The State Office of Highway Safety earmarked the money (more than $260,000) to establish additional sobriety checkpoints as well as patrols for DUI. These measures should go into effect starting in September and will last through March 2011.

Obviously, police efforts to rid San Diego highways of drivers who flagrantly violate DUI and DWI laws can and do save lives. Additional patrols and checkpoints might act as a deterrent. But it’s also key to look “outside the box” at other factors that can influence driver behavior. For instance, the proximity of the freeway to the casinos seems to have a provocative effect.

Perhaps if the casinos implemented better policies to deter drunken visitors from driving, the result could be a win-win-win. The casinos could win because they wouldn’t have to deal with bad press relating to DUI crashes nearby. Law enforcement officials would win because they could reduce San Diego DUI arrests along this deadly stretch of road. And drivers would win because fewer people would drive under the influence to begin with. The point is that, to create effective policy to staunch southern California DUI events, a less reactive and myopic approach may be called for.

If you or a family member has been charged with an Oceanside DUI, you'll likely need sound legal representation. Find out more about the services of Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky. Since 1988, Attorney Brodsky and his associates have battled hard on behalf of CA defendants, and they’ve delivered results time and again. Call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE or email Attorney Brodsky through his website, WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM.com, for a free, completely confidential consultation.

For 35 years, Mr. Walters dedicated himself to protecting Californians and making the environment safer. Following his arrest and detention at the Plumas County Correctional Center, he issued a written apology to the state's citizens, saying “to all Californians, I acknowledge that this incident contradicts my entire professional career dedicated to public safety.”

So far, Mr. Walters' supporters, such as the head of the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection Unit, have rallied around the beleaguered chief. It remains to be seen how his California DUI case will be prosecuted.

A battle hardened California DUI attorney, such as Stephen R. Brodsky, can help you if you’ve similarly been charged with driving under the influence. Oftentimes, in the wake a DUI arrest, defendants feel anxious, overwhelmed, and confused by their rights and options. For over twenty years, Attorney Brodsky and his team have fought hard to defend the rights of hundreds of individuals accused of driving under the influence in San Diego and elsewhere in California.

Attorney Brodsky knows the laws, and he uses a rigorous and thorough approach to look for ways to fend off charges and/or reduce the severity of sentencing. Find out more about how his tireless efforts have helped people in your situation at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM; or phone 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE right now to discuss the details of your arrest. Your consultation will be free and completely confidential.

Often, visitors to the lush Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley regions of California indulge in alcohol while touring local vineyards. Unfortunately, the practice of motoring from vineyard to vineyard to taste wines can be quite dangerous and can result in California DUI arrests, accidents, and even serious injuries and fatalities.

If you're in a situation where you don't know whether you're over the legal limit (a BAC level of 0.08% in California), err on the side of caution. Call a cab. Or call a designated driver. Don't risk the harsh penalties for driving under the influence in California, which include, among other things, probation, fines, court costs, mandatory alcohol school, license suspension, and even jail time.

Of course, just because the police arrested you for DUI in Southern California doesn’t mean that you necessarily were legally DUI. Breathalyzer tests are notoriously inaccurate. And even when the police process a BAC analysis correctly and follow evidentiary chain of custody rules to a tee; the tests may still give bad or misleading results.

An experienced DUI lawyer, like Stephen R. Brodsky, can investigate every aspect of your arrest and probe for ways to exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Read more about Attorney Brodsky’s DUI defense victories at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM, or connect with him for free and at no obligation by calling 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

At the same time, however, while drunken drivers get pilloried, drivers who talk or text on their cell phones don’t face nearly the same level of moral opprobrium. In fact, significant scientific data seem to show that driving while texting or driving while talking on the cell phone is as dangerous as (or even possibly more dangerous than!) driving under the influence of alcohol.

Americans have long had a love hate relationship with spirits. Our national experiment with Prohibition in the 1920s and the subsequent backlash to Prohibition, for instance, demonstrated our passionate, almost bipolar relationship with alcohol. But we have no such collective love-hate feelings regarding cell phones. In fact, our associations with cell phones are by and large positive. Thus, it's difficult for us to equate the dangers of driving while texting/calling with the dangers of driving drunk. Even though the data tell us otherwise, we think of these crimes as extremely different from one another. But the more we look dispassionately at the data, the more it seems that it's not the KIND of distraction that matters but rather it’s the FACT that we're distracted at all that makes the difference. In other words, bad driving stems from a lack of attention. The nature of the distraction -- alcohol, a text message, a hamburger -- seems to play a surprisingly minor role. When we forget that other cars contain other human beings, we make stupid and dangerous decisions.

