DUI Consequences

April 20, 2011

Long Beach DUI Twofer – GOP’s Kittle Avoids Jail Time… and a Big Controversy over the Royal Wedding!

Long Beach DUI blogs, like this one, typically don’t stretch to include extraneous news events, like the April 29 royal wedding in Britain. But some interesting controversies regarding the wedding plans may shed light on crucial issues relevant to anybody who has been tagged for Los Angeles DUI, driving under the influence in Burbank, driving under the influence in Pasadena, Glendale DUI, and so forth.

Before we get to the main event, let’s briefly recapitulate a breaking story out of Hamilton County, Indiana. Last Tuesday, James Kittle, the 67-year-old former head of the GOP in Indiana, pled guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge and managed to avoid jail time.

According to news reports, Kittle got arrested in mid December 2010 in Carmel. Not only did he fail a field sobriety test, but he also blew a 0.10% on a breathalyzer – as our regular readers know, Long Beach DUI breathalyzer results of 0.08% or higher will be enough to get you arrested for the crime of DUI pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(b). Kittle stepped down as the Indiana Republican Party chair in 2006 – he had been considering trying to re-up, but his arrest put a crimp in those plans.

Meanwhile, the Huffington Post reported on April 12th that the royal wedding may “serve as a rehearsal for Queen’s funeral.” HuffPo quotes an unnamed royal aid in the British paper, Express: “obviously we all hope such a sad event will be a long way off – Her Majesty may be 84, but she is in very good health…(nevertheless) we need to rehearse logistics and timing for what will be a huge ceremony. It may seem odd to think about his grandmother’s demise at the same time as William’s wedding, but having all these diplomats and VIPs in London on April 29 makes it sensible to run through the procedures and things like seating plans.”

Wow. It’s definitely a little bit macabre. But it’s not the only strange aspect of the wedding – another wrinkle, which may be relevant to the Long Beach DUI blogosphere, albeit very indirectly, has to do with the bride-to-be’s mother’s diet. The Dukan diet – a French concoction that emphasizes low carbohydrate, high protein, low fat — is a fad diet that’s sweeping not only Britain but also the United States. It differs from other low carb diets, such as Atkins, because it emphasizes high protein instead of high fat. Without delving into the debate over which method is safer or better, individuals who are on the Dukan diet may want to take extra care when driving along the freeways and surface streets around Long Beach and LA.

When you restrict carbohydrates in the diet, as we discussed in a post last week, your body can produce chemicals called ketones. These chemicals can show up on your breath and skew your breathalyzer readings, as Protein Power’s Dr. Michael Eades and other experts on the subject of carbohydrate restriction have discussed. The moral here is: if you’re trying to emulate the princess-to-be’s mom’s weight loss by going on the Dukan diet, be on the lookout for this potential problem. If you do get pulled over, for whatever reasons, your breathalyzer results may be way off.

For help developing a defense to a DUI charge, connect with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Michael Kraut of Long Beach’s Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (444 West Ocean, Suite 800 Long Beach, California 90802 Phone: (562) 531-7454) would be happy to discuss your situation. Trust this former prosecutor to give you excellent, actionable advice, and help you build a strategy.

April 18, 2011

Los Angeles DUI Blog Discusses the Upcoming Royal Wedding

by Michael Kraut

The last place you think you’d look for an analysis of the upcoming royal wedding between Prince William and his betrothed, Kate Middleton, is a blog devoted mainly to conversations about driving under the influence in Los Angeles. But with literally every single news organization – from the largest papers in Britain and the U.S. to the smallest “two bit” blogs here and abroad — focused on the upcoming nupitals on April 29th, we thought it would be an interesting departure from standard news about Glendale DUI, Pasadena DUI, Burbank DUI and Los Angeles DUI, to review some highlights from what promises to be one of the most gala celebrations of 2011.

