TV star Jeffrey Donovan (lead of “Burn Notice” on the USA Network) was arrested on July 12 for suspicion of driving under the influence. Since the incident took place in Miami Beach, Florida, it can’t technically be classified as a celebrity Los Angeles DUI. However, the case has sent the blogs into a frenzy and captured the attention of the national media, in part due to Donovan’s eccentric reaction to the arrest.
According to reports, the 41-year-old actor was tooling around in his 2009 Audi when he nearly rear-ended a local police car. Unsurprisingly, the cops pulled Donovan over and questioned him about his reckless driving. According to People Magazine, upon being questioned, Donovan admitted that he had drunk three glasses of wine and had taken over-the-counter Benadryl. He pleaded that he was only “borderline” but then proceeded to fail a roadside sobriety test. The police arrested him on the scene and later released him on $1,000 bail a few hours later. At this moment, it remains unclear how, if at all, Donovan’s arrest will impact the filming of Burn Notice.
Had Donovan consulted a qualified Southern California DUI defense attorney prior to speaking with the police, perhaps he would have avoided his embarrassing half-admission of guilt. Often, individuals pulled over for and elsewhere make the mistake of “over-cooperating” with law enforcement, thus blunting their chances for a good defense.
What are some common field sobriety tests used to determine whether someone has been driving under the influence in Southern California?
Once you are stopped by the police for your Los Angeles DUI, the police will begin to administer field sobriety tests. These test include the following:
One Leg Test — a driver is asked to balance on one foot for half a minute. If he or she falls over, this generally counts as a failure.
Horizontal Nystagmus Test — an ad hoc eye examination designed to test pupil reaction times.
Rhomberg Test — similar to the One Leg Test, this is a half-minute exercise. The driver is asked to tilt his head backwards. If he loses his balance, he fails.
Finger to the Nose Test — The driver must close her eyes and touch her nose with her finger. Theoretically, intoxicated drivers are less likely to “find” their noses.
If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence in Los Angeles, you may be able to challenge your arrest, or at the very least mitigate the negative consequences, by putting up a stiff and well-structured defense. The Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers can help. Attorney Kraut has demonstrated an excellent record — both at trial and at settlement hearings — and his no nonsense, client-focused approach may be just what you need. Attorney Kraut is highly sought out because he spent many years as a Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney. So he understands precisely how the prosecution operates in DUI cases.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles or you are under investigation for driving under the influence in Southern California, please contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut for 24/7 assistance by phone at (323) 464-6453 or toll free at (888) 334-6344 or online.