DUI Category Archives — Page 16 of 24 — Los Angeles DUI Attorney Blog Published by Los Angeles & Southern California Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut

May 17, 2011

Burbank DUI is Not the Worst Thing That Could Happen to You. You Could be Charlie Sheen…

Obviously, no one wants to get arrested and charged for a crime like driving under the influence in Burbank or elsewhere in the Southland (e.g. DUI in Burbank, DUI in Glendale, DUI in Pasadena, DUI in Los Angeles, et cetera). But it’s helpful to put your problems in perspective.

Consider the plight of the fallen-from-grace TV/Movie actor Charlie Sheen, whose “winning” escapades have been well documented in the celebrity tabloids and gossip blogosphere. Last week, Sheen found out that heartthrob Ashton Kutcher may be taking over his marquis role on the CBS series Two and a Half Men. During Sheen’s public meltdown this past several months, he has made some pretty acerbic comments regarding his past associates and friends. So it was not surprising to those who have followed the Sheen drama to discover that the former Wall-Street star was, shall we say, less than thrilled about the prospect of a Kutcher takeover.

Many commentators, including celebrity addiction specialist Dr. Drew, have hypothesized that the troubled actor’s problems may stem in part from chronic drug and alcohol abuse. It’s very difficult to adduce precisely how pharmacologically active compounds will influence the human brain. Although scientists have conducted some studies to examine how, for instance, marijuana smoking impacts judgment and reaction times; these studies are far from conclusive. This allows wild speculation to flourish not only among the punditocracy but also among addiction experts themselves.

If Charlie Sheen did “X” amount of drugs, what impact might that have on his brain? On his behavior? On the possibility of his getting his Two and a Half Men role back from Kutcher? The answers really are very difficult to say – and not just because Sheen’s public persona has been so tempestuous and difficult to understand. In fact, different drugs – and combinations of drugs – have wildly different effects on different people’s brains at different times.

Thus, if you’ve been pulled over and charged with a drug DUI in Burbank (or elsewhere), one of the first things that you and your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney will likely discuss will be the details of the arrest and what you did/consumed on the day/night of the arrest. Your personal history with drugs and alcohol; how your body and brain typically process these substances; whether you’ve been arrested in the past and for what; and what tests were used by the police can all have an enormous bearing on your potential defense.

Attorney Michael Kraut of Burbank’s Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, California 91505 Phone: (818) 563-9810) can speak with you about how to develop and follow-up on the most appropriate and efficient defense. Mr. Kraut has a peerless reputation as a Los Angeles DUI expert – he is often called upon by major media to weigh in on breaking LA DUI news, and he served almost 15 years as a prosecutor for the city before choosing to “switch sides” and start representing criminal defendants.

May 6, 2011

Glendale DUI Sports News – Coach Dikta’s Son Stopped for DUI in Deerfield Illinois

by Michael Kraut

Most incidences of driving of under the influence in Glendale have nothing to do with the game of football. Perhaps it’s because Los Angeles simply doesn’t have a professional NFL team. (The Chargers don’t count, folks.)

But more than any story about Los Angeles DUI, Burbank DUI, DUI in Glendale, or DUI in Pasadena last week, one sports-related DUI incident has caught the attention of fans throughout the Southland – Michael P. Ditka, the son of the famous Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, got stopped on April 20th for driving under the influence.

The Deerfield police report claims that Ditka’s black Hummer had been running in a parking lot with its headlights on. Ditka later protested: “I was not driving the car… I was parked. The keys weren’t even in the ignition. I plan on pleading not guilty.”

April 22, 2011

Glendale DUI Penalty Shot – Florida Basketball Superstar Slapped with DUI in Gainesville

by Michael Kraut

Dan Werner, a former basketball player for Florida, got knocked with a DUI in Gainesville last week, and the arrest has echoed across the country – even Glendale DUI bloggers are talking about it. The 23-year-old Werner was pulled over because police noticed that one of his taillights had gone out and he had his high beams on. If you’ve been stopped for Glendale DUI, Burbank DUI, Pasadena DUI, or Los Angeles DUI, perhaps the police first noticed your vehicle because of something minor, like a taillight malfunction.

