A woman was arrested on suspected driving under the influence (DUI) charges last month after she ran a red light, crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle, killing the other driver.
According to police, the victim’s car was in the process of turning when it collided with the wrong-way driver. The force of the impact ejected the victim from her vehicle and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although alcohol was not believed to have played a role initially, police soon discovered that the woman had prescription drugs in her system at the time of the collision and that her license had been suspended after a previous DUI. The woman also had a warrant out for her arrest in South Carolina.
As a result of the incident, the woman was charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and traffic-related offenses and was set to remain in a county detention center, pending further court appearances.
Driving under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
In the state of California, like the rest of the country, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The state’s Vehicle Code classifies DUI in two ways:
- It is against the law to operate any automobile if drugs or alcohol have impaired your ability to do it safely
- Any person found driving a vehicle with blood alcohol content (BAC) measuring .08 or higher is considered guilty of DUI
Though DUI is most commonly associated with the consumption of alcohol, it is also possible to be charged with DUI as a result of drug use, even if those drugs have been prescribed by a medical professional.
Driving under the influence can also involve drugs that are used legally, like marijuana in California. Although medicinal use of the drug is legal in the state, it is still illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of the drug.
California laws also classify DUI as a criminal charge – one that, depending on the severity of the situation, evidence and outcome of the case, can remain on a person’s criminal record. When this happens, it can adversely affect a person’s ability to pass background checks, including those required for housing and employment.
If you or someone you know have been accused of DUI charges, it is in your best interest to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These types of charges can lead to serious consequences, like the suspension or loss of a driver’s license, financial penalties and even jail time, depending on the circumstances.
DUI Defense Attorneys in California
In Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas in California, the legal team at Gurovich, Berk & Associates represent clients in need of legal defense, including those who stand accused of DUI or drug charges.
Our firm takes a client-centered approach to every case, starting with an in-depth investigation into your charges. Our attorneys can work with you to assess the extent of your charges and determine the best possible legal strategy moving forward. Whether you have been charged with DUI as a result of alcohol consumption or drug use, our team is committed to serving as your legal advocate and defending your rights.
Do not delay – our team of skilled defense attorneys can provide the assistance you need. To get started, we invite you to call our law office today at (213) 385-1555 to schedule an initial consultation to assess your case.