One article last week in the U.K. Paper Metro, noted that the street party after the royal wedding will need to be insured for a whopping 5 million pounds. According to Metro, seven different street parties have been approved following the ceremony… and David Cameron himself got into a minor battle with local authorities about whether or not street parties should proceed.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reported about royal wedding etiquette and dress. Here are some interesting details from that article:

• “There’s a 22 page royal etiquette book explaining some key do’s and don’ts for the big day”
• “If you intend to wear a top hat, make sure to take it off inside the church”
• Simon Cowell (of American Idol fame) is not invited

Lastly, the BBC reports that half a million people will be journeying to London to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot. The BBC reports that, back in 1981, the Prime Minister himself slept outside Buckingham Palace the night before the royal wedding just to get a peak. London will no doubt have a lot of logistical preparations to handle this enormous crush of people.

For those of you who lack any connection with the outside world, the wedding will take place on Friday the 29th at 11 AM in Westminster Abby.

Frivolous details about the royal wedding aside, however, let’s quickly review some crucial information about Los Angeles DUI penalties. Not to put a damper on the celebratory mood, but if you do get arrested and convicted of Los Angeles DUI, the court can impose an incredibly diverse array of punishments. Here are just a few:

• Significant jail time
• Fees, fines, and other costs
• Force you to install an interlock ignition device in your car
• Mandatory alcohol school
• Community service
• Difficult probation terms
• License suspension
• Many more penalties

To construct an appropriate defense – whether you stand accused of a complicated injury DUI charge or a simple misdemeanor DUI — Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut can help you simplify your defense strategy. As a former prosecutor (Senior Deputy District DA for LA, to be more specific) and Harvard Law School educated attorney, Mr. Kraut has both the experience and the knowhow to deliver exceptional service. The Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers is located at  6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, California 90028.

April 13, 2011

Pasadena DUI Debacle: Montana Judge Who Oversees DUI Court Charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

by Michael Kraut

If you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Pasadena, and you’re a normal citizen (or a sports star or celebrity), chances are, you will receive your fair share of censure from friends, family, and even the public at large.

But if you’re a judge whose job it is to oversee a DUI court, prepare to be roasted. Judges and lawyers who specialize in DUI in Pasadena, DUI in Glendale, DUI in Burbank, and Los Angeles DUI are (and should be) held to a higher general standard of behavior. Unfortunately, as we will see in this blog post and a related post later this week, even people like judges and attorneys can make grievous driving errors that can have profound consequences for their careers.

To wit, let’s turn our attention to the story of Robert E. Lee (his real name), a justice of the peace in Butte, Montana. He was arrested in November 2010 for driving under the influence of drugs. An AP article last Friday recapitulated the justice’s strange November day.

On November 13th, Lee drove to the Butte Silver Bow County Courthouse and asked officers to let him in because he needed to perform duties at a wedding. According to testimony, “Lee appeared confused and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” Lee had parked his vehicle in a handicapped zone behind the Courthouse, and investigators found his credit cards and driver’s license scattered on the ground. Suspicious, police asked the judge to perform a field sobriety test, which he failed. The judge later was asked to take a blood test; this test revealed the presence of methadone, and opioid medication designed for anti-anxiety purposes. Officers later found an empty bottle of methadone at the judge’s house – according to the AP: “the 60 tablet prescription had been filled 9 days earlier.”

If you’re arrested for drug related DUI in Pasadena (or elsewhere in Southern California), you can face serious consequences, including prison time, license suspension, strict probation terms, massive fees and fines, and a general degradation of your professional reputation – particularly if you’re a DUI Judge. Since Lee’s charge was a misdemeanor, he should be able to remain on the bench – though it’s not clear whether he will continue to be allowed to set up the DUI court.

Do you or someone you care about need assistance from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to battle charges of Pasadena DUI? If so, consider connecting with former Deputy District Attorney Michael Kraut of the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (located conveniently in Pasadena at: 790 East Colorado Boulevard, 9th floor, Pasadena, California 91101 Phone: (626) 345-1899). Attorney Kraut can give you the guidance and compassion you need to make headway against your charges. He has a fantastic record at jury trials, a deep understanding of LA DUI law in both theory and practice, and a reputation for getting results for his clients even in extremely difficult circumstances.

