Bay Area Criminal Defense Blog

There is a common myth that domestic violence spikes around the holidays. The holidays can be stressful for many and stress may come out in violence. However, there does not seem to be evidence of an increase in calls to domestic abuse hotlines around Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. ...

When getting pulled over after having one too many drinks, the driver may go down a parade of horribles with how an arrest will impact their personal life and career. For doctors and medical professionals, a drunk driving arrest can have a significant effect on their job and livelihood, and any a...

There are a lot of misconceptions about drunk driving arrests and criminal charges in California. Some of this is based on TV shows or movies, others are based on rumors from something that happened to “a guy I know.” Don't rely on everything you hear about what is legal or illegal for the police...

With more of the COVID-19 restrictions easing in California and the East Bay, more cars are returning to the road. The police are also keeping an eye on drivers, watching for drivers who might be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement in California are also continuing to...

It's been a rough year for East Bay residents. With some of the toughest COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in the country, residents are ready to let loose a little bit to spend time with friends and family over the Labor Day weekend. Before going too wild over the 3-day weekend, it is important to kn...

Many people do not think driving while high is very dangerous. However, driving while impaired by any substance, even a prescription medication, can lead to DUI charges. A California driver has been convicted of second-degree murder for smoking marijuana before getting into a fatal accident.  Fa...

A lot of things have changed dramatically over the past 6 months. COVID-19 hit California and the East Bay hard. With some of the strictest stay-at-home orders in the country, Alameda and Contra Costa County drivers generally stayed home. Even though many of the restrictions are still in place, t...

One of the nice parts about having a California driver's license is that it allows you to drive on roads across the country. However, each state, county, or even municipality may have its own traffic laws. Out-of-state visitors are expected to understand and follow those laws. If you violate a tr...

On Independence Day, there is generally a spike in drunk driving arrests in the East Bay. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), July 4th is the deadliest single day for crash deaths. An average of 118.4 lives are lost in crashes on the Independence Day Holiday. 47% of th...

Even when a driver is following the laws, seeing police lights in your rearview mirror can fill you will anxiety. Even the safest drivers double-check their speed, and think about if they might have missed a sign or light, or wonder about their registration. The anxiety can increase greatly once ...

It is very common for a DUI arrest to occur shortly before someone has to move out of state. Getting arrested and having to deal with a criminal court case and driver's license suspension can be very disruptive to your plans to move out of state. The good news is that with an experienced East Bay...

It has been more than 20 years since medicinal marijuana was legalized in California. Since then, California has joined the increasing number of states that have legalized recreational use of pot. With increased access to the marijuana plant, edibles, and concentrates, it is no surprise that the ...

While a DUI can happen any time of year, the police designate certain times for increased enforcement. Increased drunk driving enforcement includes Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and winter holiday season. California law enforcement agencies are stepping up drunk driving enforcement now through t...

Many visitors to California are surprised to see so many police cars patrolling the streets and on the lookout for drunk drivers. In 2015, more than 130,000 DUI arrests were made statewide. Many of those arrests involved out-of-state drivers who were driving through California, tourists on vacati...

California, and especially the East Bay, has had one of the strongest responses to COVID-19 in the country. People were limited from non-essential travel, businesses closed, and large gatherings were prohibited. However, the police were still out arresting anyone they suspected of committing a cr...

According to AAA, drowsy driving may be more hazardous than drunk driving. However, drivers who are behind the wheel after not getting enough sleep rarely have to face more than a ticket for a traffic violation, or a suggestion by the police officer to “go home and get some rest.”  Drivers who a...

Health officials in seven Bay Area counties have extended the stay-at-home orders through May 3-7, 2020. This includes Alameda County and Contra Costa County. While some residents in essential jobs are still going to work, many are not working or working-from-home. All this time cooped up inside ...

A few decades ago, the police in California could bust you for having some pot. Over time, possession of a small amount of marijuana was treated less seriously, maybe resulting in a ticket. However, medical marijuana has been available in California for more than 20 years. Recreational use of mar...

It may seem unbelievable that you could end up under arrest for a DUI after having your drink spiked and attempted sexual assault. If a driver drinks a spiked cocktail, they may find themselves driving and feeling much more impaired than expected. After a DUI traffic stop and arrest, the driver m...

St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2020) falls on a Tuesday this year. The holiday, including the weekend before, can be celebrated with traditional Irish food and music, parades, and wearing green. However, many people still associate the holiday with celebrations at Irish pubs and bars, drinking Guin...

Orinda is a great place to live, close enough to bigger Bay Area cities but far enough away to feel like a small town. With all the commuting in and out of Orinda, some drivers coming home after going out to dinner may see police lights in their rearview mirror. Even if the driver does not feel i...

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal for anyone in California. However, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to more strict limits when it comes to drunk driving. Underage drivers may have to submit to chemical breath tests that are optional for over-21 drivers ...

San Francisco 49ers fans will have to wait until next season to see if their team will become the next Super Bowl champs. While some fans in the East Bay were supporting the Kansas City Chiefs, the final score in Miami ended the celebration of many football fans. For both fans celebrating and lam...

After having a couple of drinks and getting behind the wheel, flashing lights in the rearview mirror can trigger panic. Even if you are not very impaired, being nervous during a traffic stop can help convince the police officer that you are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drug...

New Year's is a time when many people try to make life changes with a New Year's resolution. This may include going to the gym, stopping smoking, or drinking less alcohol. Unfortunately, many people decide they need to cut down on drinking only after getting arrested for drunk driving.  If you w...