Proposition 215, The Compassionate Use Act of 1996, decriminalized the cultivation and use of marijuana by ill individuals upon a physician’s recommendation. Although, a medical marijuana card is not required, over 46,000 Californians have obtained a card since 2004 (California Department of Health).
Have DUI laws changed since 2004? The basic elements of “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) have not changed. The basic element, regardless if there is alcohol, prescription or illicit drugs in the system is whether the person is so impaired by that substance that they are unable to drive like a sober person in like circumstances. This does not change whether the substanc e is alcohol, marijuana, vicodin, cocaine or any other potentially impairing substance.
Have DUI arrest numbers changed since 2004? Comparing the number of DUI arrests between 2004 and now is not a fair comparison, because there are too many variables. Although there may seem to be more impaired drivers on the roadway now then before, one must also keep in mind that the enforcement of DUIs has increased along with the increase in media attention. How many checkpoints are there now compared to 2004? How many news articles are written about DUI arrests now compared to 2004? Even some local newspapers, such as the Daily Pilot in Newport Beach, list the arrestees in the area. Now, there are also DUI task forces, along with the narcotic and gang task forces. MADD and other such organizations have put DUIs in the spotlight as a dangerous crime where numerous innocent people die as a result. Out of the spotlight, however, it is known that DUIs are a huge money-maker for the State, Counties and Cities. How many other crimes pour money into the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the County Courts and local police departments through booking fees, over-time and increased budgets needed to pay for the checkpoints and other tools of enforcement. One has to wonder why the money does not go into better means of transportation in areas such as Orange County where the sprawl goes on for miles and miles away from the bars and restaurants at the cities’ centers in order to reduce the number of drivers.
Will the passage of Propostion 19 increase DUI arrests? It is hard to tell. Proposition 19 is on the Nov. 2, 2010 California ballot. The passage of Prop. 19 would legalize marijuana for all Californians as long as they are 21 years and older. All Californians will legally be able to possess an ounce or less of marijuana, use marijuana in nonpublic places and grow marijuana. Proposition 215 did not result in any noticible increase in DUIs and the expectation would be that Prop. 19 also would not. The headlines do not read “DUI accident kills – marijuana the culprit”. The majority of deaths as a result of DUI accidents are alcohol related.
If Proposition 19 passes will there be a conflict between state and federal law? Yes. The Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is designed to combat recreational drug use making it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess any controlled substance, Congress has provided that states are free to regulate in the area of controlled substances, including marijuana, provided that state law does not conflict with the CSA. The Courts have found that Proposition 215 does not conflict with CSA, because it does not legalize marijuana, rather California has the power not to punish certain marijuana offenses under state law when a physician has recommended its use to treat a medical condition. However, a number of “liberal” politicians and groups are, surprisingly, not supporting Proposition 19, because of this conflict with federal law. They believe that Prop. 19 may potentially have a negative fiscal impact to the state since it would be in direct conflict with the CSA, and the federal government could withdraw or restrict funding. However, many are supporting this passage of Prop. 19, including a former Judge of Orange County, a former United States Surgeon General, a former President of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Democrats, Republicans, former police chiefs and former District Attorneys. These proponents of Prop. 19 understand that too much money is spent on the enforcement, criminalization and punishment under the current marijuana laws while the local and state governments could actually gain income with the legalization. In addition, they understand that alcohol is more dangerous with regards to driving while incurring more health costs than marijuana. As with other legislature and court rulings, California is often the leader in change for what later is changed across the country.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Domestic Violence Does Not Discriminate
Domestic violence, also known as spousal abuse, domestic abuse, or initimate partner abuse is common in all economical, environmental and racial classes of society. Like the DUI, domestic violence does not discriminate. It is as common in the three million dollar home in Newport Beach as in the eight hundred dollar apartment in other areas of Orange County. It wears a tie or a uniform, it works 9-5, not at all, or is a CEO. It is a fact of society.
Domestic violence may be charged in a criminal complaint, when brought to the attention of law enforcement, in various formats. When an injury occurs, the most common charge filed is a violation of Penal Code section 273.5, willful infliction of corporal injury. This charge requires that there be some sort of dating relationship, or past dating relationship between the parties. It also requires that there is an injury, whether minor or serious, caused by physical force. A defendant in a criminal matter may be facing the less serious of charges, a misdemeanor or, the most serious, felony charges. The determination of whether a misdemeanor or felony is charged may depend on the nature of the injury and/or the person’s previous record – has the person been arrested and/or charged with a similar charge in the past.
