Alcohol Education Programs in Los Angeles County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in Los Angeles County, California:

ABC Traffic Safety Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
12018 East Centralia Road,
Suite 200,
Hawaiian Gardens, California 90716
Phone: 562-860-9999; Fax: 562-860-6748

ABC Traffic Safety Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
8623 A Garvey Avenue,
Rosemead, California 91770
Phone: 626-572-7001; Fax: 626-572-7004

ABC Traffic Safety Program
(Service Provided: First Offender)
44742 North Beech Street,
Lancaster, California 93534
Phone: 661-945-8683; Fax: 661-945-2319

Covina Valley Traffic Safety Program
(Service Provided: First Offender)
453 East Arrow Hwy.,
Suite J,
Azusa, California 91702
Phone: 626-967-6363; Fax: 626-967-6366

ADAPT Programs, Inc
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
1644 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 303,
Los Angeles, California 90017
Phone: 213-483-5703; Fax: 213-483-5363

NCADD East San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
4626 North Grand Avenue,
Covina, California 91724
Phone: 626-331-5316; Fax: 626-332-2219

High Gain Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard,
Suite 105,
Westchester, California 90045
Phone: 310-644-3659; Fax: 310-216-6747

High Gain Program
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1334 Post Avenue,
Torrance, California 90501
Phone: 310-328-1587; Fax: 310-328-1964

Alcohol Drug Council – High Gain Project
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
1424 4th Street,
Suite 205,
Santa Monica, California 90401
Phone: 310-451-5881; Fax: 310-576-0945

Alternative Action Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
2511 S. Barrington Avenue,
Los Angeles, California 90064
Phone: 310-479-8353; Fax: 310-479-7771

Center For Counseling And Education
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
7060 Owensmouth Avenue,
Canoga Park, California 91303
Phone: 818-992-0460; Fax: 818-992-0462

City Of Long Beach DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
2525 Grand Avenue,
Long Beach, California 90815
Phone: 562-570-4100; Fax: 562-570-4049

CLARE Foundation, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
844 Pico Boulevard,
Santa Monica, California 90405
Phone: 310-314-6218; Fax: 310-452-8767

Inland Valley Drug And Alcohol Recovery Services
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
375 South Main Street,
Suite 111,
Pomona, California 91766
Phone: 909-622-7311; Fax: 909-868-1432

Driver Safety Schools, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
6316 Van Nuys Boulevard,
Van Nuys, California 91401
Phone: 818-787-7878; Fax: 818-787-4076

AM/PM Culver City Budget School
(Service Provided: First Offender)
4240 Overland Avenue,
Culver City, California 90230
Phone: 310-837-1818; Fax: 310-837-4473

East Los Angeles Alcoholism Council
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
916 South Atlantic Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90022
Phone: 323-268-9344; Fax: 323-268-9348

Harbor Area High Gain Program, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
330 East Third Street,
Long Beach, California 90802
Phone: 562-436-9801; Fax: 562-436-9803

The High Road Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
700 South Arroyo Pkwy.,
Pasadena, California 91105
Phone: 626-795-4590; Fax: 626-795-9540

The High Road Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
14430 Sherman Way,
Van Nuys, California 91405
Phone: 818-785-9119; Fax: 818-785-2150

The High Road Program
(Service Provided: 18 Month, 30 Month)
44823 Date Avenue,
Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: 661-942-2241; Fax: 661-942-7040

King-Drew DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
9307 South Central Avenue,
Los Angeles, California 90002
Phone: 323-564-6982; Fax: 323-564-3970

King-Drew DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender)
2711 N. Wilmington Avenue,
Compton, California 90220
Phone: 310-631-5884; Fax: 310-631-6348

Northeast Valley Health Corp. DUI Program
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
12800 Foothill Boulevard,
Unit A,
Sylmar, California 91342
Phone: 818-365-2571; Fax: 818-837-6427

Right On Programs
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
522 East Broadway,
Suite 101,
Glendale, California 91205
Phone: 818-240-1683; Fax: 818-240-2858

Padre
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
401 S. Glenoaks Boulevard,
Suite 201,
Burbank, California 91502
Phone: 818-843-7375

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
161 West 33rd Street,
Los Angeles, California 90007
Phone: 213-746-0310; Fax: 213-746-7254

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
5518 N. Long Beach Boulevard,
Long Beach, California 90805
Phone: 562-428-6426; Fax: 562-428-9771

