Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Blog

News reports that a 21-year-old Los Angeles man pleaded guilty to a San Diego felony DUI accident that killed a woman. The man was sentenced to four years and four months in prison as the result of the drunk driving accident.

If you have been charged with any drunk driving offense, including felony DUI, contact a Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer immediately to protect your driving privileges and begin preparing your defense. An experienced L.A. DUI defense attorney can determine the optimum strategy for obtaining the best results in your matter.

Here, Long XU pleaded guilty to both felony DUI and an allegation that he caused great bodily injury to a 21-year-old woman. The woman - Jiani Cheng - had travelled to the United States just four months before the fatal accident to study English.

Drunk driving injury accidents or DUI fatal accidents are typically charged as felonies and the applicable drunk driving penalties depend on many factors including, but not limited to, previous drunk driving arrests, prior criminal history and the extent of the injuries involved.

Here, the San Diego Superior Court Judge who sentenced XU imposed the lowest prison term available under the law. XU had been a law-abiding citizen up until this point, which Judge Eugenia Eyherabide took into consideration in determining his sentence. She noted, "By all accounts, you are a very good, extraordinary person," but also commented that the evidence showed that XU drove "way to fast," leading the car to flip and causing the accident. Where a conviction is unavoidable, an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer may be able to reduce your sentence by pointing out factors in your defense.

In a chemical test taken after the collision, XU's alcohol content measured 0.10%, above the 0.08% legal limit. Under California law, driving with a BAC of above 0.08% constitutes a per se drunk driving offense, subjecting the driver to potential fines, jail time and driver's license restrictions.

Continue reading "Los Angles Man Gets Prison Term, Leniency Based On Past History Of Good Behavior" »

The Los Angeles/LAX Daily Breeze reports that a previously convicted drunk driver is now being held on charges of allegedly causing a fatal DUI crash in Orange County. Yannis Ismael Galanis was arrested for felony gross vehicular manslaughter and gross negligence after allegedly speeding on the Santa Ana Freeway near Disneyland, swerving into another lane and crashing into another vehicle. Galanis' truck continued up a dirt embankment and crashed head-on into a concrete bridge, killing Galanis' passenger.

Fatal DUI accidents often lead to California's harshest penalties and toughest prosecution. Many factors go into determining the penalties into any drunk driving accident, including the severity of the accident and the background of the individual driver. Here, where the driver is an alleged repeat DUI offender and the accident resulted in a fatality, the potential for severe consequences is great. In some cases prosecutors have been charging repeat offenders who cause fatal drunk driving accidents with murder.

If you have been charged with any drunk driving offense, it is critical to contact a Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense and protect your driving privileges.

Continue reading "Convicted Drunk Driver Charged In New Fatal DUI Accident" »

Desert News reports that a 25-year-old West Covina man - Steven Samuel Chavez - who is accused of killing two women in a fatal drunk driving crash east of Coachella, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges. Felony charges include: 2 counts of second degree murder, once count of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, DUI causing injury and evading arrest. He was also charged with resisting a police officer.

If you have been charged with any drunk driving offense, it is crucial to contact an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Chavez was driving his Toyota sedan and struck a Dodge pickup truck carrying five people. Two Whittier women, Toni Webb and her mother Rosemary Webb died in the crash. The other three occupants of the truck were treated for minor injuries.

Whenever a fatal DUI accident occurs, several factors affect the charges facing the driver and the potential DUI penalties. First, it is important to determine if in fact the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence. Here, it is unclear what evidence exists showing that Chavez was drunk driving. Many times, drunk driving evidence can be challenged by questioning the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test. Additional factors to be considered include whether the drinking caused the accident or if an intervening or alternative cause exists for the accident. In many cases, even if someone has a drink, alcohol is not the true cause of a crash.

Continue reading "West Covina Man Pleads Not-Guilty In Fatal DUI Crash" »

The Los Angeles Times reports that a convicted drunk driver has been arrested and charged with murder after a drunk driving crash killed an Irvine teenager. At his arraignment this past week, the driver pleaded not guilty.

Increasingly, repeat DUI offenders are being charged with murder when involved in a fatal drunk driving accident, with prosecutors asserting that drivers with previous DUI convictions understand the specific dangers of drinking and driving from their own experience.

If you are charged with any drunk driving offense, including felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter or murder, it is crucial to contact an experienced and aggressive L.A. drunk driving defense lawyer at once to protect your driving privileges and your freedom.

Even in the most serious drunk driving cases, several defenses exist that can affect the potential long-term consequences and legal outcome for an individual accused. First, it is important to determine exactly what factors were involved in causing a drunk driving accident. Sometimes even where a driver has been drinking, it is an intervening cause such as roadway design or maintenance that leads to the accident, not the alcohol consumption. As in any serious accident, all the factors surrounding a collision must be investigated.

