Top Times and Dates for California DUI Arrests

Posted by John Devendorf on

Make no mistake, there are popular times and dates for California DUI arrests. Although, technically, there is no right or wrong place at the right or wrong time to drive drunk.

It may be the one time they drank one too many beers with co-workers at happy hour, or the one time that a headlight burnt out, which cause the police to pull their car over. Although cops in California don’t necessarily have to look too far to find drivers under the influence of marijuana or alcohol, there are certain times and dates when law enforcement are on higher alert to target impaired driving.

Weekends are Popular Times

It may seem obvious, but weekends and weekend activities seem to coincide with drinking and driving. After a long work week, many people like to relax on the weekends, and enjoy time with friends and family. This may include afternoon BBQs where people can enjoy cold beer in the sunny California weather, or a night out dancing till the wee hours. But at some point, people have to go home.

Some drivers  make the short drive home if they drank more than they intended or didn’t arrange for a safe ride home. Most people just want to sleep in their own beds.

However, police officers are on the lookout for impaired driving, especially on the weekends. When there may be daytime weekend events like football games, or holiday barbecues, law enforcement may be on higher alert for daytime intoxicated driving. Otherwise, law enforcement are well aware that weekend evenings will see a high rate of drivers heading home after having too much to drink, smoke, or otherwise consume intoxicating substances.

Late Night to Early Morning Hours

Late night or early morning is the time when roads have an increase in drivers under the influence. After all, when the bars close, the patrons have to go somewhere. It’s worth noting that many people who frequent bars keep their alcohol consumption limited or ensure a ride home. Others still feel okay to drive although technically over the limit.

The police know peak times for impaired driving, and are on the lookout for cars exhibiting erratic driving. Even if it is a minor traffic violation the police can stop a car. When a driver is pulled over early in the A.M., the police may be looking for signs of drug or alcohol consumption. If a police officer suspects a DUI, it may lead to field sobriety testing and/or a field breathalyzer.

Holidays

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, holidays can be peak periods for drinking and driving. The Fourth of July holiday, is often among the dates with the highest rates of alcohol-related accidents. The book ends of summer, Memorial Day and Labor Day, are also busy dates for law enforcement. Even the holidays of Christmas and Thanksgiving are active DUI arrest events. The night before Thanksgiving, also known as Black Wednesday, is one of the busiest nights for bars. As a result, ti is also one of the busiest nights for DUI arrests.

Before You Decide to Drink and Drive

Understandably, most drivers may not think about the times and dates for an increased chance of DUI arrest. However, statistics of alcohol-related accidents is well known to law enforcement. Drunk-driving figures are public knowledge to Police Departments, Sheriffs and the California Highway Patrol. With this knowledge in mind, they often target possible impaired drivers for DUI arrests during these times.

Police may also conduct sobriety checkpoints around these times and dates. According to law enforcement, DUI checkpoints serve two purposes. They catch impaired drivers, and also discourage drivers from getting on the road after too many drinks.

Get Help with DUI Arrests

You don’t have to do this alone! Call California’s Top DUI attorneys with The Kavinoky Law Firm to stand by your side and defend your case. We employ the best criminal defense attorneys in the state so that we can provide you with the best defense possible. Call 24/7 – we don’t sleep – so you can.

How Police Dash Cameras Can Help Win Your DUI Case

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Police dash cameras are not just for recording the world’s wildest police chases. In many cases, the police and prosecutors use the video evidence in investigations or at trial. Additionally, the video footage from a police vehicle can be to your advantage. In one case, the dashboard video actually helped a Utah man out of a very tough spot.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

During traffic stops where the California Highway Patrol suspects the driver of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will try to have the driver submit to field sobriety tests. The three primary Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) include an eye test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg-stand test. The CHP and police officers use these tests against drivers as alleged evidence of their intoxication.

What happens when the police lie about sobriety tests? It is possible for a policeman to claim a failed field sobriety test even if there was not an administration of test with a driver. Good thing we have police dash cameras.

Gavin Gabor’s DUI Case

Gavin Gabor of Layton, Utah was pulled over by the Utah Highway Patrol in August of 2013. Trooper Neil Green told Gabor that he was pulled over for failing to signal a lane change. The next thing Gabor knew, he was being arrested for driving while impaired, and taken to jail.