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
24506 1/2 Lyons Avenue,
Newhall, California 91321
Phone: 661-255-7720; Fax: 661-255-1030

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
4120 Tweedy Boulevard,
South Gate, California 90280
Phone: 323-567-0527; Fax: 323-567-7421

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
13501 East Whittier Boulevard,
Whittier, California 90605
Phone: 562-945-2493; Fax: 562-693-8785

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
1515 West Cameron Avenue,
Suite 300,
West Covina, California 91790
Phone: 626-960-3977; Fax: 626-960-9151

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
844 N. Hollywood Way,
Burbank, California 91505
Phone: 818-848-8667; Fax: 818-848-6398

Safety Consultant Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
18700 Sherman Way,
Suite 118,
Reseda, California 91335
Phone: 818-708-1198; Fax: 818-708-2287

Self Improvement and Alternative Measures
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
3450 West 43rd Street,
Suite 217,
Los Angeles, California 90008
Phone: 323-292-8044; Fax: 323-292-0543

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
11500 Paramount Boulevard,
Downey, California 90241
Phone: 562-923-4545; Fax: 562-862-0918

Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
13205 South Street,
Cerritos, California 90701
Phone: 562-402-2466; Fax: 562-862-0918

Driver Benefits Programs
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
2370 West Carson Street,
Suite 150,
Torrance, California 90501
Phone: 310-320-9550; Fax: 310-320-9448

Behavioral Systems Southwest
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
1800 N. Highland Avenue,
Suite 318,
Hollywood, California 90028
Phone: 323-461-2779; Fax: 323-461-4107

Twin Palms Recovery Center
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
3574 Lexington Avenue,
El Monte, California 91731
Phone: 626-443-4008; Fax: 626-443-1059

Twin Palms Recovery Center
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month, 30 Month)
218 N. Glendora Avenue,
City Of Industry, California 91744
Phone: 626-968-8875; Fax: 626-968-4565

A-LA Driver Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
8350 Santa Monica Boulevard,
Suite 107,
West Hollywood, California 90069
Phone: 213-388-7135; Fax: 323-655-1934

A-LA Driver Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
147 N. San Vicente Boulevard,
Beverly Hills, California 90211
Phone: 213-388-7135; Fax: 323-655-1934

Alhambra Safety Services
(Service Provided: First Offender)
926 East Garvey Avenue,
Suite A,
Monterey Park, California 91755
Phone: 626-571-6988

Avalon-Carver AB 541 DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender)
4920 S. Avalon Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90011
Phone: 323-232-4391; Fax: 323-234-1008

Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
15519 Crenshaw Boulevard,
Gardena, California 90249
Phone: 310-978-8479; Fax: 323-234-1008

Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1318A N. Avalon Boulevard,
Wilmington, California 90744
Phone: 310-549-2710; Fax: 310-549-2715

City Of Pasadena Recovery Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1845 N. Fair Oaks Avenue,
Wing 1500,
Pasadena, California 91103
Phone: 626-744-6001; Fax: 626-744-6096

Dial Alcohol & Drug Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
5605 1/2 N. Figueroa Street,
Suite 201,
Los Angeles, California 90042
Phone: 888-446-6222; Fax: 213-384-3144

Dial Alcohol & Drug Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
3261 West 4th Street,
Suite 203,
Los Angeles, California 90020
Phone: 888-446-6222; Fax: 213-384-3144

Dial Alcohol & Drug Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
11631 Victory Boulevard,
Suite 104,
N. Hollywood, California 91606
Phone: 888-446-6222; Fax: 213-384-3144

Dial Alcohol & Drug Education Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
3540 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite M1,
Los Angeles, California 90010
Phone: 888-446-6222; Fax: 213-384-3144

Aztec Driving School
(Service Provided: First Offender)
7503 S. Atlantic Boulevard,
Cudahy, California 90201
Phone: 323-261-2171

Aztec Driving School
(Service Provided: First Offender)
10816 Ramona Boulevard,
El Monte, California 91733
Phone: 323-261-2171

Aztec Driving School
(Service Provided: First Offender)
630 S. Saint Louis Street,
Los Angeles, California 90023
Phone: 323-261-2171

Fred Kennedy Associates, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1931 N. Gaffey Street,
Suite D,
San Pedro, California 90731
Phone: 310-521-1263; Fax: 310-521-1264