In any event, Werner argued that “his girlfriend was intoxicated” so he was driving her home. But authorities on the scene noticed that the former B-baller had “watery bloodshot eyes” and had also “consumed two alcoholic beverages” (quotes courtesy of the AP). Police officers also argued that Werner did not perform with grace on field sobriety tests.

But here’s where it gets interesting! (At least for analytical purposes.) The AP report on the arrests notes that Werner’s breathalyzer results were just 0.65% and 0.7%, respectively. Thus, his tests were under the Glendale DUI and Florida limit of 0.08%. Despite the fact that his BAC readings came in under the line, police arrested Werner and then released him last Tuesday on his own recognizance.

You might be surprised to learn that, even if you blow a negative on a Glendale DUI breathalyzer test, you can still be arrested and charged with a crime. The California vehicle code has two basic laws regarding DUI. Section 23152(b) defines DUI as driving with a BAC of 0.08% or greater. But 21352(a) defines the crime slightly differently – if you are under the influence of alcohol, even if you’re not above the limits stipulated in Section (b), you can still be hit with a crime. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it is the reality.

The big question facing people charged with Glendale DUI is: what do you do next?

Although the law provides you with ample opportunity to defend yourself – you can also work with a public defender – experts suggest that you’d be better off retaining an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

The stakes for DUI defendants are high. If you put up an inadequate or underadequate defense, you could face jail time, fines, fess, driving restrictions, mandatory education classes, and a host of other penalties. Michael Kraut of Los Angeles’ Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (Offices in Glendale at 121 W Lexington Dr, Glendale, CA 91203 Phone: (818) 507-9123) can provide excellent strategic guidance. Mr. Kraut is not only Harvard Law School educated former prosecutor but also a master of jury trials – he has a fantastic success rate, and he is ready to go to trial to defend your interests, if need be.

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 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.

March 7, 2011

West Hollywood DUI Shocker: Christina Aguilera and Her Boyfriend Busted

by Michael Kraut

Last Tuesday, Matthew Rutler, the 25-year old boyfriend of pop princess Christina Aguilera, got arrested for driving under the influence in West Hollywood. Christina herself was booked for public intoxication.

When celebrities get pulled over for driving under the influence in Pasadena, DUI in Glendale, DUI in Los Angeles, and Burbank DUI, the tabloids and blogosphere scramble to shine light on the story. For instance, within hours of the news break, hundreds of websites had information about how Rutler blew a 0.09% on his breathalyzer test (Southern California DUI limit is 0.08%, as this blog has often emphasized).

The tabloids have been buzzing about Christina’s recently “erratic” behavior, noting that the 30-year old pop star was visibly intoxicated at a colleague’s birthday party in January. Christina also famously forgot some of the words to The Star-Spangled Banner when she sang the anthem at the Super Bowl. A recent People Magazine story quoted a friend: “there is a real concern about this guy (Rutler), and a lot of her friends feel she needs to get away from him…hopefully, what happened (last Tuesday’s DUI in West Hollywood) is a real wakeup call.”

The media ignores non-celebrities arrested for Beverly Hills DUI. These defendants often lack good guidance, and they feel confused, scared, and overwhelmed about how to construct their defense.

Before we talk about potential resources to help you (or a friend or family member), let’s return to the legal definition of driving under the influence in Beverly Hills. California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) define the crime of misdemeanor DUI in California. Section 23152(a) talks about the definition of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs and stipulates the potential penalties the court may enforce. Section 23152(b) offers a subtle difference – it defines Beverly Hills DUI as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater.

For injury DUIs, two other California Vehicle Code Sections – 23153(a) and 23153(b) – may come into play. These take what might ordinarily be a misdemeanor charge and elevate it to a felony charge.

Whether you have been pulled over for a simple misdemeanor DUI, or you face a complicated court battle, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can answer your questions, work with you to develop a clear and effective strategy, and give you ongoing guidance to ensure that you obey the law, please the court, and minimize your potential hassle and punishments.