Additionally, a driver's history - both of drunk driving and other criminal activity - will be evaluated. While repeat DUIs are serious matters, placement in rehabilitation facilities or other alternative sentences may be more appropriate than jail time in certain circumstances.

Continue reading "Irvine Man Faces Murder Charges For DUI Fatality " »

New reports indicate that Planet of the Apes star Estella Warren will not face felony charges. She was arrested last week on a suspicion of Los Angeles DUI after she allegedly ran her car into three other vehicles and kicked a police officer. While she was at the police station she was able to get out of the handcuffs and tried to escape. She was subsequently caught and charged or DUI, assault and hit and run. However, because Warren was not actually booked when she escaped, she will not be charged with felony escape.

If you have been charged with any type of drunk driving offense, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense.

Here, although Warren may not be able to avoid all charges, by knowing all the elements of each offense, seasoned DUI defense lawyers may be able to get charges reduced or eliminated. Here - the fact that Warren had not been yet been charged was a significant element in her defense. Many times errors exist in the stops that led to a charge, how the stop was conducted, and procedural errors in arrests that affect the outcome.

Continue reading "Felony Charges Not Filed In Estella Warren Los Angeles DUI Case" »

Saugus news reports that a man who was "car surfing," i.e holding on to a car while skateboarding, was injured after he lost grip of the car and hit his head. After the accident, the driver of the car was arrested on a suspicion of DUI.

If you have been charged with any type of drunk driving offense, contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer immediately to begin investigating the charges and preparing your defense.

Here, the driver of the car was charged with a felony DUI. When facing such serious charges a number of factors must be evaluated. These factors include whether an injury occurred as the result of the DUI and if so, the extent of the injuries. Also taken into consideration is the driver's history - was this the driver's first offense? Does he or she have a criminal record? Another important issue is whether driving under the influence caused the accident or whether a different factor or issue may be to blame.

Continue reading "Saugus Felony DUI Charges In Car Surfing Crash" »

A Long Beach woman was killed in alleged Los Angeles drunk driving accident Monday morning after the driver slammed the car into a wall and flipped over. One woman died at the scene. The driver was critically injured and two other passengers received minor injuries. The driver faces potential DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving, or face potential charges such as felony drunk driving or vehicular manslaughter, it is critical to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer at once to protect your driving privileges and begin preparing your defense.

Here, the potential for significant DUI penalties is great. Because a death was involved, the driver will face California's stiffest drunk driving charges including possible jail time, substantial fines and driver's license restrictions. However, several factors may influence the outcome. These factors include whether the driver had in fact been drinking and was under the influence, if the driver had a previous record of DUIs or other criminal actions and what other circumstances may have led to the accident.

Continue reading "Los Angeles DUI Accident Kills Long Beach Woman" »

A Long Beach Fire Department captain - John David Hines - has pleaded not guilty to a Huntington Beach DUI hit and run. Hines was arrested after allegedly spending the day drinking at a bar in Long Beach, then driving drunk through Seal Beach and running into bicyclist, leaving him with severe injuries. Prosecutors allege that Hines failed to stop to render aid, and then when eventually detained, measured a BAC of .24%.

Hines now faces felony DUI and DUI hit-and-run charges.

If you are facing felony DUI or DUI hit-and-run, contact an experienced Long Beach DUI attorney immediately to begin preparing your defense.

Even when charges are unavoidable, it is possible to seek alternative punishments that may be more beneficial than jail time. In some cases, those charged with a California DUI may have substance abuse issues. Placement in a rehabilitation program may be a better solution instead of jail. Other alternatives include electronic monitoring, work furlough and work release programs.

Continue reading "Long Beach Fire Captain Pleads Not Guilty To Huntington Beach DUI Hit-and-Run" »

A Covina man who was involved in a DUI injury accident has pleaded guilty to murder. The Los Angeles drunk driving murder charges stem from an incident last year when the man - Alan Michael McConnell - was allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level of .15 when he was in a minor accident. He then fled the scene and lost control of his vehicle, killing his two female passengers.

If he had stopped after the initial accident, this tragedy may have been averted. Unfortunately, many times drunk drivers are involved in DUI hit and run accidents and go on to be in far worse accidents as a result of their desire to flee. Often drivers panic, wondering about the impact an accident may have on their future. However, it is always best to stop. Making sure everyone is okay, exchanging relevant information, then contacting an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorney provides you the best chance to maintain your driving privileges and lessen the future consequences.

As a result of the subsequent accident, McConnell now faces 15 years to life in state prison.

Continue reading "Covina Man Pleads Guilty To DUI Murder Counts" »

The Studio City Patch reports that an alleged drunken driver crashed in West Toluca Lake, severely injuring himself and his passenger. He now faces California felony DUI charges.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving, contact a Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer immediately to protect your driving privileges and begin preparing your defense.