Inglewood Substance Abuse Traffic Violators Agency
(Service Provided: First Offender)
400 S. La Brea Avenue,
Suite 202,
Inglewood, California 90301
Phone: 310-673-5882; Fax: 310-673-5904

Kim’s Driving School
(Service Provided: First Offender)
3306 Venice Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90019
Phone: 323-731-0833; Fax: 323-731-0319

Korean Community Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
4416 West Beverly Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90004
Phone: 323-668-9007; Fax: 323-644-7530

A.C.E. Program
(Service Provided: First Offender)
7336 S. Painter Avenue,
Whittier, California 90602
Phone: 562-945-2977; Fax: 562-945-2978

Rehabilitation Alcohol Program, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
2055 N. Garey Avenue,
Suite 2,
Pomona, California 91767
Phone: 909-596-5335; Fax: 909-593-4865

San Gabriel Valley Driver Improvement
(Service Provided: First Offender)
25 S. Raymond Avenue,
Suite 112,
Alhambra, California 91801
Phone: 626-960-0644; Fax: 626-960-0645

San Gabriel Valley Driver Improvement
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1730 W. Cameron Avenue,
Suite 108,
West Covina, California 91790
Phone: 626-960-0644; Fax: 626-960-0645

Dignity Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
672 S. Lafayette Park Place,
Suite 16,
Los Angeles, California 90057
Phone: 213-385-3752; Fax: 213-380-8923

WAOC – Casa De Hermandad
(Service Provided: First Offender)
11821 W. Pico Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90064
Phone: 310-477-8272; Fax: 310-473-9591

ADAPT Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
143 S. Glendale Avenue,
Suite 103,
Glendale, California 91205
Phone: 323-259-8899; Fax: 323-259-8899

ADAPT Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
11931 1/2 Washington Boulevard,
Whittier, California 90606
Phone: 562-698-0474

Alcohol Education and Recovery Center
(Service Provided: First Offender)
1355 S. Redondo Avenue,
Suite 3,
Long Beach, California 90804
Phone: 562-986-5046; Fax: 562-986-5048

Diversion Safety Program
(Service Provided: First Offender)
6606 Pacific Boulevard, Suite 215, Huntington Park, California 90255
Phone: 323-585-0764; Fax: 323-585-4240

Escuela Latina De Alcohol
(Service Provided: First Offender)
4532 E. Whittier Boulevard,
Suite 210,
East Los Angeles, California 90022
Phone: 323-264-7001; Fax: 323-264-2812

DUI Program SFV, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
7060 Owensmouth Avenue,
Canoga Park, California 91303
Phone: 818-992-0460; Fax: 818-998-0462

A-1 Canoga Park Budget/Escuela Popular Hispana
(Service Provided: First Offender)
21054 Sherman Way,
Suite 205,
Canoga Park, California 91303
Phone: 818-716-0188; Fax: 818-716-1560

Driver Safety Awareness Program, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender)
16909 Parthenia Street,
Suite 103m,
North Hills, California 91343
Phone: 818-830-8870; Fax: 818-830-8873

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Alcohol Education Programs in San Bernardino County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in San Bernardino County, California:

Valley Improvement Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
210 West B Street,
Ontario, California 91762
Phone: 909-983-3665; Fax: 909-481-5368

Valley Improvement Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
8540 Archibald Avenue,
Suite A,
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730
Phone: 909-987-4036; Fax: 909-481-5368

Valley Improvement Programs, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
1589 West 9th Street,
Suite E,
Upland, California 91786
Phone: 909-985-2785; Fax: 909-481-5368

Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
1200 Arizona,
Suite 10,
Box B10 Redlands, California 92374
Phone: 909-792-6925; Fax: 909-792-6670

Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
14420 Civic Drive,
Suite 3,
Victorville, California 92392
Phone: 760-241-3300; Fax: 760-241-3304

Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
222 East Main Street,
Suite 218,
Barstow, California 92311
Phone: 760-256-6114; Fax: 760-256-9517

Social Science Services, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
18612 Santa Ana Avenue,
Bloomington, California 92316
Phone: 909-824-1600; Fax: 909-877-9703

Clearview
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
1898 Business Ctr. Drive,
Suite 101,
San Bernardino, California 92408
Phone: 909-824-2885; Fax: 909-824-2957

Needles Center For Change
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
300 H Street,
Needles, California 92363
Phone: 760-326-4590; Fax: 760-326-3154

