries in the accident and were taken to an area hospital.

When you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in San Diego, it could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony DUI depending on your prior criminal record and the seriousness of the injuries caused by the DUI accident.

If you have been accused of drunken driving in San Diego, you need an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego DUI criminal defense attorney on your side. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences such as suspension of driving privileges, costly fines or even jail time. If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of a DUI in San Diego, contact us at Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free and confidential consultation, toll free, at (877) 878-3435 or from our criminal defense website. We have the experience it takes to defend your DUI, keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.

A man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol reportedly caused a rollover accident that killed his female passenger. According to an article in the San Diego Union Tribune, Steve Red, 39, of Riverside, was booked into county jail on suspicion of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing an injury.

Officials say Red was traveling north on Washington Street when his vehicle hit a curb, a mailbox, a wooden fence and a fire hydrant before flipping over at least once. His passenger, 38-year-old Lisa Moreno, died after being ejected from the vehicle. Red, who police said was under the influence of alcohol, suffered minor injuries.

This is an example of how a DUI case can turn into something extremely serious. If convicted, the defendant in this case faces 25 years to life in prison. That is why, whether your DUI case is a misdemeanor or a felony, you need a competent DUI defense attorney on your side who has years of experience not only handling these types of cases, but winning them.

An experienced Riverside DUI defense attorney will listen to your side of the story and conduct an independent investigation to build your defense and find discrepancies in the prosecution’s case. If you or someone you know has been accused of a felony DUI or vehicular manslaughter, please contact us at the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation. Don’t assume automatically that you are guilty. We will evaluate your case honestly and give you the best course of action for your defense.

An Oceanside police officer got a little taste of what it was like to be on the other side of the fence after he was arrested by California Highway Patrol officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in San Diego. According to this news report, Oceanside Police Officer Dwight Carwell, has been placed on administrative duty following the DUI arrest. He is a 15-year veteran at the department.

One of the worst effects of a DUI conviction is the adverse effect it can have on your employment or future job prospects. A DUI conviction could mean jail time, especially if it involves a felony drunken driving incident. A DUI conviction in San Diego could also mean a suspension of your driver’s license or even a revocation of your driving privilege if the defendant is a repeat offender.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of a DUI, you need a solid criminal defense attorney who has experience dealing in DUI cases and has a thorough knowledge of San Diego drunk driving laws.

Your San Diego criminal defense lawyer needs to understand how to attack breath test results, how to use special experts to attack test results, how to use eyewitnesses to build your defense and how to cross-examine the arresting officer and prosecution expert witnesses at the trial. Your DUI defense attorney should also have a thorough knowledge about Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) hearings. California law required the DMV to suspend your license if your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or more. Remember that you only have 10 days to request a San Diego DMV hearing after your arrest.

If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, you have limited time to schedule and prepare for a DMV hearing. Contact us immediately at the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to speak with an experienced DUI defense and DMV hearing attorney and begin planning your defense.

Police arrested a man on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run in Lake Elsinore, according to a San Diego News Services report. Kenneth Allen Hodgson, 31, was arrested and booked on suspicion of drunken driving, aggravated mayhem and hit-and-run causing injury.

The incident reportedly occurred, eyewitnesses said, when Hodgson struck a motorcycle and fled. Patricia Hogan, 47, of Corona, the injured passenger was taken to the hospital. She is listed in critical condition. Police were able to arrest Hodgson based on eyewitness reports that he was driving a green truck, the news report said. Initial investigations also showed Hodgson ran a red light, officials said. Police officers who arrested him also detected evidence of alcohol intoxication, the report said.

How police officers determine a driver is drunk or intoxicated plays a significant role in how a DUI case plays out. If you are arrested on suspicion of a DUI in San Diego, you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and the portable breath test that the police want you to take in their field investigation. California law requires that you take a blood or breath test after you are arrested and brought down to the police station.

Don’t take a chance with a DUI case. If you or someone you know has been accused of a DUI, get help from the best and most experienced San Diego DUI defense attorney. At the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky, we have that experience, successful track record and reputation of providing the best service to our clients. Contact us today, toll free, at (877) 878-3435 or via our criminal defense website to discuss your DUI case.

