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California Vehicle Code VC 13355 – Driving in Excess of 100 Miles Per Hour: Suspension

Posted by on May 4, 2012

13355. The department shall immediately suspend the privilege of any person to operate a motor vehicle upon receipt of a duly certified abstract of the record of any court showing that the person has been convicted of a violation of subdivision (b) of Section 22348, or upon a receipt of a report of a judge of a juvenile court, a juvenile hearing officer, or a referee of a juvenile court showing that the person has been found to have committed a violation of subdivision (b) of Section 22348 under the following conditions and for the periods, as follows:

Upon a conviction or finding of an offense under subdivision (b) of Section 22348 that occurred within three years of a prior offense resulting in a conviction of an offense under subdivision (b) of Section 22348, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of six months, or the privilege shall be restricted for six months to necessary travel to and from the person’s place of employment and, if driving a motor vehicle is necessary to perform the duties of the person’s employment, restricted to driving within the person’s scope of employment.
Upon a conviction or finding of an offense under subdivision (b) of Section 22348 that occurred within five years of two or more prior offenses resulting in convictions of offenses under subdivision (b) of Section 22348, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of one year, or the privilege shall be restricted for one year to necessary travel to and from the person’s place of employment and, if driving a motor vehicle is necessary to perform the duties of the person’s employment, restricted to driving within the person’s scope of employment.

Amended Sec. 84, Ch. 149, Stats. 2003. Effective January 1, 2004.

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California Vehicle Code VC 13370 – Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Certificate

Posted by Brianna Wilkins on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 13370 – Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Certificate

13370. (a) The department shall ( )1 refuse to issue or shall revoke a schoolbus,, school pupil activity bus, general public paratransit vehicle, or youth bus driver certificate, or a certificate for a vehicle used for the transportation of developmentally disabled persons if any of the following causes apply to the applicant or certificate holder:

Has been convicted of a sex offense as defined in Section 44010 of the Education Code.
Has been convicted, within ( )2 two years, of an offense specified in Section 11361.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
Has failed to meet prescribed training requirements for certificate issuance.
Has failed to meet prescribed testing requirements for certificate issuance.
Has been convicted of a violent felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code, or a serious felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code. This paragraph shall not be applied to revoke a license that was valid on January 1, 2005, unless the certificate holder is convicted for an offense that is committed on or after that date.

(b) The department may ( )3 refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend or revoke a schoolbus, school pupil activity bus, general public paratransit vehicle, or youth bus driver certificate, or a certificate for a vehicle used for the transportation of developmentally disabled persons if any of the following causes apply to the applicant or certificate holder:

Has been convicted of a crime specified in Section 44424 of the Education Code within ( )4 seven years. This paragraph does not apply if denial is mandatory.
Has committed an act involving moral turpitude.
Has been convicted of an offense, not specified in this section and other than a sex offense, that is punishable as a felony, within ( )4 seven years.
Has been dismissed as a driver for a cause relating to pupil transportation safety.
Has been convicted, within ( )4 seven years, of an offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics, habit-forming drugs, or dangerous drugs, except as provided in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).

(c) (1) Reapplication following ( )5 refusal or revocation under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subdivision (a) or (b) may be made after a period of not less than one year ( )6 after the effective date of ( )5 refusal or revocation.

(2) Reapplication following ( )5 refusal or revocation under paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) may be made after a period of not less than 45 days ( )6 after the date of the applicant’s third testing failure.

(3) An applicant or holder of a certificate may reapply for a certificate whenever a felony or misdemeanor conviction is reversed or dismissed. A termination of probation and dismissal of charges pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code or a dismissal of charges pursuant to Section 1203.4a of the Penal Code is not a dismissal for purposes of this section.

Amended Sec. 59, Ch. 877, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 37, Ch. 594, Stats. 2003. Effective January 1, 2004.
Amended Sec. 27, Ch. 615, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.
Amended Sec. 2, Ch. 66, Stats. 2005. Effective January 1, 2006.
The 2005 amendment added the italicized material, and at the point(s) indicated, deleted the following:

"deny"
"the two years preceding the application date"
"deny, suspend,"
"the seven years preceding the application date"
"denial"
"from"

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California Vehicle Code VC 23577 – Chemical Testing: Refusal to Take or Failure to Complete: Enhanced Penalties

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 23577 – Chemical Testing: Refusal to Take or Failure to Complete: Enhanced Penalties

23577. (a) If any person is convicted of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153, and at the time of the arrest leading to that conviction that person willfully refused a peace officer’s request to submit to, or willfully failed to complete, the chemical test or tests pursuant to Section 23612, the court shall impose the following penalties:

