Marin DUI Lawyer Blog

Jason Douglas Hopkins, 32, of Santa Rosa, was arrested on suspicion of DUI on Tuesday after driving into a ditch and flipping the PT Cruiser he was driving.

Mr. Hopkins sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. The hospital reported that suspected marijuana and/or hashish was found in his belongings.

In addition to suspicion of DUI, CHP officers arrested Mr Hopkins for driving with a suspended license and possession of concentrated cannabis.

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44 year old Adrian Pasdar, star of the popular television series "Heroes", was arrested early Wednesday morning by CHP officers in Los Angeles. Police officers stopped Mr. Pasdar for speeding and straddling two lanes, around 3:00 a.m. on the 405 freeway. He arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence and released later Wednesday morning on $15,000.00 bail.

The police reports of Mr. Pasdar's case will be sent to local prosecutors for review. Should they elect to file a formal complaint he will likely be charged with violations of Vehicle Code section 23152(a) and (b). A conviction for DUI, 23152(a), or driving with a prohibited blood alcohol level, 23152(b), could result in the imposition of probation, fines, attendance at a DUI school, a driver's license suspension and possible jail time.

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55-year-old Daniel A. Mandel was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence last Friday when the Hearse he owns and drives caught on fire. CHP officers said that Madel was delivering a body to a funeral in El Sobrante when he crashed into a pick up truck near the Carquinez Bridge Toll Plaza in Vallejo.

The CHP was told by witnesses that the hearse had a flat tire and was driving erratically at speeds up to 65 mph. The blown out tire eventually fell off and Mandel continued to drive on the rim until sparks from the pavement caught the vehicle on fire.

Contra Costa Fire District Firefighters arrived on scene to find the hearse covered in flames. The vehicle was destroyed but the body it was transporting was unharmed. Mr. Mandel was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked in the Solano County Jail in Fairfield.

Continue reading "Marin DUI Lawyer - Hearse catches on fire, Driver booked on DUI in Solano County" »

The California Highway Patrol announced on Monday, January 4,2009, that they made 18 arrest for suspected driving under the influence over the New Year Holiday. Officers stated that the number of DUI arrests made between December 31, 2009 and January 3, 2010, is up 8 from the New Year Holiday last year.

Arrests for DUI can be made for the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, California Vehicle Code 23152(a), or for driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or more, VC section 23152(b). Drivers contacted by police officers and suspected of DUI or driving with a .08 or more will likely be asked to submit to a series of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) to determine if there is cause for the officers to a make an arrest. In California drivers are not required to submit to FSTs or road side Preliminary Alcohol Screening breath tests.

However, all California licensed drivers have given their implied consent to submit to a chemical test of their blood or breath if requested by a peace officer on suspicion of DUI. Refusal to submit to a chemical test, blood test or evidentiary breath test, can result in enhanced punishment if the driver is convicted of driving under the influence. Further, a refusal can result in a driver's license suspension or revocation of one year or more depending on whether the driver has prior DUI convictions.

Continue reading "18 arrested for DUI in Marin County over the New Year" »