San Diego authorities have filed several criminal charges including DUI against 19-year-old Richard Caldwell of Rancho Bernardo in connection with an SUV rollover accident, which killed one of his passengers. According to this news report, Caldwell will face a felony charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and three other felonies related to drunken driving resulting in injuries.

The accident, that killed 20-year-old Charles Elias Amaro II, reportedly occurred April 10 along Valle Verde Road in Poway. Amaro died after he was crushed in the back seat when Caldwell lost control of the SUV and it rolled over. Three other passengers also suffered serious injuries. Investigators said Caldwell was traveling 70 mph on a residential street where the speed limit is 35 mph. Caldwell himself suffered a brain injury. He registered a blood alcohol level of .12 three hours after the accident, the report states.

Having a good San Diego DUI defense attorney can make or break a felony case. A manslaughter conviction can result in prison time, heavy fines and loss of driving privileges. The stakes are extremely high in a felony DUI case. If you or a loved one is facing these charges, please don’t take it lightly or delay contacting a reputed San Diego criminal defense attorney.

If you have been charged with a felony DUI or vehicular manslaughter, please contact us at the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky toll free, at (877) 878-3435 or through our website to discuss your case and come up with a winning defense. Consultations at our office are always free.

Pop singer Taylor Dayne has pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge in connection with her March 6 arrest in Beverly Hills, the Associated Press reports. A Beverly Hills Superior Court Judge sentenced Dayne to two years probation and completed a Mothers Against Drunk Driving program.

Dayne was at first charged with driving under the influence, but prosecutors decided later that the reckless driving charge was more appropriate.

What happened to this pop singer is usually what happens in a first-time DUI offense. First-time offenders who are convicted will usually receive probation or alternative sentencing such as community service or counseling. If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for the first time, it is very important that you contact an experienced drunk driving defense attorney as soon as possible.

A lot of people do not realize that they only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest. Scheduling that DMV hearing and what happens at that hearing could determine whether or not you can keep your drivers license. Even a misdemeanor DUI can bring a DMV license suspension and can change your life. If you lose your license you could lose your job, your independence and your financial security.

Don’t let this happen to you. If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a complimentary consultation.

A man, who was stabbed by his girlfriend during a domestic dispute was later arrested at the hospital on a felony warrant, the North County Times reports. Police responded to a domestic violence incident in the 200 block of Knoll Road in San Marcos where a man was stabbed and was en route to an area hospital.

When police interviewed the victim at the hospital, they found out that he had a felony warrant for his arrest. The man’s injuries are not life threatening and he will be arrested when he recovers. Police are reportedly interviewing the woman under suspicion of domestic violence in San Marcos and trying to determine what happened.

Domestic violence cases are more aggressively prosecuted today than ever before because police and prosecutors are receiving funding from several special interest groups devoted to the cause of domestic violence. The circumstances of arrest in a domestic violence case have changed. Earlier, police would not arrest a man or woman in a domestic dispute in the absence of obvious evidence of serious abuse. Now, police are required to arrest a spouse or partner if one or the other has any visible injury – major or minor – on them.

If you have been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, you must find an experienced California domestic violence defense attorney who has the experience and the resources to investigate your case, interview people concerned as well as eyewitnesses. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free consultation.

A man suspected of driving under the influence in San Diego and his passenger suffered serious injuries after their vehicle crashed and rolled over during an early morning pursuit. According to an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the pursuit began after a San Diego sheriff’s deputy tried to pull over the driver on the westbound state Route 54 on suspicion of DUI, but the driver did not stop and sped away.

The vehicle, which was then traveling at unsafe speeds, exited Jamacha Boulevard, struck a guard rail, hit a curb and flew down an embankment landing on its roof. Both people who were in the vehicle had to be extricated. Both suffered serious injuries. The driver who was said to be driving under the influence will most likely be arrested on suspicion of felony DUI because of the serious injuries to his passenger.

