Drivers convicted of DUI / DWI face serious consequences, including fines, jail, and license suspensions. However, courts have begun to acknowledge that it is useless to punish drunk drivers without addressing underlying problems with alcohol, and sentencing alternatives have become available. An experienced California DUI / DWI attorney from the Kavinoky Law Firm can determine whether a particular case meets the requirements for alternative sentencing.

These alternatives are offered with the goal of helping, not punishing, the DUI driver. One such alternative is mandatory attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA meetings.

Attendance at AA meetings is usually required as a condition of probation. The court determines how many meetings a driver must attend during a certain period of time, and the meetings are recorded on a “court card” that must be signed by the meeting secretary. If the driver fails to attend the prescribed number of meetings, the terms of probation are violated, and the driver likely will go to jail.

AA meetings take place in nearly every community during weekdays, evenings, and on weekends. To locate a meeting, look up the “AA Central Office” in any phone directory, or log on to www.aa.org. There is no cost to attend meetings, and DUI offenders likely will meet other individuals who understand and relate to the problems they are experiencing.

Alcoholics Anonymous describes itself as a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

To help individuals discover whether they have a problem with alcohol, AA has produced the following questionnaire. Anyone who answers yes to four or more questions may have a problem with alcohol.

1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking– stop telling you what to do?
3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
4. Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
6. Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
8. Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
10. Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
11. Do you have “blackouts”?
12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

An estimated 13 million Americans suffer from substance abuse problems, but help is available to those who seek it. Alcoholics Anonymous has helped more than 2 million problem drinkers live sober lives.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is a serious charge with serious consequences. The best way for an individual charged with this offense to avoid the harsh penalties that can be imposed in connection with this type of DUI is for him or her to hire a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in California driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) defense.

Defenses to driving under the influence of marijuana are numerous and include simple arguments, Constitutional right violations and scientific evidence. Because DUI law is technical and specific, only a qualified criminal attorney who has mastered this area of the law should attempt to employ these defenses.

Simple defense arguments may be raised when part of the investigation just doesn’t make sense. A savvy attorney knows that he or she can question the officer with respect to the accused driver’s driving pattern, as marijuana typically doesn’t yield any specific driving behavior. The attorney knows that he or she challenge the field sobriety tests (FSTs), as they were designed to test impairment related to alcohol, not drugs. The attorney knows that he or she can address the many innocent explanations for the signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with marijuana use (such as illness, fatigue and nerves) – explanations that the officer never even bothered to inquire about. The attorney also knows that he or she can cross-examine the prosecution’s drug recognition expert (DRE) about the fact that he hasn’t received any medical training even though he’s evaluating the suspect’s body.

Constitutional violations include anything that the officer did illegally with respect to the stop, detention, arrest and/or collection of evidence. If the officer didn’t have “reasonable suspicion” when he or she pulled the driver over, if the officer didn’t have “probable cause” to order the driver out of the car, if the driver wasn’t displaying signs of impairment, if the officer illegally searched the car or the driver or if the officer didn’t give the suspect the choice of a blood or urine test, these are the kinds of defenses that a skilled California DUID attorney will raise.

Scientific defenses are the most difficult to argue. It takes an attorney who truly understands the science behind chemical testing and how marijuana affects the body to effectively articulate these types of defenses to a judge and jury in a manner in which they, too, can understand and appreciate the arguments. Some scientific defenses include how the blood or urine sample was collected and stored, as there are very strict guidelines that regulate sample collection (especially with respect to blood) and what must be done with the sample one’s it’s been collected. The “chain of custody” also raises issues, because it must be guaranteed that there was no possibility that the sample analyzed belonged to someone other than the accused driver. Perhaps the most important scientific defense is that a chemical test indicating marijuana use is not necessarily indicative of impairment. The defendant’s lawyer must be able to explain (with the help of a criminalist) that marijuana can linger in the body for days and even weeks following use – a critical issue to raise in a driving under the influence of marijuana case where the only relevant issue is whether the accused was impaired at the time of driving.

It should be noted that although a medical marijuana defense may apply to possession or cultivation charges, it will not be a valid excuse in a DUID case. This is because D.U.I. law is unconcerned with whether or not the drug is legal or illegal, prescribed or over-the-counter and is only concerned with whether the driver was under its influence at the time of driving.

The outstanding attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm excel in defending California driving under the influence cases and in defending marijuana-related cases, providing the most comprehensive legal representation to their clients accused of driving under the influence of marijuana. For unsurpassed representation, contact them today for a free consultation.

Alcohol Education Programs in Del Norte County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in Del Norte County, California:

Humboldt Addictions Services Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
1079 4th Street,
Crescent City, California 95531
Phone: 707-464-7849; Fax: 707-465-6522

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Alcohol Education Programs in Mono County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in Mono County, California:

Mono County DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
452 Old Mammoth Road,
Sierra Center Mall,
3rd Floor,
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546
Phone: 760-924-1740; Fax: 760-924-1741

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Alcohol Education Programs in Santa Barbara County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in Santa Barbara County, California:

Council On Alcoholism And Drug Abuse
(Service Provided: 18 Month)
232 E. Canon Perdido Street,
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Phone: 805-963-1433; Fax: 805-963-1720

Central Coast Headway, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
318 W. Carmen Lane,
Santa Maria, California 93454
Phone: 805-922-2106; Fax: 805-922-2751

Central Coast Headway, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
115 East College Avenue,
Suite 16,
Lompoc, California 93436
Phone: 805-737-0015; Fax: 805-737-7154

Zona Seca
(Service Provided: First Offender)
26 West Figueroa Street,
2nd Floor,
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Phone: 805-963-8961; Fax: 805-963-0322

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Experienced Los Angeles DUI Attorneys

It is important to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer when faced with a Los Angeles criminal charge. Not all criminal lawyers are the same. You want to make sure that you are given all the resources possible to resolve your criminal case with minimal repercussions. At the Kavinoky Law Firm, you not only get the knowledge and experience to win, you get an entire team working around the clock on your behalf.  Our main objective is to remove all the burdens off your shoulders. Let us handle the case, so you can sleep well at night.
There are many aspects and procedures that can be challenged to help get you off your criminal charge. We spare no expense to make sure we have uncovered all avenues of your Los Angeles criminal case.  We understand the impact of a criminal charge on your life and livelihood.

