New California Legislation Toughens Laws Against DUI Offenders
Last week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed off on a new legislation, which will toughen the law when it comes to DUI offenders. Named after Steve Ambriz, an Orange City Councilman who was struck and killed in a DUI crash, the new law required all drivers obtaining or renewing their license to sign a statement admitting that they understand it is dangerous to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that they could be charged with murder if found responsible for the DUI crash.
According to an article posted on MSNBC’s Web site , the governor announced the new law at a press conference in Santa Ana, which was attended by Ambriz’s widow and 4-year-old daughter and formalized the legislation during a special ceremony at the California Highway Patrol office as well. The bill had been introduced by Orange Assemblyman, Todd Spitzer. Ambriz was killed in May 25, 2006 when a pick-up driver reportedly under the influence of methamphetamines, slammed head-on into the councilman’s car.
Lawmakers say that this legislation with toughen DUI laws in the state because it will make it easier for prosecutors to pursue second-degree murder charges against those who drive under the influence and cause a fatal crash.
These tough laws, while they aim to catch offenders and put them behind bars, have a flip side in the sense that they could penalize someone who is innocent as well. When someone causes an accident as a result of driving drunk, they should be brought to justice. But as California DUI defense attorneys, we come across numerous cases where the charges are not valid. The science behind a DUI arrest – chemical tests, field sobriety tests and so on – have their inherent flaws. Many times, people who perform these tests don’t know what they’re doing.
As DUI laws get tougher, it becomes even more important to hire the right attorney when you get charged with drunk driving. You need a California DUI Defense attorney, who will present your side of the case and get the best possible result for you. Sometimes, we see that our clients need help, not jail. We will do what it takes to get you an acquittal, get your charges reduced or get you the counseling and help you need. In other words, we’ll do what it takes to keep you out of jail or prison.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, contact a Southern California Drunk Driving defense attorney at once. We will talk about the best possible solution for your case.