This argument is not intended to excuse individuals who drive under the influence in San Diego of their reckless behavior. However, it does suggest that our moral outrage at DUI drivers is either misplaced or too narrowly focused. Maybe we need to outlaw ALL driver distractions, including cell phones, texting, DUI, food, and perhaps even music. The point its, our laws and policies should be based on good scientific data, not on arbitrary cultural fashions.

For intelligent, aggressive, and attentive help with your San Diego DUI matter, get in touch with Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky now by phoning 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE or by emailing him at his website, WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM. With your rights and freedom on the line, you need and deserve top notch legal representation.

Here are some of the signs they look for:

1. Appearance clues.

Does the driver look flushed or pale or have bloodshot or glassy eyes? Ethanol consumption slows pupil reaction in some people and leads to other physical symptoms, such as sweating, a racing pulse, and even tremors, in others.
The problem with using physical symptoms to determine DUI is that arresting officers have no point of reference. That is, they've likely never seen the suspect when he's NOT under suspicion for DUI. For instance, maybe an individual who sweats a lot and has bloodshot glassy eyes just looks like that all the time. Seriously. Medical conditions such as extreme obesity can cause such symptoms in completely sober people. In other words, although IN GENERAL ethanol consumption causes certain physical symptoms to manifest, it's very difficult to deduce an unknown individual’s level of drunkenness based on a cursory physical inspection.

2. Clues based on coordination, behavior, and speech.

In general, inebriated individuals cannot complete tasks that require excessive coordination. Their speech may be rambling, incoherent, or disassociative. Their attitudes may range from belligerent to depressed to giddy and so on. Again, unless an officer has a “baseline assessment” of a person when he’s sober, it's next to impossible to ascertain whether any particular behavioral characteristic can be directly attributed to alcohol intoxication. For instance, a suspect may lose coordination or become giddy out of nervousness at being pulled over. As a result, this person might be arrested for a San Diego DUI. Conversely, another suspect (who's gone through extensive martial arts training, for instance) may be able to pass a coordination test with flying colors even with a BAC three times the legal limit.

3. Tests

If observational attempts to determine a driver’s level of intoxication don’t work, what about more scientific tests, such as breathalyzer and blood alcohol tests? These, too, have their flaws. Breathalyzer tests can be badly deployed and misinterpreted. And while blood tests tend to fair better as far as accuracy's concerned, problems can also abound with respect to the interpretation of their results.

All told, therefore, it's important to note that the prosecution’s evidence of your drunkenness may be much more flimsy than you’ve been led to believe. But to fight effectively against these charges, you likely need the help of an experienced, attentive, and battle tested lawyer, like Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky. Learn more about what sets Attorney Brodsky and his team apart at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM, or phone toll free now to get immediate assistance at 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

The California Office for Traffic Safety sponsored the operation, which ran from 7:00 pm Friday evening through 2:00 a.m. Saturday. Seven out of the eleven arrests were for driving under the influence. Police sent 22 drivers through the gauntlet of field sobriety tests. Officers also impounded 21 cars and trucks due to the fact that the drivers did not have licenses or had been driving with suspended licenses.

Spokespeople for the three agencies deemed the San Diego DUI patrol a success, and future operations are in the planning stages. The consequences for being convicted of an Escondido DUI can haunt offenders for months or even years. Convicted San Diego DUI offenders must attend traffic school, face drivers license suspension and strict terms of probation, and pay court costs and fines that can range from $1,000 to much more.

Whether the police arrested you at a checkpoint or a roadside sobriety test, veteran San Diego DUI lawyer Stephen R. Brodsky can build a stiff case for your defense. In almost every drunk-driving arrest, questions abound. For instance, did the officers respect your Fourth Amendment rights? Were you advised of the rights to remain silent and to speak with an attorney? Did evidence seized from your car or person go through the correct chain of custody? Did police properly administer and correctly interpret the BAC tests (e.g. breathalyzers and blood analyses)? Did any officer who processed your case in any way mishandle your paperwork or exaggerate charges?

Attorney Brodsky knows what it takes to deliver for his clients. He’s served hundreds of people since he opened the firm’s doors in 1988. His profound understanding of the system both in theory and practice can be leveraged on your behalf today. Call for your free consultation at 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE, or learn more about Attorney Brodsky’s methods and philosophy at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM.