April 11, 2011

Burbank DUI Shocker: Attorney Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

by Michael Kraut

If you’ve been stuck on Victory Boulevard or Burbank Boulevard in heavy traffic, chances are you’ve had the opportunity to gaze at billboards for lawyers who specialize in Los Angeles DUI and criminal defense. Whatever you feel about the attorneys who put up these ads, you’d think they’d know enough to stay out of trouble themselves.

Unfortunately, even legal professionals, judges, police officers, and law makers who encode the laws for Burbank DUI, Pasadena DUI, Glendale DUI, and Los Angeles DUI can lose their bearings and get into trouble with our state’s anti-DUI laws.

Although say today’s blog post is about an event out of Orange Country, Florida, its implications for DUI defense are pretty universal. Let’s take a look:

A Florida DUI lawyer had been returning home with a companion, when the companion ran a red light and got stopped by a police officer. The attorney pulled over to check on his friend. As he walked over, the officer noted that lawyer appeared to be stumbling; he suspected the attorney of driving under the influence.

According to the attorney’s report, he had indeed imbibed two drinks over the evening. But he vehemently denied that he was over the South Florida (and Burbank DUI) limit of 0.08% BAC. “[The attorney] brushed off the officer’s allegation as absurd: ‘How can you see one staggering when you’re walking through a grassy median makes no sense.’

The attorney refused to take a field sobriety test but agreed to take a blood test. But when he arrived at the Orange County jail, he was not offered a blood test. According to Allen Moore, a spokesman, the jail does not conduct blood tests. The attorney, a former Sheriff’s Detective, made a $500 jail bond and left jail just after 9 am.

Was the attorney treated fairly by police? Without deeper analysis of what happened, it’s impossible to say. News reports like these often unwittingly bias readers one way or another – as with any Burbank DUI situation, the only way to really get at the truth is to engage in a long and discerning probe of the evidence and testimony.

Unfortunately for the attorney, irrespective of whether he can vindicate himself and clear his record, his business may suffer. He contends that the officer who arrested him knew him by name, and that that’s why the arrest occurred. Here’s exactly what he said: “100%, the facts will show that [he] was not impaired while driving. He was not even cited for any traffic violations, had stopped to assist another motorist, a friend, and then was detained by an overzealous OPD officer they knew me by name and immediately detained me.”

The major takeaway here is that DUI arrests can be scary, no matter how well you know the law, and no matter how trained you are. To get over that feeling of overwhelm and anxiety, consult with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with a great record at jury trials, and lots of experience as a former prosecutor. Connect with Mr. Michael Kraut of the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers in Burbank at  2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, California 91505 Phone: (818) 563-9810 to get a free and completely confidential consultation about what to do next.

April 4, 2011

Pasadena DUI “Century Club” – Texas Man Faces 99 Years behind Bars for 16th DUI

by Michael Kraut

Many recidivist Pasadena DUI drivers – people who’ve been arrested more than once for a crime like driving under the influence in Pasadena, Glendale DUI, Burbank DUI, Los Angeles DUI, etc — wrestle with deep and hard to crystallize psychological problems.

A DUI can happen to the best of people with the best of intentions. For instance, say a person goes to a cocktail party and leaves after only having two drinks. But she fails to recognize that drinking on an empty stomach has elevated her BAC to above the Southern California DUI legal limit of 0.08%. She then gets stopped at a checkpoint and arrested. Her life comes crashing down.

Even recidivist offenders often face only relatively innocuous demons. For instance, maybe a guy who gets arrested three times over the course of 15 years for DUI simply lacks intuition for how much alcohol his body can handle.

What about a 16 time DUI recidivist, like 52-year old James Steven Corley of Montgomery County, Texas? Hmm. He may have some serious issues to work out. Unfortunately for Corley, his 16th life-time conviction for DUI was the final straw, according to local prosecutors. Last August, an officer saw Corley weaving in his lane and driving with a broken tail light. The officer pulled him over and found him to have a BAC of 0.10%.