If the accused is charged with a felony, the sentence may include a prison sentence of two, three or four years. However, if there are sentencing enhancements also alleged, the person may be facing a longer prison sentence. Sentencing enhancements would be if the injury was considered “great bodily injury”, or if a gun was used, or if the person has a previous felony record which may increase the prison term.
If the injury is minor, more often then not, the accused shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This particular defendant may face a fifty-two week batter’s treatment program, community service, fines to the court and to the county’s domestic violence shelter, along with a county jail sentence.
There are a number of additional charges that may also be filed in a domestic violence case such as battery, stalking, tampering with a phone line, terrorist threats, child abuse, to name a few.
Regardless of the charges, a person accused in a domestic violence case should be aware of their rights, the possible consequences they are facing, and the various defenses. The accused should not have the attitude that they “just want to get it over with”. This is a situation that may haunt the suspect for life by way of the penalty, the restraining order that the Judge will order which will not allow contact between the parties, and the criminal record that will remain with the person for life. If you find yourself in this situation and need help, please contact me immediately for a free consultation.
www.defendingyou.net
Domestic violence may be charged in a criminal complaint, when brought to the attention of law enforcement, in various formats. When an injury occurs, the most common charge filed is a violation of Penal Code section 273.5, willful infliction of corporal injury. This charge requires that there be some sort of dating relationship, or past dating relationship between the parties. It also requires that there is an injury, whether minor or serious, caused by physical force. A defendant in a criminal matter may be facing the less serious of charges, a misdemeanor or, the most serious, felony charges. The determination of whether a misdemeanor or felony is charged may depend on the nature of the injury and/or the person’s previous record – has the person been arrested and/or charged with a similar charge in the past.
If the accused is charged with a felony, the sentence may include a prison sentence of two, three or four years. However, if there are sentencing enhancements also alleged, the person may be facing a longer prison sentence. Sentencing enhancements would be if the injury was considered “great bodily injury”, or if a gun was used, or if the person has a previous felony record which may increase the prison term.
If the injury is minor, more often then not, the accused shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This particular defendant may face a fifty-two week batter’s treatment program, community service, fines to the court and to the county’s domestic violence shelter, along with a county jail sentence.
There are a number of additional charges that may also be filed in a domestic violence case such as battery, stalking, tampering with a phone line, terrorist threats, child abuse, to name a few.
Regardless of the charges, a person accused in a domestic violence case should be aware of their rights, the possible consequences they are facing, and the various defenses. The accused should not have the attitude that they “just want to get it over with”. This is a situation that may haunt the suspect for life by way of the penalty, the restraining order that the Judge will order which will not allow contact between the parties, and the criminal record that will remain with the person for life. If you find yourself in this situation and need help, please contact me immediately for a free consultation.
www.defendingyou.net
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Proposition 19, the legalization of marijuana in California
Proposition 19, the legalization of marijuana in California, would allow for the possession, cultivation and transportation of marijuana by those who are 21 years of age or older. Although legalization will result in regulation and taxation, these are necessary in order for the decriminalization of marijuana to occur. Compare this to the prohibition of alcohol – would one rather drink alcohol without taxation and regulation, but subject to arrest, prosecution, jail, and a criminal record tainting your future; or be subject to marijuana taxes and regulations?
Currently, simple possession of marijuana (less than an ounce) consists of an initial detention by law enforcement which could culminate in a variety of additional charges. For example, one is stopped by the police for speeding. “I smell marijuana” says the officer, “everyone out of the car”. John has less than an ounce in his pocket and is given a citation. Bob, Mr. Tough Guy, decides to run, is tackeled, fights back, and ends up in jail for battery on a police officer. Jane has an outstanding warrant and is arrested, and Sue, the driver, has been held at the scene and now is late. If Proposition 19 passes this scenario would not happen unless Sue was under the influence of marijuana and then arrested for a DUI.
The sentence for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana may be a fine and a class, but the criminal record is the real punishment. Employment and other such licensing or educational applications may be affected by what was a “simple” possession. In addition, one plant in your home or garden is a felony without any applicable statute available for misdemeanor prosecution. More than an ounce is also a felony offense. Proposition 19 would decriminalize these fact patterns.
Many defendants who are charged with simple marijuana offenses may find that going to court without a criminal defense attorney is more economical. However, what seems like a simple resolution (a fine and/class) may affect ones future.
How are you going to vote – for or against prohibition?