Felony drunk driving charges, as opposed to misdemeanor DUIs, are extremely serious and will most likely result in prison time, severe penalties, fines and suspension of driver’s license. Anyone who has been charged with felony drunk driving needs an experienced and knowledgeable California DUI defense attorney who will help acquit them or reduce their charges. The punishment or penalties will depend on the defendant’s prior criminal record as well.

If you have been charged with drunk driving, call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation.

A man found guilty of drunk driving in San Bernardino, who slammed his car at high speed into a 22-year-old woman crushing and killing her, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, according to this news report. Susanna Rey was reportedly unloading gift wrapping paper from the trunk of her car when 35-year-old John Linares Cuellar crashed his Dodge pickup into her.

Cuellar had two prior misdemeanor drunk driving convictions and was on probation during this DUI incident Dec. 6, 2004. Cuellar pleaded guilty on May 16 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Repeat DUI offenders are at risk for the strictest DUI penalties. First-time offenders who get charged with misdemeanor DUIs often get away with probation or alternative sentencing such as community service. But repeat offenders, especially those who get into accidents where people are killed, run the risk of getting a lengthy prison sentence – as in Cuellar’s case. Major injury DUI cases or fatal DUI accidents in California are always treated as felonies and prison time is a given in these cases.

If you have been arrested on suspicion of a felony DUI, you need a competent, experienced and knowledgeable DUI defense attorney on your side who can thoroughly investigate the facts and look at all sides of the story. A good criminal defense attorney will look into whether an arrest violated your 4th Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure; whether the police explained your right to be silent (Miranda rights) before you were questioned; and whether there was a proper chain of custody for any evidence seized.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a felony DUI, call the San Diego DUI defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a free consultation as soon as possible. We may be able to get you an acquittal, reduce charges, keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.

California Highway Patrol officials reported 154 people arrested for drunk driving in San Diego County over the Fourth of July holiday weekend on freeways, surface streets as well as unincorporated areas, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. CHP officers reportedly arrested 1,704 drivers on suspicion of DUI.

Holidays are when local law enforcement agencies crack down on drunk drivers or those drivers who are operating their motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence (DUI) in San Diego is considered a criminal offense. You could be charged with a misdemeanor, which is a lesser offense or a felony, which is more serious and could result in stiffer penalties and jail time.

If the incident involves an accident, the charges will get more serious depending on whether there are injuries or deaths. Fatal DUI accidents could mean a lengthy prison sentence. It is very important that you have a competent and experience DUI defense attorney handling your case.

Even a misdemeanor could cost you in terms of money, time and your reputation. Your chances at certain types of employment could be adversely affected if you have a DUI conviction on your record. If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, please contact an experienced San Diego DUI defense attorney at the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case. We will provide you with the best possible legal options and the best defense to help keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.

A Torrance man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol caused a fatal DUI crash in Gardena, killing the other driver, according to an article in the Daily Breeze. John Henry Guerrero, 24, has been arrested and charged with felony DUI and vehicle manslaughter after the crash that occurred at El Segundo Boulevard and Normandie Avenue.

Guerrero was reportedly driving a gray Chevy Silverado truck south on Normandie when it crashed into an eastbound Ford Mustang. Police say it is too early to tell whether Guerrero ran the red light at the intersection. As of now, officials say there are no witnesses to the crash. The driver of the Mustang was pronounced dead at the scene.

A felony drunk driving crash, especially one that involves a fatality is a serious offense. If convicted, the defendant is looking at a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines and losing his or her driving privileges. Those in need of California DUI defense also face other challenges such as keeping their jobs and preserving their name and reputation while fighting the charges.

If you have been charged with DUI, you need an experienced and knowledgeable DUI defense attorney who can get you acquitted or reduce your charges. A competent criminal defense attorney will be able to get you alternative sentencing such as drugs and alcohol counseling or community service. The goal of any good criminal defense attorney should be to keep you out of jail and get you the help you need. Have you been charged with driving under the influence? Call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free evaluation of your case.