Connect with attorney Michael Kraut of the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (offices in Beverly Hills at: 9107 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450, Beverly Hills, California 90210 Phone: (310) 550-6935). Mr. Kraut spent nearly decade and a half as a Los Angeles prosecutor, during which time he developed a deep understanding of how prosecutors work. He now leverages that knowledge on the behalf of criminal defendants, and he has a reputation for getting terrific results.

February 16, 2011

Glendale DUI Ridiculousness – Woman Gets DUI after Pulling Herself over for No Reason

by Michael Kraut

Most major news stories concerning driving under the influence in Glendale have a sober and even tragic tone about them. This blog has certainly covered tales of celebrities ruining their careers while driving DUI in Burbank, DUI in Pasadena, DUI in Glendale, or DUI in Los Angeles. It’s also discussed the implications of vehicular manslaughter and even DUI murders (also called Watson Murders). But in addition to the tragic stories that unfold every day across the nation, unintentionally hilarious situations also emerge.

A case in point: A small Ohio paper called the Sandusky Register is reporting on a totally bizarre DUI case in Perkins Township.

Apparently, 27-year-old Nicole Scott had been driving home when she saw what she believed to be flashing police lights. She dutifully pulled herself over. But she then quickly realized that the “police lights” were just lights to a nearby sign for Skate World. Unfortunately, by this point, her Dodge Avenger had become mired in a snow bank.

By the by, police officers arrived at the scene and found Ms. Scott sitting alone in her car, still intoxicated. We will quote the Sandusky Register to give you the blow by blow from here:

“She denied being the driver of the vehicle and said her friend Ray had been driving, but he ran off. Scott refused a sobriety test because she insisted she was not the driver. She proceeded to tell police that her friend Samantha had been driving, and later that her friend Courtney had been driving. Finally, she said her friend Brittany had been driving, according to police.”

Unsurprisingly, the cops did not buy her multiple conflicting stories – and they also took notice of the empty bottle of Michelob Ultra in her car – and that there were only a single set of footprints around her vehicle – and arrested her.

When police pull you over – for a suspected Glendale DUI or DUI anywhere else in the state – they will typically look for signs that you are under the influence of a narcotic or alcohol. One of those signs might be telling the police five different stories about where you have been. Another might be that you have an open container of alcohol (like Michelob Ultra). If you smell like alcohol, mumble, stumble, or fumble, demonstrate poor motor skills or driving skills, or look disheveled, bloodshot eyed, or otherwise bizarre, chances are these Glendale DUI symptoms may get you arrested.

Fortunately, you do have legal recourse. A qualified Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, such as former prosecutor Michael Kraut of Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers (offices in Glendale at 121 W Lexington Dr, Glendale, CA 91203 Phone: (818) 507-9123) can deliver crucial services.

As a recognized thought leader in the Los Angeles DUI community, this Harvard Law School educated former prosecutor (14+ years working for the city) has a peerless reputation for delivering great service, compassionate advice, and strategic guidance.

December 29, 2010

Long Beach DUI Roundup: Several Minor Celebrities Busted for DUI Right before Christmas

by Michael Kraut

Driving under the influence in Long Beach (or anywhere else in California, for that matter) can result in fatal injuries as well as manifold penalties to drivers caught and convicted. Unfortunately, despite massive multi-million dollar educational campaigns, DUI continues to be a serious problem throughout the southland and beyond.

Those of you out there who have recently been charged with driving under the influence in Pasadena, DUI in Burbank, DUI in Glendale, or DUI in Los Angeles – or who have a relative who faces charges – likely want to understand celebrity DUI stories not just at a surface level but also at a deeper level. Namely, you want to know how the law gets applied to unclear or tricky DUI situations, and you want reliable resources to deal with your legal challenges.

Let’s look at three newsworthy celebrity DUI arrests that happened in the days leading up to Christmas Eve 2010:

#1. Aaron Douglas, University of Alabama football hero.

According to Maryville, Tennessee’s The Daily News, University of Alabama football protégé, Aaron Douglas, got stopped for driving erratically and blowing through a stop sign. After refusing a blood alcohol test and doing “extremely poorly” on field sobriety tests (FSTs), he got arrested and charged with DUI. Douglas’s hearing will be held on 12/29 in Blount County.