The young driver wanted to fight back against the DUI arrest, and got a copy of the police report. He noticed the report indicated he’d failed field sobriety tests, but the problem was that Gabor knew he never did any such tests. During his administrative license suspension hearing, Gabor questioned Trooper Green about the field sobriety test error, and Green said he did the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand tests. When the ALS- hearing officer sided with the state trooper, the state suspended Gabor’s license for 6 months.

However, Gabor did not give up. He next requested a copy of the dash camera footage from his arrest. It became clear, after reviewing the video, that there was no performance of a field sobriety test whatsoever. The prosecutors dismissed Gabor’s DUI charges once they saw the video evidence. Sadly, it took two years for Gabor to move happily away from his DUI nightmare. However, with video evidence to prove Gabor did not commit the crime, Gabor still had to pay for his supposed crime. He paid over $1,000 inimpound fees, license reinstatement fees, and costs for his title release.

False Reporting and Police Dash Cameras

Once it became clear that Green falsely reported a field sobriety test, and said the same in an ALS hearing, law enforcement began an internal investigation into Green’s arrests. When questioned, Green stated he must have made an error in the report. While the investigation was going on, Green decided to resign from his position with the Utah Highway Patrol, which made it more difficult for investigators to question him.

Later on, another woman found justice. The video evidence of her arrest gave her exculpation due to inappropriate conduct. The video footage showed that Green wasn’t telling the truth about observing the woman for 15 minutes before taking a sobriety test, as required by Utah law. The court overturned her charges on appeal.

After the investigation, internal affairs concluded they didn’t have enough evidence to prove Green intentionally lied on the report. However, there was enough evidence to show he was sloppy in his reporting. As a result, the district attorney’s office decided not to prosecute cases that relied solely on Trooper Green’s arrest reports.

If You’re Arrested

Don’t fight it alone! Give us a call at The Kavinoky Law Firm, 1-800-NO-CUFFS, 24/7. We have lawyers that work around the clock just to ensure a great DUI defense for you. Since we are comprised of the top attorneys in Los Angeles we are your best chance of fighting a conviction and maintaining your freedom.

Police Officers Entering Bars to Test Driver BAC Levels

Posted by John Devendorf on

Testing your breath for your blood alcohol content (BAC) is something many people have never done.

There are consumer breath test devices which you can buy to test your BAC, some are even available as a keychain. Some bars even have breath test machines, where you put in $1 and get a straw to give a breath test, which will give your BAC results. However, for the great majority of people, a breath test is a rare event. Unfortunately, the BAC test is most commonly only after they a person is stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Know Your Limits – A New Program

A new program by some police departments is aiming to change that, by letting people know what their BAC might be after a few drinks, even when they are not driving home. This “Know Your Limits” program involves police officers taking to the streets around entertainment districts, not for the purpose of finding drunk drivers, but to take their message to people walking out of bars.

The officers contact people coming out of clubs and bars, or even go into the bars, to try and get volunteers for breath testing. People gather to watch as the individual approaches the police officers. Surrounded by people, he or she guesses at their current BAC. Next, they answer whether or not they think they are safe to drive. Then the officer will have the individual submit a breath test with the portable alcohol screening device.

History & Growth of BAC Testing

The rumor is that the test began in Scottsdale, Arizona back in 2010. With this in mind, Huntington Beach Police began a similar “Know Your Limits” educational effort last year. Sergeant Dave Dereszynski said the program fits in with the local bar atmosphere. He says that entire groups of patrons wait in line to see their BAC level. The best part, he says, is the little silver “I know my limits” sticker. More and more departments now have similar programs based on the success of this idea.

Tustin police launched a similar campaign, talking to customer at local bars about their alcohol levels and whether they thought they were over the limit. “If we can just educate those people and put that mindset in someone’s head that, ‘I’ve had too much,’ then maybe they’ll hesitate from getting behind the wheel,” said Sergeant Brian Green of the Tustin Police Department.

Sacramento Police and the Folsom Police Department have recently launched their own Know Your Limit programs. “It’s surprising for most how high their BAC is,” said Lt. Mark Schanrock, a Folsom Police officer. “The detail was a big hit with the patrons and bar staff.”

