Fashion, Fame and Fines

Los Angeles is the City of Angels- home to sunny weather, sports championships, never-ending traffic and most notoriously, Hollywood. For many, the Walk of Fame is a hopeful reminder of the fame, fortune and promises of a better life. However, with fame comes attention, and with attention comes compromise. More and more often, celebrities are caught after a night out and pay one of the ultimate prices: a DUI.

Most recently the news has been targeting Lindsay Lohan for her multiple DUI convictions and probation offenses.  With previous blogs stating a first offense penalties, be aware of multiple offenses to not make the same mistake.
A second offense entails:

• Jail: 90 Days to 1 Year
• Fine - From $390 to $1000
• License Suspension: 2 Years
• May Apply for Restricted Driver License (IID Required)
• Must Complete a Driving Under the Influence Program
• California SR22 Certificate Required for Restricted License

The third and fourth offenses increase to much greater penalties that no one should find out first hand. Protecting yourself with an attorney who is experienced in DUIs is in your best interest. Talk to them and weigh out your options, because the costs of a mistake gets higher each time. A good attorney will be experienced in both  federal and state tactics and will be aggressive in handling your case.


So let's take a cue from our fallen comrades, and in the search of fame- be careful of the choices you make. A mug shot is not the first image the public needs to see.

'Tis the Season: Be Aware and Protected

Winter holidays are quickly approaching; family outings, holiday parties, and Eggnog are in our near future. As joy and warmth spread upon the greater Los Angeles area, so does an increased risk of danger and consequences. The fact is, more drunk driving arrests and accidents occur between Thanksgiving and New Year's than the other designated "drinking" holidays (i.e. St. Patrick's Day; Cinco de Mayo; 4th of July.) 

As it is, 10% of drivers on the road are reported to have consumed some sort of alcohol daily. In Los Angeles alone, that's nine-thousand people at risk! Statistically speaking, Thanksgiving is the largest holiday for DUI arrests. Not meant to be a scare-tactic, but here are the facts:

-1397 DUI arrests were reported for the 2009 holiday season
-251 of those DUI arrests were reported in Los Angeles
-2 in Los Angeles were fatal

As Los Angeles is not known for it's public transportation, there are still many options available. The Metro runs 24 hours a day, with connections to the Culver City and Santa Monica bus systems, that run until at least Midnight. And if a designated driver is not an option, a taxi driver is your best friend. As it may be sixty dollars from Burbank to West LA, it's petty cash in comparison to the thousand dollar fine you could receive if arrested for a DUI.

But, mistakes do happen, and in the event of one, you should be prepared and aware of your rights.  Often times, mistakes are made: there is a DUI machine error; protocol error; or in the incident of samples (blood or urine) contamination error is possible. However it may be possible, accusing policemen of error without an attorney to validate such allegations is not in your best interests. Leave it to the professionals.

With 2/3 of all DUI cases being first time offenses, it is wise to hire an attorney that can be aggressive in helping you. California is unforgiving for first time offenses, and six months without a license is not an affordable luxury. A proper criminal law attorney will investigate your arrest, your options, and the least punishing of consequences.

As tempting as another one of Uncle Fred's Thanksgiving Special Drink may be, Grandma would much appreciate your presence for her Christmas Eggnog. So if you're going to drink, please be responsible. If you're going to drive, please be aware. If you're in trouble, please be wise and choose an experienced professional to help you.