Simply stated, in order for the defendant to be found guilty, the prosecutor must prove to a jury that the defendant was: 1.) Driving a vehicle; and 2.) Under the influence.
Often, people who are just standing by a vehicle, sitting in the driver’s seat, or sleeping in their car are charged with drunk driving. How is this legal if the officer did not actually witness driving?
According to California Penal Code Section 836, “A peace officer may arrest a person…without a warrant…whenever the following circumstances occur: (1) The officer has probable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense in the officer’s presence…”
However, there are several exceptions to the presence requirement providing a very big hole through PC 836, allowing an officer to make an arrest for DUI even if the actual driving was not observed by the arresting officer. The exceptions include:
(a) The person is involved in a traffic accident.
(b) The person is observed in or about a vehicle that is obstructing a roadway.
(c) The person will not be apprehended unless immediately arrested.
(d) The person may cause injury to himself or herself or damage property unless immediately arrested.
(e) The person may destroy or conceal evidence of the crime unless immediately arrested. (See VC Section 40300.5.)
But, even if the officer made a valid, warrantless arrest, the prosecutor must still prove driving to win their case. According to Mercer v. DMV, the act of driving in the drunk driving statutes requires actual volitional movement of the vehicle. However, the courts have held driving can be proven by circumstantial evidence. This is a fact-based issue and many of these cases end up in trial, leaving the jury to decide what happened.
If you have been charged with DUI in Southern California, and you were not actually driving the car or there were no witnesses to your driving, you should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer who exclusively handles drunk driving cases to protect you and your rights.
You should call The Law Offices of Susan L. Hartman right now at 619-260-1122 to learn more about fighting your DUI! You only have 10 days from the date of the arrest to request an Administrative Per Se Hearing at the DMV to challenge the suspension of your driving privileges. If we are retained early in the case, we can represent you at the DMV hearing and at all of the court proceedings. In most misdemeanor drunk driving cases, the defendant who has retained counsel does not have to appear at all; we can prepare your case and attend all hearings on your behalf. Our office is in Mission Valley, but we handle cases in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County.