DUI Blogger

A San Diego man accused of leading police on a wild-goose chase that ended up in a jump off of San Diego’s largest bridge and the death of a police dog will face trial, authorities have confirmed. Among other things, Cory Byron is charged with evading officers, DUI, and harming a police animal. The chase, which took place on New Year’s Eve, traversed the streets of San Diego before culminating in a jump off of the Coronado Bridge while a police dog was gripping Byron’s arm. The dog died; Byron sustained a collapsed lung and other injuries and was rescued by Harbor Police after his plunge into the San Diego Bay.

Byron, who has previous DUI convictions, will face a complex criminal case that spans several areas of law. His case will hinge on whether he was aware that he was sending Stryker, the police dog, to his death, and will be complicated by the relative lack of legal precedent in similar cases. Though the incident lasted just a few seconds, it could forever affect Byron’s future: he will face four years and four months in state prison if he is convicted at his upcoming trial.

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Patrick Valenzuela, a prominent horse racing jockey and the youngest jockey ever to win the Santa Anita Derby, has had his racing license revoked after a recent DUI arrest. The California Horse Racing Board revoked his license after the arrest and reported that it did so because the conditional racing license it had issued was only issued on condition of Valenzuela abstaining from alcohol altogether.

Valenzuela’s history of drug abuse and other substance issues led to the conditional license, which also requires random drug testing. He has already been suspended eight times in connection with drug abuse. Valenzuela’s DUI arrest took place on December 20 in Upland, California.

The Valenzuela arrest and license suspension highlights an often-overlooked consequence of DUI arrests – their affect on a person’s day-to-day activities such as job and community reputation. Though Valenzuela’s DUI was not yet proven, his mere arrest was enough to give the California Horse Racing Board pause. The “zero-tolerance” attitude of many employers and professional organizations towards DUI gives those accused an even stronger motivation to seek a watertight DUI defense or, at the very least, a lawyer who can protect their personal rights as they navigate the often-confusing world of California DUI law.

A good California DUI lawyer can help you keep your license and keep you out of jail. They have access to expert witnesses who can disprove or call into question official “evidence” and can conduct a thorough investigation into the particulars of your case. And they know the system well enough to understand its main players and its particular ins and outs. The experienced attorneys at Neil Shouse & Associates are aggressive in the courtroom and sympathetic to your side of the story. We’re committed to keeping our clients on the road and out of jail. Have you been arrested on suspected DUI? Act now – don’t approach your DUI hearing by yourself. Call today for a completely free and totally confidential phone consultation.

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John Joseph Taskey, aged 46, has pleaded not guilty of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury, and driving under the influence with prior DUI convictions. His trial will begin April 10 in San Diego Superior Court. Taskey, who has five prior DUI convictions and served time in state prison for the last offense, was on parole when he allegedly struck and killed 76-year-old Rosa Degerman with his truck. The Deputy District Attorney states that Taskey’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.10 at the time of the injury – two percentage points higher than the legal state limit of 0.08.

Taskey is in jail on $1 million bail and will await trial for second-degree murder. The severity of his accusations highlights an unfortunate complication of DUI arrests that are related to car accidents causing injury or death. Criminal charges like the murder and vehicular manslaughter accusations can be added on to the DUI charge, complicating the underlying DUI case and presenting a whole range of issues to the defendant and his or her legal team. In a case such as Taskey’s, it is unlikely that a jury will respond favorably to a man already showing a long-term track record of DUI offenses. However, the right DUI lawyer could get some or all charges dismissed on procedural issues, help uncover evidence that exonerates Taskey, and/or engage in plea bargaining with the District Attorney to lessen the severity of any required jail time or other punishment.

Due to the many ins and outs of California’s legal system, it is never a good idea to “go it alone” when it comes to DUI accusations. Even if you are being accused of your first DUI, the way in which you handle your first offense could affect your freedom and treatment down the road. That’s why it’s so important to find the right California DUI defense attorney to take up your case. The lawyers at Neil Shouse & Associates aren’t just experienced – they’re committed to preserving the freedom and personal rights of each and every client. Contact us today for a free, confidential phone consultation.

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Often, we talk about lives lost and the emotional devastation that all parties suffer as a result of a drunk driving arrest. What most people don’t realize is the tremendous financial impact they will have to endure if convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence. According to an article posted on InsWeb, an insurance association Web site, drunk drivers must be prepared to cough up about $10,828 in total costs.

The first noticeable difference after a DUI conviction is skyrocketing insurance rates, the article states. Expect your car insurance rates to range between $3,600 and $6,600 a year.
Depending on how long a DUI remains on your state’s driving record, these rates are known to continue for up to seven years. Any additional incidents or tickets could make them shoot up even more, almost triple those rates.

Depending on the state you live in, additional costs range from:

Towing: $300 - $1,200
Bail: $250 - $2,500
Fines and Court Fees: $500 - $2,500
Attorney Fees (average): $2,500
Mandatory Education and Treatment: $350 - $2,000
Electronic Home Monitoring: $150 - $2,250
Ignition Lock: $730 - $2,800

Continue reading "A DUI Could Break Your Wallet, If Not Ruin Your Life" »

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