ca driver’s license suspension

Refusing a Blood Alcohol Level Test Following an Arrest – California Vehicle Code Section 13353
By DUI Defense Attorney on June 23, 2010

The Los Angeles Daily Journal Appellate Report recently reported that Benito Garcia’s driver’s license was properly suspended after he refused to submit to a chemical test following his arrest for drunk driving. Garcia had been driving erratically and was pulled over. Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Garcia’s breath and other signs of intoxication and administered a field sobriety test, which he failed. The officers arrested Garcia and informed him that he was required by law to submit to either a blood or breath test to determine his blood alcohol level. Garcia refused and his license was suspended even though he eventually completed a test showing his blood alcohol level to be at 0.28. The court found that Garcia’s delayed submission to a chemical test did not allow him to avoid the consequences of his initial refusal and that his license was properly suspended.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 13353, if you are arrested for driving under the influence and refuse to submit to, or fail to complete, a chemical test you will be subject to a suspension of your license for a period of one year. It is important to note that consent to a chemical test that is not clear and unambiguous may be deemed a refusal as well.

If you have previously refused a chemical test following an arrest for drunk driving, or if you have been arrested for reckless driving, underage drinking, or driving under the influence, within the past ten years, you will lose your driving privileges for two years. However, if any of these arrests or violations has occurred twice within the past ten years, your license will be suspended for three years.

Losing your license is very serious, especially in California where driving a vehicle is one of the only modes of transportation. If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving under the influence it is important that you retain our experienced legal representation immediately. The defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been handling DUI cases for more than 30 years. Our Southern California attorneys will conduct a thorough review of the details of your case, and will advocate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome. Call Wallin & Klarich today at (888) 749-0034 and visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your case. We will be here when you call.

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Lindsay Lohan’s Bench Warrant– California Penal Code § 1269b
By DUI Defense Attorney on June 16, 2010

As recently reported by KTLA, Lindsay Lohan violated her bail provisions when her SCRAM bracelet detected the presence of alcohol in her system. After appearing at the MTV Movie Awards, she attended at least one after party, where it is suspected that her bracelet went off. Judge Marsha Revel, after meeting with Lohan’s attorney and the District Attorney, issued a bench warrant for Lohan’s arrest.

The judge ordered Lohan to wear the SCRAM bracelet following a May 24th hearing with the added condition of not consuming alcohol. For violating the conditions sets forth, Lohan forfeited her existing bail and the judge issued a bench warrant for Lohan’s arrest and set a new bail at $200,000, which is twice the previous amount. Within hours of the bench warrant, Lohan paid the bail and was discharged from police custody. If the judge determines that a violation had occurred, the judge could revoke Lohan’s bail and send her to jail.

Under California Penal Code § 1269b, the judge has discretionary authority to fix the bail amount for the defendant who has appeared before the court. Once the defendant has paid the bail, he/she shall be discharged from custody. If, however, the defendant fails to appear before the court or violates the bail provisions, the court may declare that the defendant has forfeited his/her bail. They may also issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest and set a new bail at a higher amount.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is important to be properly represented in a court of law. With over 30 years of experience, the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich understand the criminal legal system and can effectively defend your case. Our attorneys will raise every possible defense on your behalf to afford you the best possible outcome. Call us today at (888) 749-0034 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (888) 749-0034      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (888) 749-0034      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

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21-Year-Old Santa Ana Woman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life For DUI Murder
By DUI Defense Attorney on May 24, 2010

Brittany Deanne Schuetz, 21, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the DUI murder of April Junhee Whang, a 26-year-old Fullerton woman in 2009. Schuetz had previously been convicted of drunk driving in 2007 and had completed subsequent alcohol education programs.

On New Year’s Eve 2009, Schuetz sped through a red light and struck Whang’s car, killing her instantly. When police arrived, they reported the smell of alcohol on Scheutz’s breath. They also noticed bloodshot and watery eyes. Her blood alcohol content was measured as 0.24, three times the legal limit. Earlier that evening, Schuetz had consumed alcohol at a party and was driven to her car. Schuetz then got into her car and drove home, ignoring her friends’ please to not drive. Because of this, Schuetz was convicted of second-degree murder in February under the legal theory that she knew driving under the influence was dangerous to life because of her prior drunk driving conviction but did it anyway.

Under the California Vehicle Code 23152, it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or any combination thereof. It is also illegal under this section to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more. In most DUI cases, the judge and prosecuting attorney are much more likely to increase punishment when there is an accident involved. The punishment is also likely to be more severe when there is significant damage done or when a work-related vehicle is involved.

If you or a loved one have been arrested for DUI, you should speak with a DUI attorney as soon as possible. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can provide you with the best advice on how to proceed with your case and present the best defense. At Wallin & Klarich, we have represented people accused of DUI for over 30 years. Call us at 888-280-6839 or visit us at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

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California Law Permits License to Be Suspended if Driver is Found to Be Driving With Any Measurable Level of Alcohol in System
By DUI Defense Attorney on November 27, 2009

In California, a person caught driving with more than .08 percent blood alcohol will have their license suspended. Typically the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a suspension of four months on a first time offense. In addition to a license suspension, most offenders can expect to be placed on probation.

As of 2009, California law creates new authority for the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend driving privileges if the driver is on probation for a DUI offense, and found with any level of alcohol in their system. Under previous law, a suspension would only occur if the person was convicted of a second DUI. This new law means that a person’s blood alcohol content can be as low as 0.01% and you can still lose your license. This penalty also applies if the probationer refuses to submit to a breath test.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense law firm can greatly increase your chances of keeping your license. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping people keep their license for over 30 years.

Please feel free to contact the skilled California DUI defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich to discuss your case. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-764-2615 or go to our website at wklaw.com for more information.

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At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing drunk driving charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-764-2615 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.

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