We focus on a plethora of Los Angeles criminal charges including:
Assault
Appeals
Battery
Bench Warrants
Crimes Against Children
Domestic Violence
DUI
DUI Drugs
Drug Crimes
Drug Possession
Embezzlement
Expungement
Federal Cases
Fraud
Gang Offense
Grand Theft
Investigatory
Manslaughter
Murder
Robbery
Sex Crimes
Violent Crimes
Weapons Crimes
White Collar Crimes

Big-Firm Resources, Small-Firm Feel

• The Kavinoky Law Firm has more than a dozen lawyers and a support staff of 25.

• We employ a team approach: Your defense strategy will be engineered by founding lawyer Darren Kavinoky, Senior Supervising Attorney Joel Koury, Northern California Managing Attorney Michael Meehan, and their handpicked team. The Kavinoky Law Firm has more than a century of combined legal experience, and over 500 completed jury trials.

• We are one of the largest law firms in California that concentrates on defending cases involving alcohol and drugs. This translates into greater resources for your defense.

• We employ a specialized Intranet Toolkit to ensure all of our attorneys effectively collaborate, share information, and work in concert.

• All of our attorneys use Blackberries or Droids. This means that you’ll receive an immediate response to your emails and phone calls and outstanding customer service.

• We have a network of attorneys throughout the United States for cases that involve issues that cross state lines, such as foreign prior convictions, or those involving out-of-state driver’s licenses that could be impacted by an action in California.

• We conduct frequent comprehensive case-evaluation roundtables, where a “mastermind” group of lawyers each review your case, and come up with the best approach that is designed to achieve the best possible result in your criminal case.

• We have an-house appellate department to address writs and appeals. We are willing and equipped to fight (and have successfully fought), significant legal issues all the way to the Supreme Court.

• We employ a team approach, which translates into more resources to come up with the winning strategy in your case.

Our Los Angeles Offices:
• Encino
• Los Angeles

 

We proudly cover these areas of Greater Los Angeles:
Acton, Agoura, Agoura Hills , Alhambra, Antelope Valley, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Camarillo, Carson, Claremont, Commerce, Canoga Park, Century City, Chatsworth, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, East Los Angeles, El Monte, El Segundo, Encino, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Granada Hills, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Hollywood, Huntington Park, Industry, Irwindale, La Canada-Flintridge, Lake Balboa, Lakewood, La Mirada, Lancaster, La Puente, La Verne, Lawndale, Lomita, Los Angeles , Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Newhall, North Hollywood, Northridge, Norwalk, Oxnard, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Quartz Hill, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach , Reseda, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, San Pedro, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, Simi Valley, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Studio City, Sylmar, Temple City, Thousand Oaks, Three Points, Torrance, Valencia, Van Nuys, Ventura, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Westlake Village, Whittier, Woodland Hills.

California Supreme Court Allows Traffic Stops Based on Uncorroborated Tips

In a setback for privacy and civil rights, the California Supreme Court has ruled that police can use anonymous tips to stop suspected drunk drivers even if the officer doesn’t spot any illegal activity. An attorney plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that a California Highway Patrol officer acted properly when he pulled over a San Joaquin Valley woman after an anonymous caller said her van was weaving, even though the officer witnessed no signs of impairment. The woman later failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for heroin possession.

The ruling gives police in California the broadest powers in the nation to pull over suspected drunk drivers and other motorists based only on anonymous tips. In recent months, the state has posted signs urging motorists to report suspected DUI / DWI drivers to the CHP. Those signs, coupled with the high court’s decision, open the door for abuse by drivers involved in road rage or grudges unrelated to criminal activity.

Three justices opposed the ruling, saying police should not be allowed to stop motorists without witnessing illegal activity. “One of the hallmarks of the liberty guaranteed to persons in this country is that agents of the government cannot arrest, seize or detain them without a good reason,” Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar wrote for the minority.

The panel’s ruling comes on the heels of a string of high court decisions that erode the rights of criminal suspects across California and the nation. The California Supreme Court recently ruled that police can enter some DUI / DWI suspects’ homes without a warrant to administer chemical tests.

In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that police can enter suspects’ homes without knocking if they have a valid search warrant. However, the justices also recently ruled that police cannot pat down a suspect for weapons based on an uncorroborated tip.

Defense attorneys decried the California Supreme Court’s ruling on anonymous tips as a setback for privacy and civil rights that may resonate for decades.

“Anyone can call in an anonymous tip for any reason,” said Darren T. Kavinoky, one of California’s top criminal defense attorneys. “This ruling essentially allows police to go on fishing expeditions in the vehicle of any driver unfortunate enough to be the target of an anonymous tipster.”

Despite the setback, motorists arrested for drunk driving or any other criminal offense involving an anonymous tip still have numerous options to launch an effective defense. An experienced California criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence on a number of fronts and dismantle a prosecutor’s case.

The top attorneys of the Kavinoky Law Firm are experienced in defending DUI / DWI cases and other criminal charges throughout California. The firm’s expert attorneys will develop an aggressive defense strategy to challenge charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug possession, or any other criminal offense.