Full Support from Community

Many customers and even bar employees support of the program, at least publicly. Tyler Roy, a general manager of Baja Sharkeez, a bar in Huntington Beach says he appreciates the program. He notes the officers are friendly and only out to educate. “I think it’s good as far as showing the customers where their intoxication level is,” said Roy.

According to police, the program aims to educate rather than scare the public. After testing their blood alcohol levels, participants receive an information card. The card details information on alcohol consumption and penalties for first time DUIs. They also may provide information on safe rides home, including Uber vouchers.

Know Your Defense

Should you find yourself a first-time BAC client on the side of a road, do not fight your DUI charges alone! Call the top DUI attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm. Our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We don’t sleep – so you can.

1.800.NO.CUFFS

Throwing Out That Jury Duty Notice Could Get You Arrested

Posted by John Devendorf on

A jury duty notice isn’t the most exciting piece of mail. For some people, it’s downright annoying. With jury duty comes the hassle of taking time off work and going to court, often sitting around for ours only to be told you won’t be needed that day, and can go home. As a result, many people look for ways out of jury duty, while others just don’t bother showing up. However, before you decide to play hooky from jury duty, you should know that failing to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.

Low Participation in California

A recent report by California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse found that jury participation in California’s most populous counties was only about 30%. The report analyzed jury duty participation rates in 15 California counties, including the number of juror summons sent out and the number of jurors that failed to appear from 2012 to 2014. Over 7.5 million jury notices were sent out with 1.5 million people failing to respond.

Alameda County showed the lowest level of juror participation, with a “participation rate” of only about 12%. San Diego County, Ventura County and Los Angeles County were all among those with a participation rate of below 30%. Meanwhile, San Mateo County showed the highest level of juror participation with almost 58%, with Contra Costa County and Riverside County also coming in with more than 56% juror participation.

As a result, the Alameda County Superior Court reports a “failure to appear” rate at 68%. The Chief Public Defender of Alameda County, Brendan Woods calls the American jury system as “still the best system,” but finding a diverse jury reflective of the community can be a problem. Woods cites economics as one factor keeping people from showing up, and suggests having employers pay for jury service would help. Another reasons for low participation may include a mistrust of the court system by some people, especially in minority communities.

Don’t Skip Out on Jury Duty

Under California law, a Failure to Appear notice for skipping out on jury service can result penalties. These penalties include a contempt of court hearing, fines, or even possible imprisonment. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, a failure to appear can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 5 days in jail. In actuality, most jury dodgers face little punishment.

You Will Not Get a Phone Call

While an arrest for failing to show up for jury duty is possible, you will not get a phone call. Take caution with anyone who calls you to say your arrest is imminent. Your failure to appear does not come with a house call.

There is a particular scam making the rounds right now in California.  It involves threatening people with arrest if they don’t pay jury duty fines. Con artists are calling up people across the country, pretending to be from the Sheriff’s Department. The caller with threaten arrest if they don’t pay a fine over the phone using a pre-paid debit card.

In light of this scam, county courts, including Alameda, warn people to be careful. According to the warning, the court indicates that they never contact people by telephone asking for payment. A failure to appear notice does not carry an immediate financial penalty. Instead, the court will send a Failure to Appear notice by mail. If you ignore the notice, a warrant is issued. You will not get a phone call for a warning. If you receive a call asking for payment for a jury duty fine, contact your county’s Jury Commissioner’s office.

Call The Kavinoky Law Firm

Make sure you have the number of your California DUI defense lawyer on hand. 1.800.No.Cuffs. We staff only the best lawyers in California so we can defend you to the best of our ability.

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Research Suggests Uber Reduces DUI Deaths

Posted by John Devendorf on

As California lawmakers continue to fight with Uber, the ride-sharing company continues to grow.

Many fans of the app-based services prefer Uber or Lyft over taxis, citing the ease of use, simple payment system, and availability. There are now more options than ever to avoid driving under the influence. These companies note that their services contribute to a decrease in DUI deaths.

Independent Research Proves the Theory

Temple University Study

Now, an independent study from researchers at Temple University appears to back up Uber’s claims. The research paper, titled “Show Me the Way to Go Home: An Empirical Investigation of Ride Sharing and Alcohol Related Motor Vehicle Homicide,” looked at the entry of Uber services along with the rate of alcohol-related motor vehicle homicides. According to their results, the entry of Uber into markets in California between 2009 and 2013 suggests a significant drop in the rate of motor vehicle homicides during that time.