Morongo Basin Mental Health Choices DDP
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
55475 Santa Fe Trail,
Yucca Valley, California 92284
Phone: 760-365-3022; Fax: 760-365-3513

Hase & Associates Systems, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
353 West 6th Street,
San Bernardino, California 92401
Phone: 909-888-0149; Fax: 909-888-7179

Pegasus DUI San Bernardino
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
2282 N. Sierra Way,
San Bernardino, California 92405
Phone: 909-881-1570; Fax: 909-882-1315

Rehabilitation Alcohol Program, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
17205 Arrow Boulevard,
Fontana, California 92335
Phone: 909-356-9390; Fax: 909-356-0120

Alcohol Education & Recovery Services
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
12560 Central Avenue,
Chino, California 91710
Phone: 909-591-4761; Fax: 909-902-5500

Dalton & Associates
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
16200 Bear Valley Road,
Suite 111,
Victorville, California 92392
Phone: 760-241-1777; Fax: 760-245-2253

Operation Breakthrough, Incorporated
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
40880 Pedder Road,
Big Bear Lake, California 92315
Phone: 909-866-5437; Fax: 909-866-8555

Rim Family Services
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
28545 Highway 18,
Skyforest, California 92385
Phone: 909-336-1800; Fax: 909-336-0990

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Alcohol Education Programs in Trinity County, California

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

BEWARE: Completing an alcohol program may not satisfy the DMV. That is just one reason why it is critical that you consult with a California criminal defense lawyer that concentrates on DUI defense.

Driving Under the Influence programs in Trinity County, California:

Cascade Circle, Inc.
(Service Provided: First Offender, 18 Month)
1 Loomis Lane,
Weaverville, California 96093
Phone: 530-222-8302

» Return to Driving Under the Influence program in California, directory of service providers

Note: This list is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or endorse any specific Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program.

Superior Court Of California, County of Calaveras

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of California, it is important to know the location of the courthouse where your arraignment will be held. If there are multiple courthouses in the county, please contact a skilled California DUI / DWI defense attorney for more information.

Calaveras County Superior Court
Calaveras Government Center
891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249

» Calaveras County Superior Cour of California website.

Getting arrested on suspicion of DUI / DWI can be a frightening experience. Suspected drunk drivers face a legal labyrinth that can seem daunting. A drunk driving case generates two separate cases – in criminal court, and at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A California attorney with experience defending drinking and driving cases can help drivers navigate through both the DMV hearing and the court case.

» Return to California Superior Courts, general information

Superior Court Of California, County of Mendocino

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of California, it is important to know the location of the courthouse where your arraignment will be held. If there are multiple courthouses in the county, please contact a skilled California DUI / DWI defense attorney for more information.

Mendocino County Superior Court
100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-4416

Willits Branch
125 East Commercial Street, Willits, CA 95490

Ten Mile Branch, Fort Bragg
700 South Franklin Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-5464

» Mendocino County Superior Court of California website.

Getting arrested on suspicion of DUI / DWI can be a frightening experience. Suspected drunk drivers face a legal labyrinth that can seem daunting. A drunk driving case generates two separate cases – in criminal court, and at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A California attorney with experience defending drinking and driving cases can help drivers navigate through both the DMV hearing and the court case.

» Return to California Superior Courts, general information

Superior Court Of California, County of Sonoma

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of California, it is important to know the location of the courthouse where your arraignment will be held. If there are multiple courthouses in the county, please contact a skilled California DUI / DWI defense attorney for more information.

Sonoma County Superior Court
Sonoma County Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

» Sonoma County Superior Court of California website.

Getting arrested on suspicion of DUI / DWI can be a frightening experience. Suspected drunk drivers face a legal labyrinth that can seem daunting. A drunk driving case generates two separate cases – in criminal court, and at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A California attorney with experience defending drinking and driving cases can help drivers navigate through both the DMV hearing and the court case.

» Return to California Superior Courts, general information

California Criminal Defense Attorney – Examination of Defense Criminalist

In a California DUI criminal trial, the prosecutor will call numerous witnesses, including the arresting officer and a prosecution “expert.” This expert is usually an employee of the sheriff’s department who will interpret the defendant’s chemical test results, blood alcohol content (BAC), and field sobriety tests. A skilled drunk driving attorney from The Kavinoky Law Firm will call an independent defense expert to show that the driver’s chemical tests can be interpreted in an entirely different way.

