CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI and The LAPD

Law Enforcement Agencies and DUI Laws in Greater Los Angeles

Greater Los Angeles is home to several law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing DUI laws. LAPD, one of the largest municipal police departments in the United States, boasts of nearly 10,000 officers sworn to serve and protect the residents. LAPD officers make hundreds of DUI arrests every night or weekend. Therefore, if you get arrested for DUI by an LAPD officer, act quickly to find a Los Angeles DUI attorney since time is of the essence.

Probable Causes for DUI Stops

LAPD officers do not intercept vehicles on freeways (this falls under California Highway Patrol’s jurisdiction), although they can stop a suspect that appears to be driving under the influence. Therefore, if officers observe a vehicle swerving or erratic maneuvers, they have probable cause to pull over the driver. Usually, the officers stop a vehicle that violates traffic laws like running a red light or speeding. During after-hours, LA police are exceptionally vigilant, especially when bars and clubs are closing, making it the prime time to catch DUI offenders.

How DUI Checkpoints Work

DUI checkpoints are one of the ways police use to catch suspected drunk drivers. A checkpoint involves stopping vehicles, and evaluating drivers for any signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, red eyes, and smell of alcohol. According to the California Supreme Court, DUI checkpoints are constitutional only if predetermined criteria are religiously adhered to.

Technology Tools at the Disposal of LAPD

LAPD patrol vehicles are equipped with dash cams that capture the entire DUI stop, beginning to end, to provide evidence in court, if necessary. The newly introduced body cameras are also effective in capturing the interaction between the driver and the officer during the stop and the subsequent arrest. The system is effective in documenting stop footage and can provide crucial evidence, although some people view it as a controversial tool.

City Attorney and Courthouses

The Los Angeles City Attorney prosecutes most of the DUI cases under its jurisdiction, while only four courthouses handle LAPD cases– Metropolitan, Van Nuys, San Fernando, and Long Beach. Prosecutors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office are in charge of all these cases. Nevertheless, when a felony DUI is involved, the case is transferred to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Why You Need a Los Angeles DUI Attorney

DUI cases are usually complex, which makes it necessary to seek the advice of an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney immediately. Michael Kraut of the Kraut Law Group is a former prosecutor with over 15 years of experience who specializes in DUI cases. He is well-known for providing expert representation through his tenacity and qualifications. All DUI cases are distinct, and only experienced lawyers can provide you with the assistance you need to navigate the complicated legal process. If you have any concerns regarding your DUI stop by LAPD, contact Kraut Law Group immediately by dialing 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453. You can call them anytime since they provide free consultations.

The Ways to Avoid DUI Checkpoints and Drunk Driving

If you have ever been arrested, receiving a DUI charge is one of the most difficult situations you will ever face since it comes with far-reaching consequences. It’s important to plan in advance so that you can protect yourself from a DUI conviction. The first step is to avoid DUI checkpoints and driving while intoxicated. This article highlights different ways to avoid a DUI checkpoint and drunk driving.

What is a DUI Checkpoint?

A DUI checkpoint is a roadblock where police officers flag down vehicles to check for drivers who are operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. At a checkpoint, drivers must stop, and officers examine the driver to see whether there are signs of intoxication.

Why DUI Checkpoints are Launched?

The primary intent of DUI checkpoints is to curtail the number of accidents caused by drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 30 people die daily from an accident involving an impaired driver in the United States. By using checkpoints, authorities hope to deter people from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Ways to Avoid a DUI Checkpoint

The way to avoid a DUI checkpoint is not to drink and drive. If you know that you will have alcohol during a night out, you should designate a driver or use other transportation throughout the night. Also, you can use a smartphone app to find alternative routes to avoid DUI checkpoints. However, DUI checkpoints are usually placed on major routes, so it may not be easy to find another way to your destination.

To avoid DUI checkpoints, some people choose to use back roads. However, it’s questionable whether taking a back road can help you avoid a DUI checkpoint since police are setting them up everywhere in Los Angeles.

What Happens if You Are Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint?

If a police officer stops you at a drunk-driving checkpoint, you must stop and interact with the officers. In California, you are required to have the necessary driving documents such as a driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration. The officers will check for any signs of impairment due to drugs or alcohol, such as slow reaction time, glassy eyes, slurred speech, or alcohol odor on your breath. If you are caught drunk driving, the officer will arrest you on the spot.

How to Avoid Drinking and Driving

If you’re planning to go out and drink, it’s essential to be mindful of your actions, and discussing alternative travel methods. Here are some tips for avoiding drinking and driving.

• Assign a designated driver before you start drinking. This person should not consume any alcohol.
• Use a taxi or ride-share service. Uber and Lyft are common alternatives to driving home, especially if you’re with a group.
• Stay overnight. Consider staying overnight at your destination or your friend’s place, if possible.
• Avoid drinking. If you are the designated driver for the night, it’s to avoid drinking altogether.
• Plan ahead. Consider the possibility of drinking beforehand and arrange to have a friend or family pick you up.

Conclusion

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe crime that can cause fatal or life-altering injuries. While avoiding DUI checkpoints is the way to stay out of trouble with the police, the option is not to drink and drive in the first place. There are plenty of options you can use instead of driving that can keep you safe and out of jail.