Aggravating factors lead to enhanced DUI penalties
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges aren’t handed out by officers on a whim. Drivers get DUI charges because peace officers have identified them as a potential public safety risk on the road. Impaired driving can raise the risk of a collision, which endangers...
A defense is key for drivers facing a holiday DUI crackdown
Napa and Sonoma are among the busiest areas of California during the summer months. When there is a holiday like the recent July 4 celebration, it becomes even busier. Given the number of people who attend parties and other events, there is a good chance of alcohol...
DUI and the so-called legal limit
Most California drivers have heard of the so-called legal limit for the amount of alcohol they can consume before driving. Many may say that the limit is 0.08%. As with so many things in the law, the picture for the legal limit gets much more complicated the closer...
A DUI with a child in the car can lead to endangerment charges
Most parents would never intentionally do anything to harm their child, especially while driving. They make sure infants and toddlers are in car seats, older children wear seatbelts and they will take extra precautions to avoid a car crash. Safe driving includes...
Refusing a chemical test can cost you your license
Sonoma and Napa Counties are renowned for their excellent wineries. Winery tours, wine tastings and other alcohol-related events are popular among tourists and locals alike. But what happens if you are pulled over on the way home from one of these outings and asked to...
Understanding the elements of a DUI
While drivers get pulled over by law enforcement daily, you do not want to be that driver. For some motorists, these are simple traffic violations, such as speeding or running a stop sign. However, they could be more severe offenses, such as a drunk driving charge....
Can I get a DUI if my blood alcohol content is below 0.08?
Many California drivers have heard that the law defines driving under the influence for drivers 21 or older as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. Your blood alcohol content can be determined with a breath, blood, or urine test. It can be hard to...
What should for-hire drivers know about DUI in California?
Driving a for-hire vehicle has become a prominent “side gig” or regular job in Sonoma County and throughout California. The market for it is significant and people tend to be able to make their own hours and earn extra income. However, it is important to be aware of...
What to do if you get pulled over after drinking
After spending some time at the bar with friends, we have two options. We can either have someone else drive us home, like a friend, taxi, Uber or Lyft. Or, we can drive home ourselves, but even if one does not feel inebriated, the former is a much better options than...
What are the penalties for an underage DUI in California?
Allegations of driving under the influence can be challenging for anyone. However, if a juvenile is arrested for DUI, the law and the penalties are not the same as they are for someone who is 21 and older. In some ways they are even more strict than they are for older...