Unfortunately, a fair number of San Diego DUI defendants make their situations much worse by behaving inappropriately following their arrest. If you throw a tantrum at the scene, resist arrest, flee from officers, or make incriminating statements after the fact, you can jeopardize what otherwise might be a pretty solid defense. Along those lines, defendants who drive after their licenses have been suspended or who willfully ignore terms of their probation can undermine their chances of reducing charges and penalties.

2. Accepting the results of a breathalyzer test as accurate.

Multiple reputable studies confirm what many DUI defense attorneys have contended for years -- that breathalyzer tests are often unreliable. Improper administration or maintenance of equipment, police bias, and chain of custody problems can all skew results. And if you're a diabetic; if you blow too deeply into the breathalyzer; or if you’re on certain medications, your BAC reading may be much higher than your actual blood alcohol concentration.

3. Accepting that the officers respected your Fourth Amendment rights.

In a surprising number of DUI cases, trained police officers fail to adhere to proscriptions against unreasonable search and seizure. If an arresting officer fails to explain your rights or otherwise ignores your constitutional protections, not only can you get the case against you thrown out, but in certain instances, you may be able to counter sue the city.

4. Ignoring rules of decorum and courtesy.

Police officers and prosecutors are people, too. Just because you’ve been arrested or detained doesn’t give you the right to lash out at law enforcement. Act respectfully and attentively. By showing up on time to court, dressing appropriately, and behaving non-threateningly, you can go a long way towards winning your argument.

5. Not collecting evidence.

It's always a good idea to take photographs of the accident scene (if you were involved in a DUI accident) and to collect contact info from eyewitnesses, such as names, telephone numbers, and addresses. This info can support your version of events at court.

To get fast and accurate advice about how to proceed with your San Diego DUI defense, look to Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky. For over two decades, Attorney Brodsky has served defendants in the San Diego region. He has lots of experience taking cases to trial, and he’s demonstrated excellent results. Go to WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM for more information about Attorney Brodsky and his team, or talk to someone right now about your case at 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

1. Failing to request a San Diego DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest.

California law mandates that individuals arrested for DUI have their licenses suspended if their BAC levels are measured at 0.08% or above. If you don’t request a hearing, you could lose your license for months or longer. If you do request a hearing, on the other hand, you can at the least make a case to maintain your right to drive.

2. Accepting the maximum punishment the state doles out.

Often, people charged with San Diego DUI feel terrible and guilty about their actions. Obviously, driving drunk is generally irresponsible and dangerous. But even if you did break the law, you need not bow your head and accept the maximum penalties the state can throw at you. Indeed, with a strong legal defense, you may be able to avoid the stiffest penalties, such as jail sentences and steep fines, in exchange for probation and a commitment to safe driving.

3. Pleading guilty to avoid the hassle and expense of paying for an attorney.

If you plead guilty without putting up any kind of legal defense, you may save money in the short term on attorneys fees. But over the long term, the downstream effects of your cavalier response can create financial problems for months if not years to come. For instance, if you lose your driver's license, you may lose your job and thus stunt your career. And if you're convicted of charges that your San Diego DUI attorney might otherwise help you avoid -- such as a felony count, for instance -- your criminal record could haunt you for years, making it more difficult for you to find work, secure housing, apply for government jobs, and so forth.

4. Choosing an attorney who's merely “adequate” to represent you.

If ever there's a time to invest in quality, that time is now. Obviously, some public defenders deliver outstanding service. But when you go the public defender route, it's essentially a grab bag when it comes to who you'll get to take your case. Give the fact that your freedom itself may be on the line, it makes sense to opt for the best legal defense available to you. Fortunately, Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky may be able to help. Attorney Brodsky has practiced DUI law in Southern California since 1988. He’s dealt with literally hundreds of cases. He knows the laws on the books as well as the best practical approaches. Explore more about Attorney Brodsky’s firm at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM, and call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE as soon as you're ready to discuss your case. (Initial consultations are free and confidential, and hablamos Español).

