Any cursing, running, using force against the officer or disobeying orders can exacerbate the situation and may count against the driver.

Sometimes California drivers operate their vehicles after having a few drinks, thinking that their blood-alcohol levels are below the allowed level of .08 percent for adult drivers. The consequences could be severe if they are pulled over and arrested — even without a conviction. The manner in which a driver handles such a traffic stop may play a role in the severity of any DUI charge that is filed.

Pulling over immediately upon an officer’s command may be a good start. The driver should then switch off the engine and put both his or her hands on the steering wheel. The driver must then remain in the car until the officer asks him or her to get out.

A driver has the right to remain silent. It may be best to be polite and follow the orders of the officer. Answering basic questions could be okay, but providing information that may be self-incriminating is unnecessary. The driver need not tell officers how many drinks he or she consumed. Nor is it necessary for the driver to explain where he or she came from and who else was there.

Even if the driver remains polite, a DUI charge may be filed. If this is a driver’s first DUI arrest, it will likely be a daunting experience, but the best step is to ask permission to call a criminal defense attorney. An experienced California DUI defense attorney will explain the proceedings that will follow and can be present during questioning to ensure the driver’s legal rights are protected. If the case goes to court, the lawyer can navigate the proceedings and work toward achieving the best possible outcome.

Source: Huffington Post, “5 Things to Do If You Are Pulled Over For a DUI“, Victoria Yore, Accessed on May 19, 2017

A 20-year-old California woman was admitted to a hospital with serious injuries that she suffered in an alleged drunk driving crash. The young man who is deemed responsible will likely be exploring his options for defending a DWI charge after his arrest in the early morning hours of a recent Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty at a subsequent court appearance.

According to a report by the San Diego police, the crash occurred just after 3:30 a.m. on a local road in Serra Mesa. It is alleged the 20-year-old driver lost control of the van in which he and five passengers were speeding. He allegedly smashed into the sides of two parked vehicles before jumping a curb and crashing through a fence. The van came to a halt when it crashed into a tree. As the van burst into flames, all the occupant tried to flee on foot.

However, officers who responded to the crash detained all six of them. They transported one 20-year-old female passenger to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Police say they took the driver into custody, and he was held on bail of $100,000. Reports indicate no prior record for the young man, who has a full-time job.

Source: San Diego, CA Patch, “San Diego Man Pleads Not Guilty To DUI Charge: Police“, Randy Miller, April 21, 2017

Any young adult who faces criminal charges will likely seek the services of an experienced attorney for defending a DWI charge. With the support and guidance of a skilled California DWI defense lawyer, the severe consequences that come with a criminal conviction may be avoided. An attorney will endeavor to achieve the best possible outcome by negotiating a plea deal, if such an offer is on the table, or in litigation if the case goes to court.