If the person is convicted of a first violation of Section 23152, notwithstanding any other provision of subdivision (a) of Section 23538, the terms and conditions of probation shall include the conditions in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 23538.
If the person is convicted of a first violation of Section 23153, the punishment shall be enhanced by an imprisonment of 48 continuous hours in the county jail, whether or not probation is granted and no part of which may be stayed, unless the person is sentenced to, and incarcerated in, the state prison and the execution of that sentence is not stayed.
If the person is convicted of a second violation of Section 23152, punishable under Section 23540, or a second violation of Section 23153, punishable under Section 23560, the punishment shall be enhanced by an imprisonment of 96 hours in the county jail, whether or not probation is granted and no part of which may be stayed, unless the person is sentenced to, and incarcerated in, the state prison and execution of that sentence is not stayed.
If the person is convicted of a third violation of Section 23152, punishable under Section 23546, the punishment shall be enhanced by an imprisonment of 10 days in the county jail, whether or not probation is granted and no part of which may be stayed.
If the person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation of Section 23152, punishable under Section 23550 or 23550.5, the punishment shall be enhanced by imprisonment of 18 days in the county jail, whether or not probation is granted and no part of which may be stayed.

(b) The willful refusal or failure to complete the chemical test required pursuant to Section 23612 shall be pled and proven.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 39, Ch. 22, Stats. 1999. Effective May 26, 1999. Operative July 1 1999.

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Consequences of a DMV Hearing

Posted by on May 4, 2012

Consequences of a DMV Hearing

The consequences of a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) Hearing can range from nothing to harsh suspensions and revocations. With the help of a California criminal defense attorney with vast experience in DUI / DWI cases, the consequences of these hearings will most likely be limited.

The first thing to know about the consequences of Department of Motor Vehicles hearings is that unless you request a hearing within ten (10) days of your arrest, a process will begin to have your driver’s license automatically suspended and you may never get a DMV hearing.

One of the possible consequences of a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing can be the case being set aside. This is the best option, and means no action will be taken against the driver’s license.

A second consequence is that a driver’s license will be suspended, revoked, or restricted. The length of suspension depends upon several factors including how many DUIs the driver has had over the past ten (10) years. The more past violations, the longer the suspension will be. First-time offenders are generally treated with the most leniency.

If a driver’s job requires on-the-job driving, or if a driver cannot get to work unless they drive there, the APS judge may restrict the license to limit driving privileges to going back and forth to work and to court. If the circumstances of the DUI / DWI are grievous or if the driver is a repeat offender, restrictions may not be granted.

Furthermore, a driver may be required to file formal proof of insurance with the DMV. This is done with the filing of an SR-22 form. When one is required to make this filing, one’s insurance company will be made aware of the violation automatically.

Consequences of refusal to submit to a chemical tests after being arrested will result in an automatic one-year suspension unless a DUI / DWI defense attorney can illustrate that there was no refusal. If the driver has a prior drunk driving conviction and refuses, the suspension will be for two years. Two prior DUIs plus a refusal to submit to a test on the third arrest will result in a three-year suspension. For a previous offense to count, it must have occurred within ten (10) years of the current driving under the influence arrest in California.

Consequences of DMV hearings may be harsh. It is best to have a California criminal defense attorney with vast experience in DUI / DWI cases on your side if you want to minimize the consequences against your driver’s license. Seek a free evaluation from The Kavinoky Law Firm if you want to fight the Department of Motor Vehicles and protect your driving privileges.

California Vehicle Code VC 23552 – Conditions of Probation

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 23552 – Conditions of Probation

23552. (a) (1) If the court grants probation to a person punished under Section 23550, in addition to the provisions of Section 23600 and any other terms and conditions imposed by the court, the court shall impose as conditions of probation that the person be confined in a county jail for at least 180 days but not more than one year and pay a fine of at least three hundred ninety dollars ($390) but not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(2) The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be revoked by the department under paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352. The court shall require the person to surrender the driver’s license to the court in accordance with Section 13550.

(b) In addition to subdivision (a), if the court grants probation to any person punished under Section 23550, the court may order as a condition of probation that the person participate, for at least 30 months subsequent to the underlying conviction and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code. In lieu of the minimum term of imprisonment in subdivision (a), the court shall impose as a condition of probation under this subdivision that the person be confined in the county jail for at least 30 days but not more than one year. The court shall not order the treatment prescribed by this subdivision unless the person makes a specific request and shows good cause for the order, whether or not the person has previously completed a treatment program pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23542 or paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23562. In order to enable all required persons to participate, each person shall pay the program costs commensurate with the person’s ability to pay as determined pursuant to Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code. No condition of probation required pursuant to this subdivision is a basis for reducing any other probation requirement in this section or Section 23600 or for avoiding the mandatory license revocation provisions of paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352.

(c) In addition to the provisions of Section 23600 and subdivision (a), if the court grants probation to any person punished under Section 23550 who has not previously completed a treatment program pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23542 or paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23562, and unless the person is ordered to participate in, and complete, a program under subdivision (b), the court shall impose as a condition of probation that the person, subsequent to the date of the current violation, enroll in and participate, for at least 18 months and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as designated by the court. The person shall complete the entire program subsequent to, and shall not be given any credit for program activities completed prior to, the date of the current violation. A person who has previously completed a 12-month or 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code shall not be eligible for referral pursuant to this subdivision unless a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code is not available for referral in the county of the person’s residence or employment. A condition of probation required pursuant to this subdivision is not a basis for reducing any other probation requirement in this section or Section 23600 or for avoiding the mandatory license revocation provisions of paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352.