Currently, simple possession of marijuana (less than an ounce) consists of an initial detention by law enforcement which could culminate in a variety of additional charges. For example, one is stopped by the police for speeding. “I smell marijuana” says the officer, “everyone out of the car”. John has less than an ounce in his pocket and is given a citation. Bob, Mr. Tough Guy, decides to run, is tackeled, fights back, and ends up in jail for battery on a police officer. Jane has an outstanding warrant and is arrested, and Sue, the driver, has been held at the scene and now is late. If Proposition 19 passes this scenario would not happen unless Sue was under the influence of marijuana and then arrested for a DUI.
The sentence for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana may be a fine and a class, but the criminal record is the real punishment. Employment and other such licensing or educational applications may be affected by what was a “simple” possession. In addition, one plant in your home or garden is a felony without any applicable statute available for misdemeanor prosecution. More than an ounce is also a felony offense. Proposition 19 would decriminalize these fact patterns.
Many defendants who are charged with simple marijuana offenses may find that going to court without a criminal defense attorney is more economical. However, what seems like a simple resolution (a fine and/class) may affect ones future.
How are you going to vote – for or against prohibition?
Criminal Defense Blog
visit my website at: www.defendingyou.net for more legal articles, information and access to free consultation.
Proposition 8 in California - Legal Perspective
August 4, 2010, an unforgettable day in history for California and maybe for the United States, when Judge Vaughn Walker struck down the unconstitutional Proposition 8. “The evidence shows that the movement of marriage away from a gendered institution and toward an instution free from state-mandated gender roles reflects an evolution in the understanding of gender rather than a change in marriage.”
In November 2008 Proposition 8 passed by a bare margin of 52 to 49 percent in California, abolishing the ability of same-sex couples to marry. This proposition, confusing at best, decried that a “yes” vote would actually say “no” to the right of same-sex couples to marry. During the time it was legal for same-sex couples to marry, May to November 2008, eighteen thousand same-sex couples married.
Once Prop. 8 passed, Perry v. Schwarzenegger was filed with the California Supreme Court challenging the passage of Prop. 8. Although I am an Orange County criminal defense attorney, I, along with many others, took part in filing what’s called an amicus brief. These briefs are filed as “friends of the court” to give additional support for one side or the other. Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court allowed Prop. 8 to stand, but thankfully kept intact the married 18,000.
The case was then filed in the U.S. District Court where opponents of Prop. 8 argued important issues as equal protection and due process. Judge Walker presided over the matter hearing evidence and arguments from both sides. Judge Walker found that Prop 8 violates the Constitution and voters do not have the right to create unconsitutional law. Marriage between same-sex couples has been stayed pending Judge Walker’s review of further briefs which were filed on Friday, August 6, 2010. Judge Walker will decide if the stay will continue through the appeal process to the Ninth Circuit and then onto the United States Supreme Court where the Supreme Court may or may not accept the case. This appeal process could take years. In deciding whether to lift the stay, Judge Walker must decide if the proponents of Prop. 8 have a likelihood of prevailing with their appeal. If not, Judge Walker will lift the stay and same-sex couples may enter into a civil marriage.
Evolve people. The 18,000 married same-sex couples of 2008 have not ruined the sanctity of marriage. More importantly, “marriage” is more than any moral classification. “Marriage” is a legal classification that protects the family unit from inequalities set by institutions and governments based on history and insitution of the word. One cannot substitute the word “marriage” for any other word and expect equality.
In November 2008 Proposition 8 passed by a bare margin of 52 to 49 percent in California, abolishing the ability of same-sex couples to marry. This proposition, confusing at best, decried that a “yes” vote would actually say “no” to the right of same-sex couples to marry. During the time it was legal for same-sex couples to marry, May to November 2008, eighteen thousand same-sex couples married.
Once Prop. 8 passed, Perry v. Schwarzenegger was filed with the California Supreme Court challenging the passage of Prop. 8. Although I am an Orange County criminal defense attorney, I, along with many others, took part in filing what’s called an amicus brief. These briefs are filed as “friends of the court” to give additional support for one side or the other. Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court allowed Prop. 8 to stand, but thankfully kept intact the married 18,000.
