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Law Offices of Jonthan Franklin - Blog
The walk-and-turn test is one of three standardized field sobriety tests. These tests, commonly called SFSTs, are given to drivers stopped for a traffic violation and suspected of driving under the influence, or DUI. The tests are used to establish probable cause to arrest a driver for DUI. The tests can also used as evidence in a criminal DUI court case to how the person’s driving ability was impaired by alcohol intoxication.
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, also referred to as HGN, is one of three standardized field sobriety tests, or SFSTs. These tests are administered during a traffic stop and after a driver is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol (DUI). SFSTs are used by police to obtain the probable cause needed for a driver to be arrested for DUI.
California does something that a lot of other states do not do. Police conducting drunk driving checkpoints, commonly referred as sobriety checkpoints, have the right to check drivers for driving under the influence (DUI) and, surprisingly, something else. They can conduct a saliva test on any driver they suspect of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
California Vehicle Code 23612 covers implied consent laws with respect to driving under the influence or DUI charges. Implied consent basically means that anyone who operates a motor vehicle in the state has given his or her consent to chemical testing. The chemical testing includes taking a sample of a driver’s blood or breath after being stopped for suspicion of DUI. In other words, the implied consent law requires drivers to submit to a DUI chemical test when a police officer requests him or her to do so.
If you have a prior driving under the influence, or DUI, conviction, a new arrest and subsequent charge may have devastating effects. With each DUI conviction, penalties dramatically increase. For example, a fourth DUI charge may become a felony. As a result, you can face time in a California prison, if convicted.
Arrested for driving under the influence, or DUI? There is good news. You have only been charged, not convicted of DUI. Do you want better news? Retaining a DUI defense lawyer experienced with drunk driving cases could help you beat the charges. You see, a DUI defense lawyer has many strategies to use in a DUI case. One of the most effective defense strategies is challenging the chemical test.
You were involved in a traffic accident. The last thing you are thinking about is hiring a criminal attorney to represent you. Unfortunately, some drivers are charged with driving under the influence, or DUI, or another crime after being in a car accident. You may be one of them.
A police officer must have a reasonable suspicion that you committed a criminal offense and/ or a traffic violation to stop you. Sometimes a traffic violation or criminal offense happens as a police officer is driving in traffic. He or she notices a driver commit a crime or violation and pulls him or her over for a traffic stop. However, police watch people drive to spot erratic driving behavior, as well.
A California driving under the influence, or DUI, charge is so serious that it can cost you thousands of dollars and make your dream job impossible to get. The following are things you can do to avoid getting a DUI prior to ever getting stopped by police. These ways may actually decrease you odds of being arrested for DUI.
It occasionally happens. Sometimes drunk driving cases actually make it to a trial by jury. When they do make it to the trial phase, it can take a long time to conclude because of unforeseen circumstances. For instance, a lawyer may have scheduling conflicts or the court may have too many cases scheduled on one day. Those types of problems are common, but what about when an important witness cannot make it to court.
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