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California DUI / DWI Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: I was Charged a DUI V.C. 23152(f) “based on Suspicion” not evidence, Blood Test came positive. Trial Conviction Question

I was charged with 2 counts

1) V.C. 23152 (f) DUI Drugs

2) V.C. 11550(a) under the influence of a controlled substance

Despite no actual evidence found at the time of arrest, i was arrested and charged based on suspicion and officer opinion. Later Blood Test Showed Meth... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 17, 2024

In California, DUI charges under Vehicle Code 23152(f) can indeed be complex, especially when there's a discrepancy in verdicts between related charges. Your situation, where you were found guilty of DUI Drugs but not guilty of being under the influence of a controlled substance, does raise... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

If you were injured by a drunk driver in California who subsequently pleaded guilty to felony DUI with injury and was sentenced to probation, but you believe that your victim rights were violated and the sentencing was incorrect due to inconsistencies in the probation report, you may have recourse.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 13, 2024

You have no recourse over the sentencing. You have personal injury claims against him. If he has liability insurance or you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can recover monetary damages. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, you might be entitled to additional recovery. Talk to a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Jan 13, 2024

So sorry to hear of what you have been going through. There may be some measure of further justice you can obtain, but the situation is much too complicated to be solved in a question and answer forum such as this. It is unlikely you can have the sentence increased, but it is surprising that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: How do I find data regarding sentences imposed for CA felony DUI with injurys?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In California, the sentencing for a felony DUI with injury under Vehicle Code 23153 can vary based on several factors. This includes the severity of injuries caused, prior DUI offenses, and other specific circumstances of the case.

For a first-time offense, the potential sentence ranges...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Supposed to sign up for DUI classes by 1/20 but my appt is on the 23rd after calling today. Will I be in any trouble?

My first DUI. Informal probation and meant to attend dui classes for 9 months. I didn't realize on my form it said to call within three business days to start attending dui classes. I am a couple weeks out from the date stated on my documents for when I should be assigned. I called today and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

In your situation, where you're required to sign up for DUI classes by a certain date but have an appointment slightly later, it's understandable to be concerned about potential consequences. It's good that you have taken the initiative to set up the appointment.

Since your...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: I got pulled over for a taillight and was given a field sobriety test and then a breathalyzer, which I blew under twice

They wanted to then give me another breathalyzer test, I refused. Was taken for blood test and then while being booked they found a small amount of cocaine in my purse.

I ultimately passed the blood test, now they are charging me for a controlled substance.

If I was being arrested... View More

Christopher Walsh
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Christopher Walsh
answered on Jan 7, 2024

In this scenario, it will come down to whether or not the police actually had a valid basis to arrest you for the DUI in the first place. If the police had probable cause to believe you were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, then the arrest would be proper and the cocaine that was later... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: I got pulled over for a taillight and was given a field sobriety test and then a breathalyzer, which I blew under twice

They wanted to then give me another breathalyzer test, I refused. Was taken for blood test and then while being booked they found a small amount of cocaine in my purse.

I ultimately passed the blood test, now they are charging me for a controlled substance.

If I was being arrested... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

Under California law, the fact that you were initially stopped for a traffic violation and subsequently found not to be under the influence does not prevent law enforcement from charging you with possession of a controlled substance if it was found during the lawful execution of their duties. The... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: DMV case was set aside in CA DUI. I have a question about how the DUI classes req. by my criminal case affect that.

I got a DUI in California and I’m required to do a 9mo DUI program.

I didn’t read my paperwork well after court and I’m finding out I’m behind on the deadlines they gave me to start.

On my court paperwork it says that I had 7 days to enroll in the program which I missed.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In California, the DMV and the criminal court systems operate independently in DUI cases. Winning an appeal at the DMV and having your case set aside there primarily affects your driving privileges, not the requirements set by the criminal court.

Since the court ordered you to complete a...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: DMV case was set aside in CA DUI. I have a question about how the DUI classes req. by my criminal case affect that.

I got a DUI in California and I’m required to do a 9mo DUI program.

I didn’t read my paperwork well after court and I’m finding out I’m behind on the deadlines they gave me to start.

On my court paperwork it says that I had 7 days to enroll in the program which I missed.... View More

Christopher Walsh
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Christopher Walsh
answered on Jan 2, 2024

Congratulations on prevailing at the DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing. That makes your pathway a little easier. A lot of folks do not realize that when you get a DUI, you have two battles you are facing, and potentially two DMV suspensions: one from the criminal side, and the other is the DMV... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Can I get a wet reckless charge instead of a dui charge?