1. More legal equivalence between DUI and Driving While Texting (DWT) -- preliminary studies clearly show that drivers who text or speak on the cell phone while on the road are more likely than non-distracted drivers to get into injury crashes. One widely publicized study found that truckers who texted were 23 times more likely than non-distracted drivers to crash. In short, it seems likely that the legislature at some point must recognize that DWT and driving while talking on the cell phone can be as dangerous as or even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

2. Increased automotive safety features won't necessarily lead to a decrease in San Diego DUI injury crashes -- as Tom Vanderbilt points out in his engrossing book, Traffic, the advent of new automotive safety features has not historically reduced injury crashes. Instead, what seems to happen is that drivers’ road actions become more aggressive as safety features improve. For instance, as braking systems have become more responsive, drivers have adopted the habit of following other cars more closely, thus negating the safety impacts of the advanced technology.

3. Better substance abuse treatment programs may ultimately lead to a decline in San Diego DUI cases -- currently, many San Diego DUI treatment facilities utilize rehabilitation methods that just don’t seem to work, at least according to statistical reviews. For instance, studies have suggested that many treatment programs may be as ineffective as doing nothing at all. If we collectively can come to a better understanding about what alcohol and drug addiction is and how it can be treated, perhaps we can reduce the number and severity of incidences of driving under the influence in San Diego.

If you or a friend or a family member has been arrested for San Diego DUI, you likely will need to retain legal counsel. The Law Offices of Stephen R. Brodsky offer free, zero obligation consultations for potential San Diego DUI defendants. Find out more about Attorney Brodsky’s skills, successes, reputation, and philosophy at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, or connect with someone today at 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

According to numbers compiled by reputable institutions like the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration, around a quarter of a million people have died in the past decade alone in the US as a result of alcohol-related crashes. That's about 25,000 deaths annually. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young Americans between the ages of five and 35; of fatal crashes involving young people, at least 50% have involved alcohol or drugs. Over 700,000 people a year are injured in alcohol-related crashes. Young people (between age 16 and 24) are much more likely to drive under the influence than are adult Americans (age 24 and up). In fact, although only one in every five drivers on the road is between the ages of 16 and 24, more than 40% of all DUIs involve drivers in this age bracket.

The costs of DUI in San Diego and elsewhere in the United States are astronomic. A recent insurance company survey estimated that alcohol and drug related car crashes may account for upwards of $25 billion a year in excess costs. Among industrialized nations, America has a very high percentage of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. While car, truck, and motorcycle DUIs account for the majority of incidences of alcohol impairment, biking, boating, and small craft DUIs can also lead to severe danger.

If you or a loved one has recently been charged with DUI in San Diego, it’s a good idea to schedule a free appointment with a lawyer as quickly as possible to determine your best legal strategy. The Law Offices of Attorney Stephen Brodsky boast an extensive array of tools to help defendants come to term with their charges. Attorney Brodsky has practiced San Diego defense law for nearly 20 years, and he’s earned tremendous respect from his legal peers -- including judges and prosecutors. He runs an ethical, client focused, prevention focused practice, and he genuinely cares about the outcome of his cases -- both in terms of helping his clients get rehabilitated and in terms of helping promote a safer San Diego. Call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE now to get help, or check out www.criminalattorneysandiego.com to learn more.

1. If you have a substance abuse problem, get treatment ASAP -- many (perhaps the majority) of substance abuse programs statistically just don’t work. Or rather, they work just as well as doing nothing at all. Look at candidate programs' long term rates of success. Don’t just look at the half-year and one year sobriety statistics: see how well other addicts have performed three and four years out of treatment. Doing research upfront to find a great program can make an incredible difference to your prognosis and hopefully prevent you from getting another San Diego DUI.

2. Keep track of your behaviors -- chances are that, when you flirt with driving under the influence in San Diego, your behavior follows patterns that repeat. For instance, maybe every Friday night after work, you go to a local bar and have a few drinks with coworkers. By keeping track of this behavior, you’ll quickly realize that you’re most at risk for driving DUI in San Diego on Friday nights. You can thus make arrangements in advance to avoid problems.

3. Foster a network of friends and others who can help you -- your AA counselor, best friend, probation officer, brother, landlord, or any other interested party can potentially be useful in helping you control your behavior, stay sober, and avoid getting behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink. Again, making advance preparations is key. Make sure you have several sources of help available in the event that your primary supporter is preoccupied.

4. If you do collect a second San Diego DUI charge, retain a reputable attorney -- Stephen R. Brodsky is a veteran San Diego DUI defense lawyer with nearly two decades of experience. He understands the CA court system inside and out, and he’s won many complicated cases and has amassed literally hundreds of victories for clients in similar circumstances. Call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE today, or discover more about the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.