The use of a qualified defense expert is of the utmost importance in drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases. Experts can discuss a multitude of subject, but their primary purpose in a drunk driving defense is to support the notion that there are other possible explanations for the prosecution’s evidence that the defendant was driving under the influence. Skilled defense experts testify about the scientific aspects of alcohol intoxication, and can knowledgeably rebut the prosecution expert’s theories and conclusions.

Direct examination of the defense’s expert is very similar to the direct examination of other witnesses. The DUI defense lawyer will ask the expert open-ended questions so that he or she can testify freely. The selection of the expert is critical to the success of this aspect of the defense. The expert should be knowledgeable in his or her field and able to explain technical and scientific information in a way the jury can understand and appreciate. Some defense experts were once prosecution toxicologists, which is a big help to the defense because the jury sees that the crimnalist has chosen to work on behalf of defendants.

Defense experts can sometimes produce studies and resources that the prosecution can’t access. Defense experts also help with the defense of DUI cases by preparing the defense attorney in his or her cross-examination of the prosecution’s criminalist.

A skilled defense expert will aggressively challenge many prosecution claims. One of the most import idea the expert can explain to the jury is the concept of rising blood alcohol content (BAC). Jurors are typically unaware that a driver’s BAC can continue to rise even after he or she quits drinking.

Since chemical tests are always administered after the motorist was behind the wheel, sometimes even an hour or two after driving, the driver’s BAC could easily be .08 percent at the police station, but that’s not illegal.

In a driving under the influence case, the only thing that matters is the motorist’s BAC at the time of driving, and that’s very hard to pinpoint using a test taken several hours later. The prosecution’s expert will testify that the driver must have been over the legal limit the entire time, and it’s up to the defense expert to refute that testimony.

A defense expert can also explain the inherent flaws in both breath and blood tests, such as what happens when fermentation takes place in an improperly stored blood sample, or how BAC readings can be inflated when breath machines are not properly calibrated.

A skilled defense expert will also use a driver’s performance on field sobriety tests to demonstrate that the accused driver was not under the influence while behind the wheel. The expert will use aspects of the driver’s performance on the test to show that he or she displayed no mental or physical impairment.

Mental and physical impairment is at the heart of every California DUI case. A knowledgeable expert will testify that mental impairment always occurs before physical impairment when a person is under the influence of alcohol. If there is no evidence of mental impairment, then any poor physical performance must have been caused by something other than intoxication. The expert will explain that there are many conditions that can cause physical impairment, including injury, illness, or fatigue.

Once the defense attorney has finished examining the expert, the prosecutor begins cross-examination. Just as the defense attorney does during cross-examination, the prosecutor will likely ask leading questions that are designed to draw only yes or no answers. Because this is the prosecution’s opportunity to testify, just as the defense attorney did while cross-examining the prosecution expert, it is essential that the expert is well prepared for trial.

The defense attorney and the expert typically meet one or more times before the DUI case goes to trial to review the expert’s opinions about the particular drunk driving case. They will discuss any weaknesses in the case and areas where the prosecutor is likely to attack the expert’s testimony. A skilled expert can anticipate these attacks by the prosecutor.

Because an experienced expert has testified in countless other trials, he or she thoroughly understands the issues involved in drunk driving cases. However, the prosecutor may occasionally score a point or two with the defense criminalist due to unavoidable flaws in the case. When that occurs, a good defense criminalist will testify in a way which allows the defense attorney to rehabilitate those points on re-direct examination.

A skilled driving under the influence defense expert is critical to the success of any drunk driving defense. A California lawyer who excels at defending DUI cases works with the most respected experts in the field, and will choose a defense expert who will have a strong impact on the jury and create reasonable doubt in the driver’s guilt.

Any attorney who successfully fights California DUI / DWI charges is well-versed in how alcohol affects the human body. Although every individual metabolizes alcohol differently – the rate depends on factors that include weight, gender, metabolic rate, etc. – the basic process is the same for everyone. The skilled defense attorneys from The Kavinoky Law Firm have the knowledge needed to analyze the factors in a specific case to challenge chemical tests and craft a successful defense.

Many drivers are unaware that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. How much the central nervous system function is impaired is directly proportionate to the concentration of alcohol in the blood.

There are three stages of alcohol metabolism: Absorption, distribution, and elimination.