Many times, those involved have DUI accident questions concerning their rights. An experienced Los Angeles drunk driving lawyer can help answer your questions, both concerning the potential criminal charges and any civil damages. One of the most important considerations though is time. You only have ten days to schedule a DMV administrative hearing or face losing your license. The clock starts to tick at the time of the accident. As a result, taking prompt action is critical to your defense.

Continue reading "West Teluca Lake DUI Accident Severely Injures Driver And Passenger" »

The Beverly Hills Courier reports that a 35-year-old drunk driver was sentenced to 36 years to life in connection with a Long Beach drunk driving accident that killed a 13-month-old girl.

If you have been charged with a California drunk driving offense, it is critical to contact an experienced Long Beach drunk driving defense lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense.

Here, the driver's sport utility vehicle left the road and went onto a sidewalk, fatally injuring the girl and seriously injuring her brother. A Long Beach Superior Court jury found the driver guilty of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injury, driving with a blood alcohol of greater than .08% with injury and DUI hit-and-run.

The judge rejected defense counsel efforts to obtain a new trial.

Continue reading "Long Beach DUI Accident Leads To Prison Sentence" »

According to the L.A. Times, a Los Angeles music editor - Mark David Skillingberg - was sentenced to one-year in jail as the result of a drunk driving accident that killed a Culver City man. Skillingberg agreed to plead no contest to one count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and avoid a trial.

If you are facing any California drunk driving charges, contact a skilled Los Angeles drunk driving lawyer immediately to begin investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest and prepare the best possible defense.

In vehicular manslaughter cases, all of the factors that played a role in the drunk driving accident are evaluated. Often, other issues besides the driver's alcohol consumption are partially to blame. Here, several factors influenced the ultimate result. Although Skillingberg's blood alcohol was twice the legal limit, the man who died had been attempting to make an illegal U-turn at the time of the accident. The prosecutor noted that a plea was offered because if a trial had occurred in this case, a jury would likely have reached the same result.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man Sentenced To One-Year In Jail For Fatal Drunk Driving Accident" »

A Rancho Palos Verdes woman was arrested on a suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving after a crash killed a woman on the Harbor 110 Freeway.

The accident occurred after the driver crashed into barrels on the side of the freeway, then struck the victim's car, fatally injuring her. The driver's passenger was also injured.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving, contacting an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer at once is critical to maintaining your driving privileges and ensuring you receive the best defense possible.

Vehicular manslaughter is one of the most serious California drunk driving offenses, with recent cases being tried as murder. Potential penalties include significant jail time, driver's license suspensions and revocations, and probation.

Continue reading "Suspected Rancho Palos Verdes DUI Accident Leads To Arrest" »

Motley Crue singer Vince Neil begins serving his DUI sentence this week for charges arising out of a conviction for drunk driving.

This is not Neil's first DUI arrest. In 1986 he was arrested and convicted of California vehicular manslaughter when his car hit another one head on near Redondo Beach. The accident killed his passenger, Nicholas Dingley, the drummer for the band. The occupants of the other car were injured as well.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving charges, it's important to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your driving privileges and begin preparing your defense. Remember even if you are arrested for an out-of-state DUI, such as in Las Vegas, California drunk driving laws and DMV penalties may still apply. Under the "Driver's License Compact" when a DUI violation occurs in one state, home state laws impact your penalties.

Neil spent 30 days in jail and received 5 years probation as a result of the California vehicular manslaughter charges.

The DUI penalties for the current charges include 15 days in jail, 15 days on house arrest, and fines. If convicted a third time, Neil could face serious charges for a repeat DUI offense.

Continue reading "Vince Neil Begins Serving DUI Sentence" »

According to the Pasadena Star-News, a Rosemead man has been arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving after his car drifted into oncoming traffic in San Gabriel and crashed into another car. The driver of the other car sustained serious injuries.

If you have been detained on a suspicion of drunk driving, a Los Angeles drunk driving defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, prepare your defense, and guide you through your next steps.

The accident occurred when a young man driving on San Gabriel Boulevard crossed onto the other side of the road and collided with another car, which was then rear-ended. When charged with a DUI causing an injury, several issues affect the severity of the penalties. These factors include the nature of the accident, whether this is the driver's first DUI offense, what other circumstances may have contributed to the accident, and the extent of the injuries.

In some situations, the DUI accident will be treated as a misdemeanor, where in other more serious situations, the charges will be for a Felony DUI, subjecting the driver to significantly greater penalties, such as mandatory jail time, fines, and driver's license restrictions.

Continue reading "Suspected San Gabriel DUI Accident Leads To Serious Injuries" »