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Proposition 19, the California ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana possession and sales in California, is falling behind in popularity in recent polls. Proposition 19 will be on the ballot in November. According to the Los Angeles Times, a recent poll found that 48 percent of likely voters oppose the initiative, while 44 percent support it. A poll back in May found that likely voters leaned slightly towards supporting the initiative. The law would allow individuals over the age of 21 to possess, grow and transport marijuana, as well as allow counties and cities to tax and regulate marijuana. Proponents… Read More

Lonnie Franklin Jr. was arrested in Los Angeles on July 7 on suspicion of being the “Grim Sleeper” killer. In the 1980’s, a series of killings of young black women occurred and then stopped, resuming 14 years later, which inspired the name Grim Sleeper. Lonnie Franklin was charged with 10 counts of murder, as well as other charges, reports anABC News article. Franklin was arrested 15 times over the past several decades for burglary, car theft, gun possession and assault. However, he was never entered into California’s DNA database because his crimes were not serious enough. Despite all his arrests,… Read More

There are numerous defenses that can be used in court to defend against a DUI charge, even if a defendant’s BAC was over the legal limit. First of all, the police officer who pulled you over must have a legal reason to do so. If not, the original stop could be challenged and the evidence against you thrown out. Was there a reason to detain you for DUI? If not, the case could be challenged. Another important point is that field sobriety tests are extremely subjective. Were they performed in accordance with federal guidelines? Many police officers are not experienced… Read More

The latimes.com reported in an article on June 7, 2009 that narcotics investigators raided a home owned by Bell’s Mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and found a “super lab” able of producing 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Two men were arrested. Hernandez did not identify the men and said that he rented the house to a couple and their two children. Hernandez stated that the husband and a man visiting the couple were arrested. The woman living there is 8 months pregnant and the daughters, ages 2 and 3, were placed in protective care. Hernandez stated that the man arrested had told him… Read More

In addition to the loss of driving privileges that can result from a DUI, California criminal penalties can be imposed as well. It is a crime to either drive a vehicle in California if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol content is over .08 percent. You can be charged with a violation of either or both of those crimes if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A DUI in California is typically a misdemeanor. A felony DUI can involve possible jail time. A DUI… Read More

The civil penalties for a DUI in California vary, depending on several factors. Your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for a certain period of time. If you are older than 21, and you took a blood, breath, or urine test, and the test showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher, your license will be suspended. If it is a first offense, your license will be suspended for four months. For a second or subsequent offense within 10 years, your license will be suspended for a year. If you are under 21 and your BAC… Read More

DUIs are one of the most common criminal charges in the U.S. Once you get charged with aDUI in Los Angeles, you need to contact a DUI attorney in LA County immediately. How do you pick a DUI attorney? Before choosing a Los Angeles DUI attorney, do your research. Utilize the Internet or yellow pages to compile a list of law firms who handle DUIs in your area. In addition, ask family and friends for any recommendations. Call each firm to see which individual attorney handles the DUIs. After making the list, check with the state bar association to see… Read More

If you are pulled over in California and you have been drinking, it is important to know how to proceed once stopped for DUI. First of all, pull over safely to the side of the road. Be polite to the police officer. If the police officer asks you questions, it’s fine to say that you would like to speak with an attorney. You may also wish to explain that you had one or two drinks, which would not typically cause intoxication, in order to explain a beer or alcohol smell; however, this is not completely necessary. The police officer may… Read More

Obviously, one of the best tips on avoiding DUI in Los Angeles is to never drive if you have been drinking or using prescription or illegal drugs. There are also factors to keep in mind when calculating the effect alcohol has on your body. In general, women metabolize alcohol more quickly than men. In addition, the more a person weighs, the speed in which alcohol is consumed, and the amount of food or liquids consumed while drinking greatly affect the way the body processes alcohol. In particular, foods with a higher fat content cause the body to metabolize alcohol more… Read More

Drunk-driving charges have been filed against Los Angeles County’s City Administrative Officer, the top budget adviser at Los Angeles City Hall. An LA Times article reports that the suspect was arrested in Covina on March 26, 2010 while driving home from a charity event. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, the defendant had a blood alcohol of 0.15%, nearly twice the legal limit. He was initially stopped for speeding, but was ultimately arrested after failing a field sobriety test. He is presently scheduled to be arraigned on one misdemeanor count each of driving under the influence and driving… Read More