According to the Deputy District Attorney for Montgomery County: “This defendant is an extremely dangerous driver…practically every time he is getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, according to the testimony, he is driving drunk. He testified that whenever he does it, he doesn’t think about anybody who is on the street with him. It’s all about him. All about getting drunk.”

According to an analysis of the case, Corley might be able to get parole in 10-15 years, depending on his behavior and other factors. A 99-year jail sentence for DUI – even for an extreme case of Pasadena DUI – is relatively unusual. Do note, however, that you can easily get a lengthy jail sentence for Pasadena DUI murder or vehicular manslaughter. When you hurt another person – or kill somebody – obviously your potential penalties go way, way up, even if you’re a first time DUI driver, and even if you were just barely over the limit.

If you did hurt or kill someone, prosecutors and the judge will take into account a variety of other factors, including your level of intoxication, past criminal history (if any), your past DUI history, and the quality of your driving when you caused the injury accident.

To make a sensible defense, look to a quality and well regarded Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. The law allows you to defend yourself in a complicated Pasadena DUI injury case. But in general, you’d be advised to retain professional counsel.

Mr. Michael Kraut (of the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers — 790 East Colorado Boulevard, 9th floor, Pasadena, California 91101 Phone: (626) 345-1899) has deep experience helping clients just like you in complicated and unfortunate DUI circumstances. For years, Mr. Kraut served as a Deputy District Attorney for the city – during which he actively worked to put DUI offenders behind bars. As a result of his stint (14 plus years) as a prosecutor, Mr. Kraut has developed a profound understanding of how prosecutors think, and he also developed a veritable arsenal of tools and strategies to help his clients battle their charges effectively.

March 30, 2011

Long Beach DUI Sexual Battery: San Diego Officer Slapped with 10 Felony Counts for Harassing Women

by Michael Kraut

Most salacious stories involving Southern California DUI involve drivers doing or saying queer things that illicit eye-rolling, head-shaking, or other condemnation. But last week, the tables turned: Instead of a DUI defendant getting charged with a crime like DUI in Burbank, DUI in Glendale, Pasadena DUI, or Los Angeles DUI, a San Diego police officer was charged with harassing up to nine different women during a string of DUI stops.

As the San Diego Union-Tribune reported on March 21, Officer Anthony Arevalos pled not guilty to 10 different felony counts pursuant to charges that he sexually assaulted, restrained, and falsely imprisoned several women over the course of months. Officer Arevalos allegedly pulled over women in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego on October 22, December 29, March 8, and several other times for DUI and then proceeded to “ask them all what they could offer him to get out of their compromising situations. The women ranged in age from 20 to 31.”

According to Deputy DA Sherry Thompson, Arevalos scared the women by pointing out how costly Southern California DUI defense can be. In one of the most salacious examples of the alleged abuse, “he asked a woman leaving Mardi Gras celebrations what it was worth to her to get out of an arrest… Arevalos responded by directing her to drive to a nearby 7-Eleven and then allegedly asked for her panties and bra in a locked restroom… The woman claims that he then put his arm around her and fondled her crotch before letting her go.” According to the Union-Tribune, authorities have surveillance video of this act occurring.

Obviously Arevalos’ alleged misbehavior was not only illegal but also a violation of the rights of DUI suspects. Long Beach DUI process must be upheld. If a police officer fails to follow proper protocol by setting up a checkpoint station incorrectly or by violating the Constitutional rights of suspected DUI drivers, then the charges can be dismissed, and the officers who violated your rights can even get in trouble.

The challenge that many Long beach DUI defendants face is how to demonstrate that they are actually telling the truth. Often, a defense seems like it must devolve into a game of “he said, she said” – your word versus the word of one or several police officers.