The research, conducted by Temple business professors Brad Greenwood and Sunil Wattal, finds a decrease in drunk driving deaths of between 3.6 to 5.6 percent. The possible reasons for this reduction appears to mirror the reasons behind customer preference of the apps over traditional taxis: cheaper prices and easier access.

MADD Study

Uber makes similar claims about the link between their service and a decrease in drunk driving. However, those claims receive more skepticism. “More Options. Shifting Mindsets. Driving Better Choices,” a study done in conjunction with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), supports this claim as well. Their report finds that drunk driving crashes fell by 60 per month in California among drivers under 30.

The report indicates that having more options for a ride home is empowering people to make better choices In Miami, Florida, Uber ridership peaks around the same time as peak drunk driving crashes. Pittsburgh shows a peak in ridership around 2 a.m., closing time for bars. Uber also reports a decrease in drunk driving arrests by 10% in Seattle. The reduction follows the introduction of their service in the city. Critics claim thhe car service overstates the correlation.

In addition to analyzing ridership and accident rates, a sample survey in the largest cities operation shows some interesting statistics. It reveals close to 88% of respondents over 21 agree with the statement that Uber has made it easier for them to get home after having too much to drink. Additionally, 78% said their friends are less likely to drink and drive after Uber’s arrival.

Other independent analysis appears to support the idea that after Uber or Lyft come to town, people have more ride options. More ride options apparently lead to a decrease in the amount of drunk driving. Philadelphia notes a similar decrease in DUIs, especially in those under 30 years old after the introduction of rideshare.

Rideshares like Uber Still in Hot Water

Of course, many remain skeptical of such information. Time will show the reality of these claims. In fact, the long term effects of rideshare availability remain uncertain. In the meantime, the car company faces suspension and a $7.3 million dollar fine. They’re facing penalties in California for not turning information over to the California Public Utilities Commission.

The Kavinoky Law Firm

If you find yourself arrested on suspicion of a DUI, don’t fight it alone. Call Darren Kavinoky and his team of DUI lawyers at 1.800.NO.CUFFS. We staff the top DUI attorneys in California and we are here to represent you. Call 24/7. We don’t sleep – so you can.

Sting Operations Catch Drivers After DUI Court

Posted by John Devendorf on

After a DUI arrest, it is possible to fall prey to police sting operations. Sadly, it’s not nearly as cool as it sounds.

Drivers do all they can to avoid any future run-ins with police when facing jail time, a suspended license, and/or a possible criminal conviction. 

Stings Happen

The first court appearance is your first impression. Dress professionally and behave accordingly to ensure your best foot stands forward with the judge. However, if you learn you no longer have driving priledges, make sure you have a ride home. Because the police may be waiting outside to make sure you don’t get behind the wheel of a car.

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies indeed do set up sting operations to catch people driving on a suspended license after a DUI. Recently, Sheriff’s deputies from Orange County set up such an operation at the Orange County Superior Court in Newport Beach. On the sting, they kept an eye out for drivers under driving restrictions. Deputies followed 15 people to the parking lot after their DUI hearings, and 4 of those people hopped into their cars to drive away.

The drivers not legally allowed to drive receive a citation and the city impounds their cars for 30 days. This is not the first time OC sheriffs have performed these DUI court stings. With money from the California Office of Traffic Safety, they may continue such operations as a deterrent to driving on a suspended license after a DUI.

Multiple Cities Conduct Stings

Thousand Oaks

Orange County is not the only location trying out these sting operations. Recently, deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau staged a sting at the Ventura County Superior Court. Deputies watched the proceedings of several DUI cases one day. Once certain individuals lost their licenses, the police kept an eye on them, waiting to see if they got in the driver’s seat.

While most of the defendants made sure they found another ride home, one individual got into his car, and drove away from the courthouse. Deputies immediately stopped the driver, David Russell Foshee, 58, of Camarillo. In addition to facing possible jail time for driving on a suspended license, his license may get an additional suspension period. Additionally, his car must sit in impound for 30 days. Foshee added the even was a “tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.”

