AMY MORELL LAW

What You Need When Pulled Over By a Police Officer

There is no doubt that being pulled over by a police officer can be stressful, no matter the circumstances. For a few tips that will make it easier, check out this video.

To make the stop go smoothly for both yourself and the officer, try to have your license and registration ready. You may also want to have your proof of insurance ready, just in case the officer has questions about your coverage. With this information, the officer will know how to proceed.

If you’re stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, a cop may arrest you with little to no evidence. For experienced DUI defense to fight your charges, call (510) 314-8736 to reach the Hayward office of Amy Morell Law. Attorney Morell has defended more than a thousand DUI cases and can help you get the justice you need.

Signs That You Are Not Okay to Drive After a Night Out

It can be difficult to judge your blood alcohol level because of the many factors that play a role in determining it, like weight, size, how much you have had to eat that day, and medications you may be taking. Instead of relying on blood alcohol level, judge whether you are ok to drive or if you run the risk of being arrested for DUI, based on the following indicators of intoxication:

• Loss of inhibitions. One of the first signs of intoxication is feeling less inhibited and more willing to act impulsively. For example, you may feel like you want to have personal conversations with friends and strangers or take risky actions.
      
• Loss of train of thought. Because alcohol impairs the operation of neurotransmitters, intoxication makes it difficult to hold on to a train of thought. If you’re finding that you can’t finish a conversation or are starting a number of conversations with people, you are drunk and should not drive.
       
• Loss of balance. Intoxicated people may need to lean on walls or tables in order to stay upright. This loss of balance is caused by a change in the fluid density in the inner ear, the structure of the body responsible for balance. This makes standing difficult, and driving will be even harder.
        
• Trouble with fine motor control. People who are under the influence often have trouble holding on to objects like keys and cell phones, let alone handling the fine movements that are required for driving. Any trouble at all with tasks like this should be a sure indication that you are not ok to driver.

If you display any of these signs, you have probably had too much to drink to drive safely. However, a police officer may suspect you of driving under the influence even below this level of intoxication. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, call (510) 314-8736 to speak to Amy Morell, an experienced drunk driving defense attorney in the San Francisco area.

Learn More About the Differences Between DUI and DWI with These Great Resources!

If our recent blog articles have been helpful, covering topics such as the difference between DUI and DWI, and qualities to look for in your DUI defense attorney, then you may find these additional resources from around the web informative as well:

• Sobriety checkpoints have been paying huge dividends for both law enforcement and towing companies, but not because of intoxicated drivers. Vehicle impounds for unlicensed drivers found at these checkpoints are the real source of revenue.
       
• The California DMV provides an in-depth guide to the DUI process and what it means to your ability to operate a vehicle in California.
      
• The Insurance Information Institute has the latest on DUI developments and statistics from around the nation. Inform yourself about these important changes.
       
• Read the latest on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s campaigns and research on driving under the influence.
          
• If you’re charged with any crime, it’s important to know the law. This excerpt from the California state statutes covers driving under the influence.

For more information on any of these topics or our recent blogs, or to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney about your pending case, call Amy Morell Law at (510) 314-8736.

DUI vs. DWI

California has some of the strictest laws in the nation when it comes to driving under the influence. One of the most common questions people ask is about the difference between a DUI and DWI. This article will shed some light on this topic and provide you with some of the basics concerning California’s DUI law.

California Law

Some states do differentiate between driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). In these states, a DWI is the more serious offense. California actually does not possess distinct DUI and DWI charges. Here the two are interchangeable and the term most commonly in use is simply DUI.

Penalties for DUI

This does not mean that California has fewer distinctions in its DUI law than other states. California criminal law has many variations and degrees of severity when it comes to driving under the influence. Any DUI can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony under Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) and 23152(b), depending on the circumstances. Repeated offenses lead to increasing penalties and fines, and a fourth consecutive conviction within 10 years is almost certainly going to be tried as a felony. Injuring someone or causing an accident while driving under the influence is a violation under Vehicle Code Section 23153.

There are many other variations in California DUI law, so be sure to inform yourself and stay safe and legal while on the road. DUIs are serious offenses that will appear on your criminal record for years to come should you be convicted. It is important to fight to defend yourself if you are charged with a DUI. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced DUI attorney, call Amy Morell Law at (510) 314-8736. We practice exclusively in DUI defense, and have done so for over 15 years. Call us today to learn how we can help.

Can My Car Be Impounded For a Drunk Driving Charge?

One of the frequent questions people ask regarding DUI law concerns is what happens to their vehicle after arrest. What happens to it? Is it taken to an impound lot? Watch this video to learn more about what happens to your car after a DUI arrest.

Many states do have laws allowing vehicle impounding in association with DUI. The rationale behind these impound laws is to further deter motorists from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. In California, cars are generally not impounded solely for a DUI incident. They can be impounded for a variety of other reasons however, such as if you were driving recklessly at the time you were stopped for a DUI, or if you were driving without a driver’s license.

If you would like more information, or if you would like to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney, call Amy Morell Law at (510) 314-8736. Practicing exclusively in DUI defense for over 15 years, we have the experience to help in your time of need.