I have only had my arraignment but my BAC was 0.12 and I have already taken AA classes. Can my attorney be able to reduce my charges from a DUI to wet reckless?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In California, a "wet reckless" charge is a common plea bargain in DUI cases, particularly for first-time offenders or where the evidence may not strongly support a DUI conviction. This charge is formally known as a reckless driving involving alcohol charge.

Your Blood Alcohol...
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3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: got a dui in September, plead not guilty on my arraignment hearing. I was 0.12 bac, complaint and first offense.

decided to go to a little kickback after a long time. officer said i was swerving but i know i was not because i knew where i was going, where i was going and with who. never have i broken any laws (nor do i plan to) and feel scared. i am an university student about to enter their last semester.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

Under California law, facing a DUI charge as a first offense with a BAC of 0.12 can have significant legal and personal consequences. Your academic and future professional life could be impacted, especially if your career requires a clean criminal record or involves driving.

During your...
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3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: got a dui in September, plead not guilty on my arraignment hearing. I was 0.12 bac, complaint and first offense.

decided to go to a little kickback after a long time. officer said i was swerving but i know i was not because i knew where i was going, where i was going and with who. never have i broken any laws (nor do i plan to) and feel scared. i am an university student about to enter their last semester.... View More

Richard L. Grant
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Richard L. Grant
answered on Dec 21, 2023

A DUI conviction remains on your record for 10 years, causes greatly increased Insurance Rates, and may affect you in future employment opportunities.

Best course of action is to hire an experienced DUI Defense Attorney, you can afford, to aggressively defend you in an attempt to Dismiss...
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3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for California on
Q: got a dui in September, plead not guilty on my arraignment hearing. I was 0.12 bac, complaint and first offense.

decided to go to a little kickback after a long time. officer said i was swerving but i know i was not because i knew where i was going, where i was going and with who. never have i broken any laws (nor do i plan to) and feel scared. i am an university student about to enter their last semester.... View More

Thomas M. Fleming
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

The good news is that you have a moderate alleged BAC. A criminal conviction, depending on whether it's a DUI conviction, or something lesser, can affect your employment, your driver's license status and many other things. Find the best attorney you can right now to help you and protect... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Divorce, DUI / DWI and Family Law for California on
Q: Not divorced yet but wife wrecked car in DUI. Vehicle is in my name but I don’t want to report it to insurance she does
William John Light
William John Light
answered on Dec 19, 2023

Whether she reports the damage to the insurance company isn't really up to you. She was driving with permission, as such she is an insured under the policy. The premiums for that policy presumably come from community property funds. The payments for the car presumably come from community... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Divorce, DUI / DWI and Family Law for California on
Q: Not divorced yet but wife wrecked car in DUI. Vehicle is in my name but I don’t want to report it to insurance she does
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 19, 2023

In California, when facing a situation where a spouse is involved in a DUI accident with a vehicle registered in your name, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind. First, it's important to understand that as the registered owner, you could potentially be held liable for damages... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Divorce, DUI / DWI and Family Law for California on
Q: Not divorced yet but wife wrecked car in DUI. Vehicle is in my name but I don’t want to report it to insurance she does
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 19, 2023

Financially, if the vehicle is in your name, you're responsible for repairs or replacement after a DUI-related accident. Reporting it to insurance may cover the damage, but your premium might increase. Your wife could face fines and license suspension, impacting joint finances. Legally,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for California on
Q: there any law in California where you can be charged for something another vehicle possibly a friends/families vehicle?

I constantly see videos where street racing cars get pulled over or a motorcycle group is being chased by police and police only pulls one of them over but typical the one getting pulled over is the only one NOT doing what the others are doing such as speeding, swerving threw traffic, or doing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 2, 2023

Under California law, individuals are typically responsible for their own actions while operating a vehicle. You cannot be legally charged for traffic violations committed by others, even if they are friends or family members. If you are part of a group, such as a motorcycle convoy, and others in... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: In California how far back does a live screen background check go?

I have 2 misdemeanors and a dui was wondering how far back a live scan goes because I want to become a CNA and they require a live scan before enrollment.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

In California, a Live Scan background check typically includes criminal history information that can go back indefinitely. However, for employment purposes, there are restrictions under California law regarding how far back an employer can consider criminal history.

The California...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: In California how far back does a live screen background check go?

I have 2 misdemeanors and a dui was wondering how far back a live scan goes because I want to become a CNA and they require a live scan before enrollment.

Bart Kaspero
Bart Kaspero
answered on Nov 27, 2023

For any license or credential given by an agency in CA, any livescan will pull up a person's entire criminal history as it is stored in the DOJ repository. However, agencies prefer to see cases that have been expunged or sealed for dozens of reasons. If the 2 misdemeanors and DUI you have in... View More

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