Palm Desert

Last year, officers from the Palm Desert Police Department caught two drivers on a suspended license after they left DUI court in Indio. After drivers were told their license were suspended as a result of their DUI arrest, the police were waiting in the wings. The extra jail time, extended license suspension, and financial burden of a 30-day impound can be a harsh addition to the penalties that come with a DUI.

San Rafael

Similar sting operations pop up even in San Rafael. For instance, an event occurred earlier this year. Two people were arrested at the Marin County Superior Court after driving away on suspended licenses following a DUI. Unfortunately for one of those drivers, after their vehicle was stopped, police found marijuana and forged credit cards.   

Sting Operations Can Happen to You

For many people arrested for a DUI, they are unaware that their license will be automatically suspended. Unless you file for an administrative license suspension hearing, this will be the case.

The ALS hearing must be requested within only 10 days after a DUI arrest. It’s such a quick time frame, so it escapes most people. Your DUI lawyer can not only request the hearing in a 10-day-letter, but can represent you at the hearing. Hire the best lawyer you can, call the experienced DUI attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm at 1.800.NO.CUFFS so you can keep your license, and avoid a DUI court sting.

How to Keep Driving After Your License Gets Suspended for DUI

Posted by John Devendorf on

License suspension is one of the most inconvenient punishments of a DUI conviction.

Additional Punishments for DUI

You face many different penalties if you receive a guilty verdict of driving under the influence (DUI) in California.

These penalties include:

  • suspension of your driver’s license,
  • fines,
  • jail time, and
  • mandatory drug or alcohol rehabilitation classes. While these legal penalties seem overwhelming, they often lead to other problems. These “indirect punishments” are often much worse than the actual legal penalties.

For example, if you get convicted for DUI in California, you will face a 6 month license suspension, if it was your first drunk driving offense. While difficult to deal with on its own, losing your driver’s license for 6 months – especially in such a driving-intense part of the country as California – can lead to other problems, too. If you need to drive to work, like nearly everyone in the state, losing your license can seriously impact your employment. Even if you don’t lose your job, you’ll be facing a difficult 6 months getting to and from work, relying on public transportation, or on friends and family. This can make you stressed, and can create tension in the personal relationships that matter the most.

There are ways to prevent this.

California Restricted Driver’s License

In California, you can get a restricted driver’s license after serving 30 days of your license suspension for your first DUI conviction. This restricted license allows you to drive to, from, and during work, as well as to and from any rehabilitation classes that you’re required to attend as part of your DUI conviction. While this doesn’t mean that you have complete driving privileges, it does take much of the strain off of not being able to drive after a DUI conviction.

Follow These Guidelines following License Suspension:

  • enroll in a rehabilitation program,
  • serve 30 days of your license suspension, and
  • file an SR-22 form, showing that you have insurance.

Once you’ve done this, you can go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and pick up a restricted license after paying the $125 DMV reissue fee.

Sometimes, courts require installation of an Ignition Interlock device in your car. This allows the driver to drive on a restricted license. This device is, essentially, an on-board breathalyzer that requires a breath sample in order to start your car.

Unfortunately, a restricted license punishment not optional in some cases. For example, it is not an option if you refuse to take a breathalyzer at time of arrest for DUI. Additionally, failure to complete your rehabilitation classes also results in your license revocation.

While the restricted license does limit where and when you can drive, it does allow you to get to and from work. This transportation can be the difference between keeping and losing your job. Don’t let a DUI conviction ruin your life. Call the DUI lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm. We have the top criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles.

1.800.NO.CUFFS for a free consultation.

Examining California DUI Penalties

Posted by John Devendorf on

California DUI penalties vary from strict to severe. You are not alone in the fight for your freedom from a DUI conviction. Learn more about the penalties in the state.

A Popular Crime in the U.S.

DUI is one of the most common crimes committed in the United States. In fact, in 2012, over 1.28 million drivers were arrested in the United States for DUI – 1 for every 165 licensed drivers in the country. With so many people arrested for DUI, you really need to be aware of the criminal penalties that you could face for having one too many drinks and deciding against taking a cab home.