A San Diego drunk driving suspect who police officers say was involved in a high-speed street race was arrested after he crashed into a van stopped at a red light. According to a news article, the suspect was driving a Cadillac on Rosecrans Street as he was racing another vehicle when he rear-ended a minivan that was stopped at Midway Drive

Two people in the minivan and the driver of the Cadillac were taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the other car spun out, but remained uninjured. According to officials, both drivers who were racing are members of the military.

DUI crashes involving injuries are far more serious than solo crashes or non-injury accidents. This San Diego DUI arrest would be even more serious because it also involves the charge of street-racing, which is illegal in San Diego as well as in the state of California.

A DUI charge could involve jail time, losing your driver’s license and stiff financial penalties. If you have been charged with drunk driving or street racing, you need an experienced and knowledgeable drunk driving defense lawyer on your side. Don’t settle for an inexperienced attorney to defend you against a serious charge. Experience and track record count.

Call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case free of charge. We can help you get acquitted, reduce your charges and get you the help you need.

Chicago Bears running back Cendric Benson has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Austin, Texas, after he failed a field sobriety test. According to an Associated Press news report, Benson was charged with driving while intoxicated and then released by bond.

This is Benson’s second arrest in a month. Most recently he was charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest. Benson has denied those charges. According to Austin police officials, Benson, who was pulled over for running a red light, refused to take a breath test or provide blood samples.

Driving under the influence is the most common offense in our communities. However, these cases get a lot of attention when they involve celebrities. A person arrested on suspicion of DUI could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI, depending on his or her record and also if there were serious injuries.

If you are arrested in suspicion of drunk driving, you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and the portable breath test. However, California law mandates that you take a blood or breath test after you are arrested. It is always advisable to take the blood test because breath specimens are never preserved whereas blood specimens are preserved and can be retested later. Not performing field sobriety tests is in your best interest because they are inaccurate and ineffective.

The wife of rapper Snoop Dogg was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Fullerton, according to this news report. Shante Broadus, 32, of Sherman Oaks, was stopped by Fullerton Police. She was cited for a misdemeanor DUI and then released pending a court appearance. There was reportedly no one else in the car.

This story made big news this month, but there is very little information about why Ms. Broadus was cited with a misdemeanor DUI. Did she take a breath test? Did she submit to a blood test? Did she take a field sobriety test?

Not many people know or understand the law when it comes to DUI cases. Did you know you do not have to submit to a field sobriety test? These tests are not a good measure of determining whether someone is intoxicated, so it is in your best interest to decline them. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI, you will need a competent and experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney with considerable knowledge of the law.

A DUI charge has serious consequences. It could result in fines, penalties, probation or worse, jail time. Don’t take a chance with your life and your future. If you or a loved one is facing a San Diego DUI charge, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky. We’ll help you fight your DUI and get you the help you need.

The California Attorney General’s office has filed charges of and child endangerment and drunk driving in San Diego against a 27-year-old woman after officials say she confronted an off-duty police officer, an incident which ended with her 8-year-old son getting shot. According to a news article in the Los Angeles Times, Rachel Silva allegedly city off San Diego Police Officer Frank White’s car in traffic and then chased him into an Oceanside parking lot where she slammed her car into White’s.

The crime report states that Silva was behaving in an aggressive manner and was revving her engine as she followed the off-duty police officer into the parking lot. The officer ended up firing five times into her car, hitting her twice in the arm and her son twice in the leg. Silva reportedly has two prior DUI convictions.

People accused and/or convicted of repeat DUI violations run a greater risk of losing their license and the very real possibility of jail time. It’s critical for those accused of repeat DUI violations to get an experienced and extremely competent San Diego DUI defense attorney on their side. An inexperienced attorney could do a lot of damage in your case. Your choice of attorney could make the difference between getting into a drug rehab program or getting an acquittal and spending time in jail.

If you or someone you know has been accused of drunk driving, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky. We will discuss your legal options and get you the help you need.

A 48-year-old school bus driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Salinas while transporting 50 children for Salinas schools, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Frankie Mata, 48, was arrested at the end of his Alisal Union School District morning route, the article said. The driver had reportedly picked up and dropped off 50 students at district schools.

