Don't count on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of trouble through the Saint Patrick Day weekend; authorities from Glendora to Redondo Beach will be out in force, looking to make drunk driving arrests in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
Please contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with DUI this weekend. Stepped up enforcement, roving patrols and sobriety checkpoints all increase the risk that you will be unfairly charged. When an attorney can challenge probable cause for the traffic stop, or for requesting that you take field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer examination, the charges against you may be reduced or dismissed.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that about 25,000 motorists are arrested and charged with drunk driving each year -- more than 6,000 of those face felony charges. About 1 in 4 avoid being convicted of drunk driving. Others are able to plead to lesser charges, including reckless operation,
The Glendora Patch reports the Los Angeles County DUI Task Force is increasing patrols through the weekend.
"We want drunk drivers to know we're out there," said spokeswoman Wendy Brewer.
The government reports 103 fatal crashes occurred on St. Patrick's Day in 2009 -- more than one-third of those involved alcohol. Such cases can be quite serious and may lead to charges of vehicular manslaughter in Los Angeles.
The staff at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn wishes each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday week. Authorities are providing the following safety tips:
-Have a safe ride home before heading out for the evening.
-Designate a sober driver and leave your keys at home.
-Help friends find a sober ride home.
-If hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
-Keep phone numbers for local taxi companies handy.
If you are charged with DUI in Los Angeles through the St. Patrick's Day weekend, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