#2. Ignacio De La Fuente, Oakland City Councilman.

In Oakland, City Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente got pulled over on the 880, an Oakland area freeway. De La Fuente had been pulled over just for speeding, but the CHP officer suspected him of DUI and subjected him to field sobriety tests, which he failed.

#3. Sergio Kindle, Baltimore Ravens player.

23-year-old Sergio Kindle, a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens, got slapped with a DUI charge after an officer saw him weaving around on Route 1. The former University of Texas phenom had to make a $10,000 bond, and his football future has been cast into further doubt by the incident. (The Ravens did recover from Kindle’s arrest; hours later, they beat the Cleveland Browns 20-10 to clinch a berth in the 2010 playoffs.)

In all of these three minor celebrity arrests, suspects faced “field sobriety tests” (also referred to as FSTs). In Long Beach, if you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, a police officer will administer a series of physical and mental examinations. These will include (but may not be limited to):

• Finger to the nose test
• Rhomberg test
• One leg stand test
• Walk the line test
• Horizontal gaze nystagmus test
• Count backwards or recite the alphabet backwards
• Other tests of your physical and mental acumen

Officers will also look for so-called “symptoms” of a Long Beach DUI – such as bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol on your person, or your admission to having consumed intoxicants – to assemble enough probable cause to make an arrest.

Once you have been charged, your actions – including your choice of attorney – can have a profound influence on your future and financial well-being. A Long Beach criminal defense attorney, such as Mr. Michael Kraut of Los Angeles’ Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers, can be instrumental in designing and executing a sound and sturdy rebuttal to the prosecutor’s charges.

As a Harvard Law School educated former LA prosecutor, Mr. Kraut has the wherewithal, resources, knowledge, and intuition for the system to deliver precisely the kind of defense you need.

December 22, 2010

Pasadena DUI Alert: Ice Cream Truck Driver Busted for Driving Under the Influence in Chico

by Michael Kraut

Last weekend, Chico California Police arrested George Jefferson Smith, for driving an ice cream truck while under the influence. Pasadena DUI bloggers and others who follow bizarre criminal news have been vigorously discussing the plight of the 48-year-old Smith, who got stopped as part of a saturation patrol that led to 15 motorists heading to custody for suspicion of DUI.

If you’ve been recently stopped at a saturation patrol for Los Angeles DUI, DUI in Pasadena, DUI in Burbank, DUI in Glendale, or DUI anywhere else in the region, perhaps you will feel some empathy for Mr. Smith. According to local newspaper reports, Officer Ryon Mitchell saw Smith swerving around on Nord Avenue on the evening of December 13. The officer stopped the ice cream truck for a taillight violation. When Mr. Smith responded that he “could get the taillight to work if he banged on it,” the officer noted that the driver appeared impaired. He made Mr. Smith take field sobriety tests. People walking past took pictures of the odd sight of an ice cream truck driver walking the line and counting backwards by threes.

According to reports, the driver had not been delivering ice cream to children when he was pulled over.

The Pasadena DUI process that defendants get funneled through may seem confusing at first. But it’s really quite straight forward. Here is a brief overview of what happens.

1. You are stopped at a checkpoint, traffic stop or site of an accident.

Perhaps a Pasadena officer saw you weaving across a lane or blowing through a stop light. In any case, the police must follow very specific procedures to make DUI checks.

2. Investigation into your alleged intoxication

An officer will ask you to leave your vehicle and participate in field sobriety tests, also known as FSTs. You may also be asked to submit to a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test. Note that both the FSTs and the PAS tests are voluntary.

3. Arrest for driving under the influence in Pasadena

A typical non-injury DUI will be charged under California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and/or 23152(b).

4. Selecting a Pasadena DUI defense lawyer

The court can appoint a public defender to represent you, or you can represent yourself without a lawyer. Both of these options have serious drawbacks. Experts would almost certainly recommend that you choose a third option: hiring a private lawyer to represent you for your DUI.