According to police reports, Mata’s blood alcohol content was three times over the legal limit for school bus drivers. Mata’s blood alcohol content was at 0.12. He was arrested after officials performed a random drug and alcohol screening on its 10 bus drivers.

There is no question that this school bus driver stands to lose his job and his career if he is convicted of these DUI charges. Any DUI charge is serious, but when a school bus driver is charged with driving under the influence, it could have even more serious consequences. Any defendant who has a lot at stake will be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced and competent San Diego DUI criminal defense attorney.

Your freedom, record, job and career are too precious to entrust to an inexperienced attorney. We have more than 20 years of experience and have devoted ourselves exclusively to the practice of criminal law. We have an excellent track record and have obtained numerous acquittals or reduced/alternative sentencing in DUI cases for numerous clients over the years. If you are facing a San Diego DUI charge, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky right away for a free consultation.

A trial date has been set in September for a La Mesa city employee who was charged with driving under the influence after she was found slumped behind the wheel of La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid’s SUV. According to an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, 34-year-old Trisha Turner is facing one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. She faces up to six months in jail if convicted.

Prosecutors say Turner, who worked in the city’s finance department, was keeled over beside the wheel while the mayor had passed out on the sidewalk near the passenger door. Police apparently saw vomit in the vehicle, but did not conduct field sobriety tests or cite either of them. Officers reportedly drove them both to Madrid’s house which was a block away from where they were found.

Evidence is key for any criminal defense case, especially so for drunk driving cases. If you have been charged with DUI, you are looking at serious consequences including losing your job, your driver’s license and your future. The circumstances of how you were arrested, the procedures police officers followed or didn’t follow when they arrested you – all play a very big part in defending your DUI.

You need an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego DUI defense attorney who will approach the case aggressively, analyze the evidence and use it to your advantage. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, call Stephen Brodsky for a free consultation.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and drunk driving after he reportedly rear-ended another vehicle in Encino. Two people were killed in that accident, which police say was caused by Sean Mishlof, according to an article in the Los Angeles Daily News.

The accident occurred when Mishlof allegedly slammed his 1995 Mercury Mystique into a 1990 Nissan Sentra near the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Densmore Avenue. Mishlof reportedly remained at the scene of the accident and was arrested.

Drunk driving charges could be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances of the incident, the driver’s level of intoxication and most importantly, the damages, injuries or loss caused by the accident. In cases where DUI accidents result in catastrophic injuries or death, there will be charges of vehicular manslaughter or murder in addition to the drunk driving charges.

Obviously, these are the most serious category of charges among DUI charges. A murder conviction could bear extremely serious consequences. It could result in 25 years to life in prison, hefty fines and other penalties. It could put your entire life and future in jeopardy. If you have been charged with drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter or murder, entrust your case to an experienced and competent attorney, who has a thorough knowledge of DUI law and an excellent track record of being a San Diego criminal defense lawyer. Call Stephen Brodsky today for a free consultation.

Police say that three people were hurt in a San Diego auto accident caused by a drunk driver. All three were in the same car and the driver of the car was the one facing the DUI charge, according to this news blog. The driver reportedly slammed into the back of a slow moving tractor trailer in Kearny Mesa.

A 22-year-old woman was at the wheel. Her passenger who was riding in the back seat suffered a broken hip while the driver and a passenger in the front seat suffered minor injuries, the blog said. All three were taken to an area hospital. No one in the truck was injured.

Drunk driving investigations are tricky, but the result of a DUI investigation could make or break your future. A drunk driving conviction means that you could lose your driver’s license, which could jeopardize your job, career and your future. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, you need an experienced and competent San Diego DUI defense lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights, listening to your side of the story and conducting a thorough, independent investigation.

If you have been accused of drunk driving in San Diego, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky. We will work hard to get you an acquittal or reduced or alternative sentencing. We’ll represent you at your DMV hearing and help you keep your driving privilege so your work and ability to make a living will not get affected. Call us today for a free consultation.