Fortunately, a competent and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can prepare you effectively to meet challenges and build a compelling, evidence-based argument to either get your charges dismissed or get them pleaded down. Michael Kraut of Long Beach’s Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (444 West Ocean, Suite 800 Long Beach, California 90802 Phone: (562) 531-7454 ) is a Harvard Law School educated ex-prosecutor for the city (14+ years as a Deputy DA) who boasts a terrific record at jury trials and a history of getting excellent results for clients even in difficult, legally complicated situations.

March 28, 2011

Burbank DUI Disaster for NFL Hopeful – Will Michael Floyd Ever Again Play for Notre Dame?

by Michael Kraut

The annals of Burbank DUI arrests are filled with sad stories of honest people making honest mistakes and careless people making dumb mistakes. Sometimes a situation like a Burbank DUI, Pasadena DUI, Glendale DUI, or Los Angeles DUI will end in tragedy – for instance, someone gets severely hurt or killed. Other times, it merely ends with embarrassment and a loss of professional and personal reputation. In still other cases, the DUI stimulates a positive change for the defendant and helps him or her come to terms with a budding alcohol problem or a deeper psychological problem.

Unfortunately, many young sports stars – who are trained to believe they are invulnerable – often fall victim to their own carelessness and hubris, and they do things like stupidly drive DUI. Doing so can destroy their careers and lead to heartbreak for friends, family members, and fans.

A week ago Sunday, Michael Floyd, a star receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, got arrested for DUI in South Bend, Indiana after blowing a 0.19% on his breathalyzer test and failing field sobriety tests three different times.

The 21-year-old Floyd decided to pass over the 2011 NFL Draft to play for his senior season. Last year 2010, he had 12 touchdowns, 79 catches, and 1,025 yards. Following his DUI arrest, a short period of incarceration at the South Bend, Indiana jail, and a payment of a $500 bond, Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly informed the hopeful that he had been “suspended indefinitely from football team related activities.” Floyd released a statement last Monday apologizing to his friends, coaches, teammates, and fans for “my behavior this weekend” – but will the contrition be enough to save his career?

The answer is obviously up for debate, but the story illustrates how seriously DUI can undermine your life, even if you don’t ultimately get convicted.

Burbank DUI field sobriety tests are probably similar to the ones that Michael Floyd took (and allegedly failed) a week ago. But what exactly happens when you take these tests? Generally, the first test that you get is a vision test called the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. An officer shines a flashlight in your eyes to see how your pupils react to the stimulus. You will also be asked to do a bunch of balancing and coordination tests – touch your nose with your fingers, stand on one leg, walk back and forth across a line, etc. Your mental acuity may also be tested. For instance, you may be asked to recite the alphabet backwards or to count backwards. Officers will also take into account other potential “symptoms” of DUI, such as alcohol on your breath, slurring words, bloodshot eyes, admission to having drunk, disheveled appearance, and inconsistent storytelling.

A Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, like Burbank’s Michael Kraut, can help you piece together a strong and evidence-based defense and help you figure out how to respond to charges against you. Michael Kraut served for many years as a Deputy District Attorney for LA, and he is widely respected as a pundit who speaks on national television about Burbank DUI matters. The Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers is located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, California 91505 Phone: (818) 563-9810.

March 16, 2011

Long Beach DUI Madness — Miguel Cabrera Tells Officers: “Shoot Me, Kill Me”

by Michael Kraut

When a police officer pulls over a driver for suspicion of driving under the influence in Long Beach (or elsewhere throughout the Los Angeles/Southland region), tempers can flare and the situation can even become violent. It’s all too easy to compound a Burbank DUI, Pasadena DUI, DUI in Glendale or Los Angeles DUI situation by fleeing the scene of a crash, confronting an officer, or otherwise acting in a way that will make it more difficult to defend yourself in court later on.

Case in point: Detroit Tigers’ slugger Miguel Cabrera’s recent DUI arrest in Florida.

According to police video from the MLB player’s arrest (as well as 911 calls and 42 pages of arrest affidavits), Cabrera made multiple mistakes, which will likely compound his DUI trouble and may lead to significant legal problems.