Pasadena DUI defense attorney Michael Kraut is a former senior trial prosecutor who boasts a 98% success rate at jury trials that have gone to verdict. As a Harvard Law School educated lawyer who has extensive connections and a deep understanding of the law, Attorney Kraut can provide a free consultation at his Pasadena office at 790 East Colorado Boulevard, 9th Floor, Pasadena, California 9110. Call 626-345-1899 to set your appointment.

5. Your arraignment

Depending on the nature of your charges, you may have to appear at your arraignment, or your private DUI attorney can appear on your behalf to enter your plea.

6. Preparing for the pretrial

95% of criminal trials get resolved at this stage. For instance, your DUI lawyer could get your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

7. Trial by jury

If you are among the one out of 20 criminal defendants who has to go to a jury trial – whose case has not been dismissed or settled – your lawyer will represent you to win the best possible verdict.

8. Beyond trial

Your attorney can help you stay on track after you’ve fought the charges by turning you onto good resources.

December 8, 2010

Los Angeles DUI for David Cassidy and his plea of “Not Guilty”has Celebrity DUI Bloggers Gossiping up a Storm

by Michael Kraut

As this blog and other news sources that follow Los Angeles DUI arrests reported a few weeks ago, Partridge Family star David Cassidy got pulled over on November 3rd by the Florida Highway Patrol for driving under the influence. Last week, Cassidy (via his attorney) entered a “not guilty” plea to the charges, prompting lots of gossip and speculation among the celebrity media.

Basic Allegations against Cassidy
Individuals pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence in Burbank, DUI in Los Angeles, Glendale DUI, or Pasadena DUI recently might be somewhat sympathetic to Cassidy’s situation. But the allegations against the actor seem, at least on the surface, quite brutal.

Cassidy had attended a funeral earlier in the day and consumed one glass of wine, according to his account. Later on, he consumed hydrocodone, an opioid medication – just a few hours prior to his stop and arrest. The officer who pulled Cassidy over subjected him to several field sobriety tests, which were videotaped. The Dash camera footage from the police car clearly showed a wobbly Cassidy; he did not exactly pass his field sobriety tests with blazing colors. The officer also found a half opened bottle of bourbon in his vehicle. Two hours after Cassidy’s arrest, the former heartthrob took two breathalyzer tests and scored 0.141% and 0.139% respectively – significantly over the Florida and Southern California DUI limit of 0.08%.

Pursuant to Cassidy’s not guilty plea, the judge set a court date of January 18. All told, the actor stands accused of three different charges:

1. Driving with an open container (the bourbon).
2. Failure to maintain his lane.
3. Misdemeanor DUI.

If he is convicted of those charges, he could face fines of $1,000 and up to half a year in jail.

Anyone who has seen the Fox News video of Cassidy’s field sobriety tests might be tempted to prejudge a “guilty” verdict. But field sobriety tests may reveal surprisingly little information. In a Southern California DUI stop, an officer may subject you to both mental and physical tests, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (which measures pupil reaction timing); balancing tests (e.g. walk the line, one leg stand, Rhomberg, and finger to the nose tests); and mental tests (e.g. reciting the alphabet in reverse order and tackling a “counting backwards” task). Officers will also record any so-called “symptoms” of DUI, such as bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol on your person, general klutziness, odd emotional reactions, slurred speech, and misbehavior.

Taken together, breathalyzer test results, field sobriety tests, accounts of “symptoms” of DUI, and officer testimony of erratic driving patterns can create a compelling argument that a suspect was in fact driving under the influence in Los Angeles. But it’s important not to jump to conclusions. For instance, someone like Cassidy might have been exhausted from attending an emotionally draining funeral; and this stress might have affected his performance on the FSTs. Likewise, someone who is extremely fatigued or sick – or who has recently been exposed to some kind of harsh chemical – may exhibit signs that mimic DUI symptoms, such as watery eyes, hazy memory, and lack of coordination.

All this is to say that, if someone you care about has been recently pulled over for driving DUI in Burbank or elsewhere in the Southland, your choice of legal representative can be crucial. Connect with Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut today to get a free confidential case evaluation. Attorney Kraut is a former prosecutor who attended Harvard Law School. He is regularly called upon by major media outlets to weigh in with his expertise on cases of note.