Driving under the influence is a state crime, so penalties vary from state to state. Compared to other states, California’s DUI penalties are light on fines, but carry significant jail time:

In 10 years, this was your… Fine Jail
1st Offense $390 – $1,000 4 days – 6 months*
2nd Offense $390 – $1,000 90 days – 1 year
3rd Offense $390 – $1,000 120 days – 1 year

*At least 2 days of jail time must be continuous. The remaining jail time may be during non-working hours, at the court’s discretion

Additional California DUI Penalties

In addition to fines and jail time, California’s DUI laws require you to take drug or alcohol rehabilitation classes. These classes have different sections for those convicted of DUI for the first time, those who were convicted for their second or a subsequent DUI offense, and for those who were convicted of “wet reckless” charges – reckless driving with a measurable blood alcohol content (BAC). California DUI penalties have a range of participation. These classes can take a substantial time period to complete, with three-time DUI offenders having to participate in a 30-month program.

The city of conviction directly affects your penalties. If the conviction occurs in Sacramento, Tulare, Los Angeles, or Alameda counties, things change, and you should consider talking to an experienced Tulare, Los Angeles, Alameda, or Sacramento DUI attorney. These cities require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your car for a minimum of 5 months.

These penalties are only minimums, however. They rapidly increase when other factors interact. Other factors include an exceptionally high BAC or driving with minors in the car. Additionally, if the driver creates an accident with another vehicle, then the courts consider the extend of damage and injuries.

Unfortunately, even after dealing with the fines and jail time associated with the arrest, criminal convictions linger on your record, and can make any subsequent arrest much, much worse. This is especially true in California, where neither the state’s laws nor state judges look sympathetically on what they see as “repeat offenders.” With this in mind, preventing the first conviction becomes all the more important.

Kavinoky Law Firm

One of the best ways to ensure safety from conviction for your first DUI in California is to hire an excellent criminal defense attorney. Specifically, one of the best, most experienced, attorneys in the field of DUI defense in the state.

At the Kavinoky Law Firm, we don’t have just one of the best: We have an office of the best. All of our DUI attorneys have extensive knowledge of all matters of criminal law. Their expertise ranges from DUI cases to murder trials. Additionally, with offices throughout California, we’re ready to fight for your freedom in any court in the state. Call us for a free consultation: 1.800.NO.CUFFS

Is California the Auto Theft Capital of the World?

Posted by John Devendorf on

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released California auto theft numbers for 2014, and proudly noted a decline in theft rates for a second straight year. The number of vehicle thefts fell by 7 percent over 2013. However, despite the overall decline, California is still king when it comes to grand theft auto. But is California really the auto-theft capital of the world?

National Insurance Crime Bureau Report

It may sound like hyperbole, but it is a quote from Frank Scafidi, a spokesperson for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The NICB recently released their report on vehicle theft rates for 2014, comparing 380 metropolitan statistical areas across the country. Seven of the top 10 auto theft areas are in California, with the Bay Area topping the list.

  1. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
  2. Bakersfield, CA
  3. Stockton-Lodi, CA
  4. Odessa, TX
  5. Modesto, CA
  6. Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
  7. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
  8. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
  9. Fresno, CA
  10. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Almost half of California’s automobile thefts occur in the southern counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. Why does California get the dubious honor of being number 1 when it comes to car theft? According to Scafidi, “there’s just more cars, and the cars are in better shape because of the nicer weather.”

Vehicle Thefts in California Metro Areas

Even though California can still claim to be the hotbed of car theft, in most counties, the number of vehicle thefts fell from 2013 to 2014. Fresno comes in at number 9 in auto thefts per 100,000 people, but the number of thefts fell by more than 23% over the prior year. Vehicle thefts fell in all of the California metro areas which top the list, except for San Francisco, where thefts went up almost 15%.

Auto theft is a serious crime, and grand theft auto can be charged as a felony. Even joyriding can land you in prison for a year. Still, the stiff penalties haven’t prevented almost 160,000 cars from being stolen in California last year. The most popular car to steal? A 1996 Honda Accord. In fact, the top 17 cars stolen last year were all Honda Accords or Honda Civics. A Toyota pickup remain the top stolen truck, and has been since 1984.

Protect Yourself from Auto Theft

The NICB report recommends the “Layered Approach” to protection, including common sense, and things like tracking devices, warning alarms, and kill-switches to reduce the likelihood of vehicle theft. However, the CHP offers other advice, including not hiding a spare ignition key on the vehicle, and to take extra precautions when driving one of the popularly stolen cars.