The case was then filed in the U.S. District Court where opponents of Prop. 8 argued important issues as equal protection and due process. Judge Walker presided over the matter hearing evidence and arguments from both sides. Judge Walker found that Prop 8 violates the Constitution and voters do not have the right to create unconsitutional law. Marriage between same-sex couples has been stayed pending Judge Walker’s review of further briefs which were filed on Friday, August 6, 2010. Judge Walker will decide if the stay will continue through the appeal process to the Ninth Circuit and then onto the United States Supreme Court where the Supreme Court may or may not accept the case. This appeal process could take years. In deciding whether to lift the stay, Judge Walker must decide if the proponents of Prop. 8 have a likelihood of prevailing with their appeal. If not, Judge Walker will lift the stay and same-sex couples may enter into a civil marriage.
Evolve people. The 18,000 married same-sex couples of 2008 have not ruined the sanctity of marriage. More importantly, “marriage” is more than any moral classification. “Marriage” is a legal classification that protects the family unit from inequalities set by institutions and governments based on history and insitution of the word. One cannot substitute the word “marriage” for any other word and expect equality.
Monday, June 28, 2010
CHANGES IN DMV LAWS BENEFICIAL TO ORANGE COUNTY AND THE DUI DRIVER?
Beginning on July 1, 2010, driving under the influence (DUI) laws are changing as it relates to driver’s licenses. While Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) are going to become more prevelent, mulitiple offenders will be back on the roads sooner. But what is an IID? IID is a device that is installed in a DUI offender’s vehicle. The installation, and every 60 days of calibration, is completed by a certified installer. This, of course, is paid for by the DUI offender. The person must blow into the device before the car will start and then periodically while driving, the person must again blow. If the device detects any alcohol, the car will not function. If we really wanted to prevent driving under the influence from occuring at all wouldn’t we want all vehicles to be manufactured with these devices? Where’s the business in that….
The first-time offender who lives in Orange County will not suffer any changes in their driving prileges, but if they live in Los Angeles they will. A first-time offender who lives in Orange County may suffer a 30-day suspension period, however, after 30 days they will be eligible for their driver’s license if they are enrolled in a DUI class, have an SR22 insurance form, and pay a reinstatement fee. However, if this same person was a resident of Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento or Tulare Counties, they would also have to install an IID in order to obtain their restricted driver’s license. This is a pilot program. Fair? No, but a good reason to stay in the OC.
For the second and third-time DUI offenders, the consequences are the same throughout California. A second-time DUI offender prior to July 1, 2010, would serve a complete one-year driver’s license suspension. As of July 1, 2010, as long as the offender is enrolled in the DUI class, has proof of an SR22 insurance form, pays the required fee and installs the IID, the person may obtain a restricted driver’s license after serving a 90-day suspension period. A restricted driver’s license gives the person the ability to drive to, from and during work, and to and from the DUI classes.
The third-time offender, prior to July 1, 2010, would have their driver’s license revoked for 3 years, and become eligible for a restriced driver’s license only after completing the 18-month DUI program. However, under the new laws, this offender will be eligible for a restricted driver’s license after serving a 6-month suspension.
This change in the law is a windfall to the second and third time DUI offenders along with the IID providers. Hopefully, it will also keep us safe.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
If you are lucky the police have taken you to their station and have released on you a citation.
Unfortunately, many are taken to the County Jail and released later or are forced to remain in jail on bail.
Bail – You will remain in jail unless you pay the full amount of bail (which will be returned upon the completion
of the case) or pay a bail bondsman 8 – 10% of the bail amount (which will not be returned).
Citation – Read what you receive from the police and/or jail. This will contain important information such as your court date.
ARRESTED FOR DUI? DO NOT WAIT FOR COURT.
YOU NEED TO CALL DMV 10-DAYS FROM YOUR ARREST DATE.
You need an Orange County DUI Attorney
Arraignment – This is the first court hearing. You will be notified of the charges against you. Your bail may increase; decrease or you may be released on your own recognizance. (Refer to 10 Tips for more info.)
Unfortunately, many are taken to the County Jail and released later or are forced to remain in jail on bail.
Bail – You will remain in jail unless you pay the full amount of bail (which will be returned upon the completion
of the case) or pay a bail bondsman 8 – 10% of the bail amount (which will not be returned).
Citation – Read what you receive from the police and/or jail. This will contain important information such as your court date.
ARRESTED FOR DUI? DO NOT WAIT FOR COURT.
YOU NEED TO CALL DMV 10-DAYS FROM YOUR ARREST DATE.
You need an Orange County DUI Attorney
Arraignment – This is the first court hearing. You will be notified of the charges against you. Your bail may increase; decrease or you may be released on your own recognizance. (Refer to 10 Tips for more info.)
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