Absorption is the phase when alcohol enters the body, and then the bloodstream, and is distributed throughout the body. Alcohol is not digested like other ingested substances – it is absorbed unchanged directly through the stomach lining. Because of its large surface area, the small intestine absorbs much more alcohol than the stomach, which has a far smaller surface area.

As the alcohol is absorbed, the individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) rises until it reaches a peak concentration, then gradually tapers off. It generally takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach peak alcohol levels after an individual stops drinking.

Once the alcohol is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, it enters the bloodstream and is distributed through all of the body’s water-containing components. Because it is distributed so quickly and thoroughly, alcohol affects the central nervous system even in small concentrations.

Alcohol is distributed to bodily tissues by the bloodstream. Veins carry the blood to and through the lungs where the blood becomes oxygenated. Arteries then carry the oxygen-rich blood to the brain and the rest of the body. Alcohol is completely soluble in water, so BAC is directly proportional to total body water content. Water content varies from person to person.

Generally speaking, the less an individual weighs, the more he or she will be affected by alcohol. This is because smaller people have less water in their bodies than larger people. For people of the same weight, a well-muscled individual will be less affected than someone with a higher percentage of fat, since fatty tissue does not contain very much water and will not absorb very much alcohol.

In general, women are more affected by alcohol consumption than men, because women’s bodies typically have more fat and less water in their bodies. About 68 percent of a man’s body weight is water, while only about 55 percent of a woman’s body is water weight.

The body begins to eliminate alcohol through metabolism, excretion, and evaporation approximately 15 to 45 minutes after a person consumes his or her last drink. Metabolism, which occurs in the liver, accounts for approximately 95 percent of alcohol elimination. An individual generally metabolizes one average drink, or five ounces of alcohol, per hour.

In addition to gender, body weight, and other factors affecting metabolic rates, there are several additional issues that affect alcohol metabolism. Individuals who are in good health metabolize alcohol more efficiently than unhealthy people. Chronic alcoholics whose livers function properly metabolize alcohol more quickly than the average person. Younger people process alcohol more efficiently than older people.

Excretion and evaporation eliminate a small amount of alcohol from the body. Alcohol is excreted unchanged through urine, tears, sweat, semen, and saliva. Excretion is typically responsible for the smell of alcohol detectable on individuals who have been drinking. Alcohol evaporates from the blood into the lungs and is excreted in breath, allowing it to be measured in a breath sample.

Alcohol elimination rates are inversely proportional to alcohol concentration in the blood. This means that the higher the blood alcohol levels, the slower the rate of elimination.

Although alcohol is excreted in the breath, not all of the air that comes from the lungs is equal in alcohol concentration. The highest concentration comes at the end of a long exhalation of breath, where the air was in closest proximity to the blood. This is why police tell drivers to blow long and hard during breath testing, because the deep lung air will have the highest concentrations of alcohol, and result in the highest BAC.

Eating before drinking or consuming food and alcohol together also affects the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. Food in the stomach affects the absorption of alcohol by the small intestine, so the more an individual has in his or her stomach while drinking, the lower the BAC. A valve at the bottom of the stomach closes when there is food in the stomach and prevents alcohol from reaching the small intestine. This causes the alcohol in the stomach to be absorbed at a slower rate, which affects the distribution into the bloodstream, and ultimately the rate of elimination.

Although many factors influence an individual’s alcohol metabolism, police and prosecutors don’t always take these issues into consideration when considering a drunk driving charge. An individual’s alcohol metabolism rate is of key importance in a drinking and driving case, because chemical tests typically take place an hour or more after police stop a driver, and the person’s BAC at the time of driving must be estimated.

A qualified California attorney with experience defending DUI / DWI cases can use these factors to a driver’s advantage, and successfully fight a drunk driving case.

Per Se Law as an Element of a California DUI / DWI

The per se law operates in a way such that if it can be proven that a motorist’s blood alcohol content was .08 percent or greater at the time of driving then as a matter of law, it is illegal for that person to drive. The question of a person’s blood alcohol content level is not a question of whether a person was impaired. However, someone’s blood alcohol level can be used as circumstantial evidence that that person was too impaired to drive.

In defending a charge under the per se law, the focus will be on the accuracy of the blood alcohol test or the breath test. An experienced DUI / DWI attorney who has advanced knowledge and training in field sobriety testing will be able to present facts, theories, and technical reasons that can effectively cast doubt on the results of the sobriety tests and create a chance for their client to beat the charge.

