As you will recall, Susan Hartman, of the Law Offices of Susan L. Hartman, attended The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The International Association of Chiefs of Police (ICAP) approved DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Course, as presented by Mr. Robert La Pier. The course…
Articles Posted in Defending DUI Cases
The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST’s): Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
San Diego DUI defense attorney, Susan Hartman, of the Law Offices of Susan L. Hartman, recently attended The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The International Association of Chiefs of Police (ICAP) approved DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Course, as presented by Mr. Robert La Pier.…
San Diego DUI Sentencing Alternative: CPAC
In San Diego criminal courts, the judge sentences DUI defendants. For first time misdemeanor drunk driving offenders, that sentence usually does not include any jail time other than what was served at the time of the arrest. As for subsequent DUI’s, in custody time is very likely to be ordered.…
First Time DUI: Do I Really Need A Drunk Driving Lawyer?
San Diego residents often call me for their free phone consultation after being charged with their first drunk driving offense. At the end of the call, the person often says, “I have been talking to my friends and I just don’t know if I need an attorney on a simple…
Drunk Driving & Refusing To Submit A Chemical Test, Criminal Ramifications
California has an implied consent law, which requires a driver that is lawfully arrested, suspected of driving under the influence, to submit to a chemical test. The tests that are typically offered for suspected alcohol intoxication is a breath and blood test. A blood test is usually offered for suspected…
California DMV & Chemical Test Refusals In DUI Cases
If you are driving a vehicle in California, you have agreed to a chemical test of your breath or blood to determine the alcohol and/or drug content, if you are lawfully arrested and suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, (implied…
Under 21 Driving Under The Influence & The DMV APS Hearing
Whether you are 21 years old or older, or under 21 years old, if you are arrested for driving under the influence, two separate actions are triggered. The first is the Administrative Per Se, or APS, action from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which deals with the suspension of…
Seal and Destroy Drunk Driving Arrest Records
If you were arrested for DUI in San Diego but criminal charges were never filed, the case was eventually dismissed in court, or you were acquitted after a jury trial, you may be able to have your arrest records sealed and destroyed under California Penal Code Section 851.8. Why would…
Biking: A Good Alternative To Driving My Car While Under The Influence?
Summer 2014 is here! The summer brings BBQ’s, parties, boating, beach time, Sunday Fundays, cold beers and margaritas, and lots of fun times. It is important, however, to plan ahead so your fun does not end with criminal charges. Often, people use their bikes as transportation when they know they…
Can Cops Search Your Cell Phone Without A Warrant?
This is the very question that is currently before the Supreme Court of the United States, (see David Riley v. State of California). The ruling can potentially impact anyone who is arrested while having a cell phone in their possession. In August of 2009, San Diego college student, David Riley,…