First of all, prior to his DUI arrest, Cabrera allegedly made a series of threats at a nearby restaurant, Cowboy’s Bar-B-Q & Steak Company. The manager on duty told him that the bar and dining sections were closing – news that Cabrera did not like. He allegedly threatened to attack the manager and his staff with a gun and “blow up the restaurant.” The threats were serious enough that the bartender called 911.

Cabrera left the restaurant and headed towards the Tigers’ spring training camp in Lakeland in central Florida. His SUV broke down. Police officers soon showed up on the scene. Cabrera allegedly threatened the police, drank a bottle of Scotch whisky in front of them, and gave one of the officers the bird. When the patrol trooper tried to arrest him, Cabrera “pushed off the vehicle” — a defensive/aggressive move that earned retaliation from the trooper in the form of “3 to 4 knee spikes” into Cabrera’s leg.

Misbehavior, violent actions and threats to the police can vastly complicate your Long Beach DUI situation. You also might experience escalated penalties if you hurt someone while operating a vehicle while DUI.

Here’s the scoop:

Typical misdemeanor charges are dealt with under California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b). Injury Long Beach DUI matters are charged under slightly different vehicle code sections – 23153(a) and 23153(b). From the labeling, that might not sound like a big difference – you go from 23152 to 23153. So what? But the consequences for your potential punishments are profound. 23153 allows prosecutors to elevate misdemeanor charges to felony charges.

Do you know the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? The difference is enormous. If convicted of a felony, you may get significantly longer than one-year in jail, permanently lose the right to hold public office and vote, and suffer incalculable damage to your professional reputation, credit, ability to get loans, and ability to negotiate favorable probation conditions.

A qualified and reputable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you build a sound and sensible strategy to combat the charges against you. Michael Kraut of Long Beach’s Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (located at 444 West Ocean, Suite 800 Long Beach, California 90802 Phone: (562) 531-7454) has a long and decorated history of helping defendants. With a 99% success rate at jury trials, 14 plus years as a former prosecutor, and a Harvard law school education, Mr. Kraut can give you the guidance and legal help you need to get best results.

March 14, 2011

Burbank DUI Celebrity Arrest Alert: ESPN Commentator Harry Teinowitz Slapped with DUI in Illinois

by Michael Kraut

When sports stars and celebrities get pulled over for driving under the influence in Burbank, Southern California, or elsewhere in the nation, the national news media and the blogosphere react with shock, awe, and dismay. In many situations, defendants are deemed “guilty” in the eyes of the public, even before counter evidence or counter arguments can be heard.

If someone you love – or yourself – recently got arrested for violating the law against driving DUI in Glendale, DUI in Los Angeles, DUI in Burbank, or DUI in Pasadena, chances are you’ve already experienced some of this unfair “prejudgment” — even among friends and associates.

Consider the case of Harry Teinowitz, a famous radio talk show host for ESPN’s WMVP-AM radio. The 50-year old announcer got stopped for DUI in Illinois the Friday before last and tested to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.131% (nearly twice the legal limit for Los Angeles DUI – 0.08% BAC). After getting released from jail through via a $1,000 bail bond, Teinowitz returned to his radio show last Monday (“The Afternoon Saloon”) and addressed his listeners about what happened.

Teinowitz said: “some of you may have heard about the incident that occurred last Friday night. I made a horrible mistake in judgment… and I take full responsibility for my actions. I let my family down. I let you guys, the listeners who I love, down and I let the company I work for down. And I’m deeply sorry… this doesn’t define me: what happens from now defines me.”

Note Teinowitz’ extremely defensive tone. Like many people arrested for driving under the influence in Burbank (a misdemeanor as defined by California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) or 23152(b)), Teinowitz understands the instant stigma that attaches to defendants in DUI cases. It’s easy to find yourself attached to the label of “DUI defendant” and to feel judged – not only by friends, peers, and outsiders but also by yourself.