Oftentimes, a prosecutor will try to argue that blood alcohol content levels that were measured in a test at the police station long after the motorist was driving is an indication that the motorist had that same blood alcohol content at the time he or she was driving. Well, science indicates that this is not certain to be the case.

Skilled DUI / DWI attorneys know that the absorbing and metabolizing of alcohol by the human body can vary and that oftentimes a person’s blood alcohol content can escalate long after that person has his or her last drink. That means that a person can have two shots of tequila and feel sober for some time afterwards until the alcohol can begin to take its impairing effects.

There are two tests that can be used by the authorities to determine the blood alcohol content of a motorist. These tests include a blood test and a breath test. The breath test is commonly given on the roadside and can be conducted at the police station too. Currently it isn’t practical to conduct blood tests on the side of the road, so the blood test is done exclusively at the police station or hospital.

Although all of these tests have great potential for error, the most fallible one of all is the roadside breath test (PAS test). These tests are typically given with handheld devices that are unable to distinguish between alcohol in the mouth and alcohol on the breath. This means that if you swished some brandy around your mouth and then spat it out, never swallowing any of it, the roadside breath test would indicate some blood alcohol content even though there really is none. This test is simply not accurate.

The breath testers at police stations also have their problems. One of the most common causes of error in the stations’ machines is that they are unable to adjust for the temperature of a person’s breath. A person’s mouth temperature can have the effect of greatly inflating a person’s blood alcohol content. Another problem is that the tester is calibrated for the ‘average’ person, but it is also widely known that people metabolize things at different speeds. There is no ‘average’ when it comes to processing alcohol. If you are not ‘average,’ whatever that may be, the test is inherently unfair to you. A skilled DUI / DWI attorney can make a solid case out of these problems.

Blood tests carry their own set of problems too. These problems range from contaminated equipment to lab mix ups. It is not too uncommon for labs to get different people’s blood samples confused. Also, oftentimes labs take time to get samples tested, which also increases the chances for errors.

While prosecutors might not want the public to know it, there are several effective ways to challenge evidence in a per se drunk driving case. The best way to fight a per se drunk driving case is to hire the best and most experienced lawyer skilled in DUI / DWI and drunk driving defense.

The ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is installed in a drunk driving offender’s car. This device is used to eliminate the problem of repeat offenders. A California DUI attorney will be able to provide more information on the viability of this device as an alternative sentence.

The device is linked to the car’s ignition. In order for a driver to start the vehicle, the driver must blow into the breathalyzer. If the breathalyzer registers acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, then the engine will start. If there are traces of alcohol, the car will not start. Once the car is running, “rolling re-tests” may be required every 15 minutes to one hour.

If the motorist fails to perform the test when prompted, or if the motorist’s BAC has risen to an unacceptable level, the car will stop. This rolling test is meant to ensure that a sober person does not do the initial test just to get the car started. In California it is crime to attempt to assist anyone in disabling an ignition interlock, or to blow into the device to start the vehicle for another driver.

California has been forging ahead in the use of the ignition interlock devices. Recent DUI legislation that became effective on September 20, 2005, makes it mandatory for a repeat offender to have the ignition interlock device installed in his or her car as part of the court’s sentence.

Judges have the discretion to order the installation of the ignition interlock device in the car of any DUI offender whether they are repeat offenders or first-time offenders. This means that any time a judge deems it appropriate, he or she may order the mandatory installation of the ignition interlock device in any vehicle the offender drives. A California criminal defense attorney will make sure that the interlock ignition device is used only when appropriate.

Most commonly, the ignition interlock device is used when a person has refused to submit to a post-arrest chemical test or when the results of a chemical test registered a BAC of .15 percent or greater. A person who is arrested for driving on a suspended license that was suspended as a result of a drunk driving conviction will be required to install the ignition interlock device.

Of primary importance to people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in California is that ignition interlock devices are a great bargaining chip for DUI lawyers. A qualified California DUI criminal defense lawyer will be able to use an ignition interlock device as a tool for negotiating a plea bargain with negotiated consequences when the facts allow for it.

The ignition interlock device can be helpful whenever safety and alcohol-free driving is important. For example, parents may use the device to ensure that their teenage children are not drinking and driving. The device can also be used in cases of divorce or separation when one parent is concerned that the other parent may be driving while intoxicated with children in the car.