Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Orange County, California

Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in the number of cases filed by the Office of the District Attorney of the County of Orange, for alleged driving under the influence of drugs. A large number of these cases involve no alcohol at all.

 Many people think that it is perfectly legal to drive while under the influence of prescribed medication. This is certainly not true. Likewise, many people believe that if they possess a certificate allowing them to use and possess “medical marijuana” it is also legal to drive under the influence of it. This is also untrue. (Many also wrongly believe that it is also somehow legal to sell or give away their legally obtained marijuana. That’s a serious felony and is a topic for a different discussion.)

The fact is, that law enforcement is getting much more skilled at detecting the symptoms and the toxicology of drugs and are becoming much more aggressive in detaining drivers on suspicion of dui drugs, especially at night and on weekends. Likewise prosecutors are becoming more aggressive in filing these types of cases. They all have become emboldened by the results of recent statewide studies involving driving and drugs. A study conducted by the state Office of Traffic Safety titled, The 2012 California Roadside Survey of Nighttime Weekend Driver’s Alcohol and Drug Use, has been recently published. This was the first statewide survey aimed at weekend and nighttime driving. The findings are quite interesting.

 The overall prevalence of drugs in the system of all drivers tested was 14%, while the prevalence of alcohol in all drivers tested was 7.3%. Among the drugs tested, marijuana had the highest prevalence rate of 7.4% of those drivers tested. The prevalence of illegal drugs was, remarkably, the same as the prevalence for legal prescribed and over the counter drugs, 4.6%. This survey will likely be studied further. However, what is important to understand, is that law enforcement and prosecutors are looking even more closely at nighttime and weekend drivers. And they aren’t just looking for alcohol intoxication any longer.

It’s the Holiday Season. The nights are longer, the weekends are filled up with parties. Be careful out there. Get a designated driver. Call a cab. Remember many prescribed medications were not meant to be combined with driving.

We at the Law Office of Gene Dorney can help you if you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs. We have access to the most experienced licensed toxicologists who can test your blood for levels of toxicity to determine if there is enough in your system to impair your driving.  And, of course we offer skilled and knowledgeable representation in your case to get you the best possible outcome.

Remember, if you arrested for driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, probation violation, or any other misdemeanor or felony, The Law Office of Gene Dorney at 949-675-4973 is here to help you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE LAW OFFICE OF GENE DORNEY.

3 Things To Know If You Are Arrested for DUI This Thanksgiving Weekend

Here are three things to remember if you are stopped by law enforcement in Orange County, California for alleged driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs:

1.  You have a right to remain silent.  Exercise that right!  It is almost always a bad idea to try to talk your way out of being arrested.  Usually you'll only make it harder to obtain the best result in your case.

2.  If the officer smells alcohol on your breath or observes other outward symptons of impairment, you will be offered a choice of taking a blood or breath test.  Do not refuse to take one of the offered tests.  It may result in a longer license suspension with the DMV and will subject you to mandatory jail time even on a first offense.

3.  Call me at The Law Office of Gene Dorney at 949-675-4973 to help you if you are arrested for DUI, driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, probation violation or any other misdemeanor or felony.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Law Office of Gene Dorney.

Newport Beach DUI Lawyer - Gene Dorney - Free Consultation 949-675-4973

Newport Beach DUI Attorney Gene Dorney.  I can help you with a DUI, Drunk Driving, Driving under the influence of controlled substances, or Drunk in Public charge.  My office is located in Newport Beach, California.  I have over 35 years experience in Orange County courts as an attorney defending all Criminal Law cases.  I will fight for you to get the best possible result.  Call me for a FREE Legal Consultation at 949-675-4973. 

Newport Beach DUI Lawyer Gene Dorney, Attorney at Law

Arrested for a DUI?  The Law Office of Gene Dorney is your best defense!  Call 949-675-4973 for a FREE Confidential Consultation with Attorney Dorney about your DUI case.  Over 35 Years Experience!  Located in Newport Beach, CA.  Call 949-675-4973.

New Help for Criminal Law and DUI High Bail Cases

Alcohol Monitoring  Instead of High Bail

            There are some cases where the Judge may intend to set a very high bail amount.  Bail bond premiums are expensive, and  some large bonds require that you or a family member pledge your home or other real property as collateral.

 You may be just at the beginning of your case, and while you are preparing your defense with your attorney, you will need to be free to work at your job.

In many cases, The Law Office of Gene Dorney can work with the Judge to obtain an order allowing you to wear an alcohol monitoring device instead of posting an expensive bail bond.

Due to recent advances in technology, alcohol monitoring devices are smaller, lighter and more comfortable.

At the Law Office of Gene Dorney, we are always working to help our clients to find the best options for each situation.

           

Newport Beach DUI Law Office - FREE Consultation 949-675-4973

Were you or someone you know arrested for a DUI or other charge?  My law office has over 35 years experience in all Criminal Law cases.  Located in Newport Beach, I offer a FREE initial consultaion.  Call and ask for Gene Dorney, Attorney at Law at 949-675-4973 for your FREE consultation about your DUI or other Criminal Law charge.  I will fight for you to get the best possible result!

Newport Beach DUI Lawyer Offers Free Consultation at 949-675-4973.

Arrested for DUI?  I can help you with your case.  My law office is located in Newport Beach, California.  The Law Office of Gene Dorney has over 35 Years experience in DUI, Drunk Driving and Drunk in Public Defense.  Call me for a FREE Consultatation at 949-675-4973.  I will fight for you to get the best possible result!

New DUI Legislation for 2012

Drivers convicted of up to two "wet reckless" violations can now get early reinstatement of driver license after ninety days under certain conditions.  This is good news, because previously if a person suffered a second offense in the form of a "wet reckless", this option was not available and a full one year suspension went into effect.  If you are accused of a second violation of DUI, you need a skilled DUI attorney.  The Law Office of Gene Dorney is here to serve you and offers a FREE case evaluation that will take into account all the latest changes in California DUI law.  Call 949-675-4973 and ask to speak to me, Gene Dorney, Attorney at Law.

Newport Beach DUI / Criminal Defense Law Office - Free Consultation 949-675-4973

Arrested for DUI?  I can help you.  I have over 35 years experience in fighting DUI cases and all misdemeanor and felony charges.  Call me for a FREE Consultation at 949-675-4973.  The Law Office of Gene Dorney is located at 3355 Via Lido, Suite 215, in Newport Beach, California.  My Law Office website is www. newportduilawoffice.com.  Call 949-675-4973 for Gene E. Dorney, Attorney at Law.