San Diego police arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence after he slammed into a parked vehicle in the Bay Ho neighborhood, according to this news article. The man’s passenger suffered serious injuries in the accident, the article stated.

The man, who has not been identified, was reportedly driving a 1998 Mitsubishi north on Clairemont Drive near Indian Way when he struck the parked car and his vehicle rolled over several times. The passenger in the Mitsubishi suffered a broken neck and a torn ear and had to be transported to an area hospital. The driver suffered minor injuries and is facing DUI charges.

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is serious and can result in serious consequences ranging from fines and penalties to jail time if you have a prior record. You need an experienced and competent DUI criminal defense attorney to uphold your legal rights. There’s a lot at stake when you are faced with a DUI charge. You could face a DMV license suspension and jeopardize your career.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation.

A man who was convicted of driving under the influence in Carlisle, Pa. reportedly took a 25-mile hike to the courthouse for his sentencing because he couldn’t get a ride. According to this Associated Press news report, 33-year-old Stephen Shoemaker did not have a car or a driver’s license. So he started walking to the courthouse at the crack of dawn to make it for a 9:30 a.m. sentencing.

But he didn’t make it. It was 3:30 p.m. when he reached the courthouse and the judge had issued an arrest warrant because Shoemaker had “failed to appear” for his sentencing. He was late because he had to take a detour to be treated at a hospital for dehydration. He was hoofing it in 90 degree heat. Thankfully, the judge after hearing about his plight, agreed to defer the hearing until July. The public defender ended up giving Shoemaker a ride home.

This story is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems DUI defendants and those convicted of a DUI face. As in Shoemaker’s case, a majority lose their driver’s license. A DUI conviction could also mean jail time and paying hefty fines and penalties. Don’t let this happen to you. It takes a skilled and experienced DUI defense attorney to fight your DUI and defend you successfully. Call us today for a free consultation. We have an excellent track record with getting our clients acquitted of DUI charges or helping them get alternative sentencing.

A 47-year-old woman has been ordered to stand trial on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with the death of another motorist in an Aug. 31 traffic accident. According to a news article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Deborah Schofield was charged in the death of 29-year-old Joseph Raby Jr. Prosecutors say Schofield crashed her Ford Mustang into Raby’s pickup truck on Route 56 near Carmel Valley Road.

Prosecutors also say Schofield’s blood alcohol level was 0.25 percent when tested less than two hours after the collision – that’s more than three times over the 0.08 legal limit. Prosecutors also presented witnesses during a preliminary hearing who testified that Schofield was driving erratically right before the crash, that she drove 17 feet off the road and then swerved back onto the highway and crashed into Raby’s pickup. If convicted, Schofield faces up to 10 years in prison.

We don’t know how police officers determined Ms. Schofield’s blood alcohol level – whether they drew blood or performed a breath test. Breathalyzer tests are among the most common type of testing done by police officers who determine whether or not a driver is under the influence of alcohol. But Breathalyzer tests are not completely foolproof and many times, results may be misleading. So it's important to find a DUI lawyer

Continue reading "Woman to Face Trial In Fatal San Diego DUI Crash" »

A 19-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence in Chula Vista after she reportedly drove the wrong way on a street and crashed into a sport utility vehicle carrying eight people. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the woman, who has not been identified, went west on the eastbound lane of Olympic Parkway and crashed into a Honda SUV injuring all eight people in it.

The 19-year-old suspected DUI driver was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries and arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. The range of injuries for the people in the SUV is being described as “minor to moderate,” the newspaper reports. No further information was available about how police determined that the driver was intoxicated or impaired. There is also no information about whether blood tests or a breath test was done and what the woman’s blood alcohol level was at the time of the accident.

A San Diego felony DUI charge is certainly a serious allegation that could have extremely serious consequences for the defendant. You could lose your driver’s license and possibly your job and income in the process. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, you should hire an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego DUI lawyer to fight your DUI.

Continue reading "Wrong-Way Driver In Chula Vista Crash Faces Felony DUI Charge" »