The key to remember is that labels and moralistic judgments don’t necessarily define the essence of who you are. In many ways, it’s the lessons we learn, the actions we take, and the motion we take towards helping others and helping ourselves that defines our humanity. As important as it is to respond alertly and fairly to your DUI charges – and that doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding all punishments, by the way — it’s equally important to give yourself a certain degree of forgiveness and to move away from labeling yourself as “good, bad, unfairly targeted, et cetera.” Instead, focus on identifying the most resourceful path to getting what you want and to ensuring the safety and well being of others in your family and other drivers in the road.

Obviously, you have some practical issues that you are facing right now, if you are a Burbank DUI defendant. 23152(a) and (b) convictions can lead to plenty of uncomfortable penalties, ranging from community service to jail time to probation to the mandatory putting in of a device called an interlock ignition device, which makes it impossible for you to drive unless you blow a sober breath into a machine.

A quality Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, such as Michael Kraut of the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (located in Burbank at: 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, California 91505 Phone: (818) 563-9810) can deliver the much needed strategic guidance and compassionate support you need during this tumultuous time. Trust a Harvard Law School educated former prosecutor to build your defense today.

March 11, 2011

Long Beach DUI Sports Update: Coco Crisp Popped for DUI at Spring Training

by Michael Kraut

Last Wednesday, Oakland A’s outfielder (and former Red Sox icon) Coco Crisp got pulled over in Scottsdale, Arizona on suspicion of DUI – blogs that follow sports and Long Beach DUI news jumped on the story, possibly because the outspoken outfielder had been driving a 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom (valued at $400,000+) when he got pulled over.

Most arrests for DUI in Burbank, DUI in Glendale, Los Angeles DUI, and Pasadena DUI, involve vehicles worth well less than $400,000. They also usually involve non-celebrities. So let’s get the full story behind Coco Crisp’s “beyond the run of the mill” DUI bust.

According to a report from TMZ.com, the police officer who pulled over Coco “observed signs of intoxication… after Mr. Crisp agreed to and performed field sobriety tests, he was arrested without further incident.” The AP report states that Crisp made his bail and actually made it to Phoenix Municipal State Event in time to play an exhibition game against the Indians. The Oakland A’s released a statement saying that the team was “taking Crisp’s situation seriously,” but team officials withheld additional comments “until further details are available.”

According to the AP, Crisp was the third major leaguer to be nabbed for DUI during this year’s spring training season – other arrests include Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers), who got nabbed for Florida DUI in February, and Austin Kearns (Cleveland Indians), who got nabbed for DUI in Kentucky on February 12th.

Mr. Crisp allegedly failed his field sobriety tests (FSTs), but what exactly constitute Long Beach DUI field sobriety tests?

Here is a quick primer (or reminder, if you’re a regular reader of this blog) of standard Southern California DUI FSTs:

• Horizontal gaze tests – An officer checks the reaction time of your pupils for an indication of a delay, which might indicate DUI.
• Finger to nose test – Suspect is asked to close his (or her) eyes and to try to touch his (or her) nose.
• Other balancing tests, such as the “stand on one leg” test, Rhomberg test (tilt the head backwards and count to 30), and walk the line test (walk several paces back and forth along a line, such as the white line on the side of the road).
• Mental coordination tests – (e.g. counting the alphabet backwards or counting numbers backwards by threes).

If you or someone close to you has been arrested for the crime of driving under the influence in Long Beach, a reputable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, such as the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers’ Michael Kraut, can give you much needed guidance and strategic assistance.

Mr. Kraut’s Long Beach offices are located at 444 West Ocean, Suite 800 Long Beach, California 90802 Phone: (562) 531-7454. In addition to having served for 14+ years as a city prosecutor and having attended Harvard Law School, Mr. Kraut has a 99% success rate at jury trials and an excellent reputation in his industry. Prosecutors and judges respect him, and major media outlets, such as the New York Times, LA Times, BBC, and KTLA News, have had Mr. Kraut on as a guest commentator to discuss Los Angeles DUI news.