According to CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow, “people need to remember that vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity. Simple deterrents such as locking vehicle doors, parking in a secure or highly visible location, and not leaving the car running unattended can make all the difference.”

Hope for Recovering from Auto Theft

Even if you have your car stolen, don’t give up hope, because nearly 90% of stolen vehicles are recovered. 65% of vehicles come back intact and drivable. In many California counties vehicle recovery rates have also been on the increase. However, others are stripped for parts, or shipped out of the country from our California ports.

If you are worried enough about having your car stolen, you can always move to State College, Pennsylvania. The college town boasted the lowest rate of car thefts, with only 21 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. However, the low rate may be a result of it being home to Penn State, with many students getting around on foot or bike rather than by car.

The Kavinoky Law firm stays apprised of California law and statistics. We ensure we know all the current trends to help provide the best criminal defense in California. A great criminal defense attorney can handle criminal cases that range from petty theft to murder.

Don’t fight your defense on your own, call The Kavinoky Law Firm at 1.800.NO.CUFFS.

Drugs in and out of California Prisons

Posted by John Devendorf on

More than 100,000 Californians are currently in California prisons. Nearly 10,000 alone are located in the Los Angeles central jail system, the country’s largest prison.

Many of those serving sentences are doing so for drug crimes and some of them for minor drug offenses. Before Prop 47 passed, even more people served time for small-time drug crimes. Prop 47 serves to reduce a number of minor drug from felonies to misdemeanors. Unfortunately, according to recent statistics, drugs don’t just put people in prison. Drugs also release inmates from prison through drug overdoses and deaths.

California Prisons: Inmates & Drug Overdoses

Over 150 California prison inmates died of drug overdoses in the past ten years. That number is three times the national average. Thus, it requires the discussion regarding the prevalence of drugs in the state’s prisons. Jeffrey Beard, Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, told state legislators that illegal drugs are rampant in the prisons. The Department is spending $8 million on anti-drug activity. This funding includes drug-detecting scanners, drug-sniffing dogs, and strip searches of any suspicious visitors.

So far, the drug-detecting efforts reveal very few results. Since December of last year, more than 6,000 scans of visitors and prison employees returned a sum total of zero drugs. Rather, it has prompted civil rights advocates to speak out against the new policies. False alarms by drug-sniffing dogs, and the drug scanners may lead to strip searches that go too far.

Lawmakers have added language to the current California budget plan to end strip searches, and re-evaluate the anti-drug efforts. According to Democratic Senator, Loni Hancock, “It’s a humiliating process, can be easily used to humiliate and demean people, and was only for visitors, often women.”

The decision to use dogs to search humans rather than empty rooms prompted the former canine program coordinator to resign. Wayne Conrad was critical of the expenses related sending the dogs for training in Pennsylvania, and the use of less reliable breeds. Conrad was concerned about the likelihood of false positives. “The dogs are going to start alerting on people whose kids are smoking dope,” he said. “The next thing that’s going to come is the lawsuits.”

Alternative Plans

Jeffrey Beard is seeking alternatives to strip searches. He comes to the California prison system after more than 10 years in Pennsylvania corrections department. Pennsylvania has a rate of one drug or alcohol related death per 100,000 inmates, while California’s rate is eight times as high. Beard wants to send a message to people not to smuggle drugs into prisons. “If we don’t do this, we’re going to have people keep dying, we’re going to have continued violence in the prisons,” said Beard.

In 2013, 24 prisoners died from drug overdoses. Prisoners can easily spread disease through the use of intravenous needles. The same year, 69 inmates died from hepatitis C, largely spread as a result of IV drug use. Other states with large prison populations saw a similar rate of 1 death per 100,000 prisoners, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Illinois and Georgia. On the other hand, Maryland had by far the worst death rate with 17 deaths per 100,000 inmates.

Only about 5% of visitors and employees receive a drug scan using  ion scanners. Ion scanners are the same devices in airport screening for bomb detection. In Pennsylvania 20% of employees and 68% of visitors go through scanners before they enter the prison.

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The Kavinoky Law Firm employs the best and brightest so that we can fight for your freedom. Should you find yourself in need of a crime attorney or DUI attorney, call us first. Keep yourself out of the California prisons. Call anytime 24/7 – we don’t sleep – so you can. 1.800.NO.CUFFS is the number you need to remember.