(d) The court shall advise the person at the time of sentencing that the driving privilege may not be restored until the person provides proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program of the length required under this code that is licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code.

(e) This section shall become operative on September 20, 2005.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 35.7, Ch. 22, Stats. 1999. Effective May 26, 1999. Operative July 1 1999.
Amended Sec. 27, Ch. 545, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.
Amended Sec. 20, Ch. 551, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative September 20, 2005.

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California Vehicle Code VC 23225 – Storage of Opened Container

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 23225 – Storage of Opened Container

23225. (a) (1) It is unlawful for the registered owner of any motor vehicle to keep in a motor vehicle, when the vehicle is upon any highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, unless the container is kept in the trunk of the vehicle.

(2) If the vehicle is not equipped with a trunk and is not an off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification, as defined in Section 38012, the bottle, can, or other receptacle described in paragraph (1) shall be kept in some other area of the vehicle that is not normally occupied by the driver or passengers. For the purposes of this paragraph, a utility compartment or glove compartment shall be deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver and passengers.

(3) If the vehicle is not equipped with a trunk and is an off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 38012, the bottle, can, or other receptacle described in paragraph (1) shall be kept in a locked container. As used in this paragraph, "locked container" means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device.

(b) Subdivision (a) is also applicable to a driver of a motor vehicle if the registered owner is not present in the vehicle.

Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 384, Stats. 1998. Effective August 24, 1998.
Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 723, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.

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California Vehicle Code VC 23129 – Camper Exits

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 23129 – Camper Exits

23129. No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon which is mounted a camper containing any passengers unless there is at least one unobstructed exit capable of being opened from both the interior and exterior of such camper.

Added Ch. 432, Stats. 1972. Effective March 7, 1973.

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California Vehicle Code VC 23104 – Reckless Driving: Bodily Injury

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Vehicle Code VC 23104 – Reckless Driving: Bodily Injury

23104. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), whenever reckless driving of a vehicle proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver, the person driving the vehicle shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than six months or by a fine of not less than two hundred twenty dollars ($220) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both the fine and imprisonment.

(b) Any person convicted of reckless driving which proximately causes great bodily injury, as defined in Section 12022.7 of the Penal Code, to any person other than the driver, who previously has been convicted of a violation of Section 23103, 23104, 23109, 23152, or 23153, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than six months or by a fine of not less than two hundred twenty dollars ($220) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by both the fine and imprisonment.

Amended Ch. 216, Stats. 1984. Effective January 1, 1985.

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California Superior Courts, General Information

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Superior Courts, General Information

If you or someone you know have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of California, it is important to be aware of the location of the courthouse where your arraignment will be held. First, find the county listed below in which the drunk driving arrest happened. If there are multiple courthouses in the county, please contact a skilled California DUI / DWI defense attorney for more information.

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 will help drivers navigate through both the DMV hearing and the court case.

California Criminal Defense Attorney – Dry-Reckless Plea

Posted by on May 4, 2012

California Criminal Defense Attorney – Dry-Reckless Plea

A DUI / DWI lawyer will try to get DUI charges reduced whenever possible. If the charge is felony drunk driving, an attorney might seek a reduced charge of misdemeanor driving under the influence. When the charge is a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, a lawyer will attempt to find a compromise that will result in lesser charges such a wet-reckless or a dry-reckless.

A California DUI / DWI attorney knows that sometimes it is better to accept a plea bargain than to go to trial in drunk driving cases. The plea negotiations in a drunk driving case will often depend on the strength of the prosecution’s case. A weak case may result in an offer that may be too good to turn down.

In cases involving driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, the driver will often be offered the chance to accept a plea bargain. A California criminal defense attorney can advise the driver on whether or not to accept a deal. Often it is the DUI / DWI lawyer who negotiates a deal with the prosecution. The prosecution’s negotiations will differ depending on the strength of the case. The lower their chances of winning at trial, the higher the chances are that they will offer a compromise to the driver. The compromise generally involves the driver pleading to a reduced charge.

A dry-reckless is a non-alcohol related offense and it is generally wise to accept it when the prosecution makes the offer. As a non-alcohol related offense, the punishments for a dry-reckless in California is significantly less than the punishment imposed for a wet-reckless or a D.U.I. A criminal defense lawyer will often consider pleading to a dry-reckless as a very favorable result to a DUI / DWI charge.

A dry-reckless carries probation and minor fines. Furthermore, a dry-reckless does not count as a prior DUI in California. Compared to the punishment for a driving under the influence conviction, a dry-reckless is easy street. Depending on the case, alcohol education classes may be required. However, there will be neither suspension of the driver’s license nor any requirement to file formal proofs of insurance (SR-22 form) so long as the driver is successful at the DMV hearing.

A dry-reckless will typically be offered when a driver’s BAC was .08 percent or less. If a dry-reckless is offered by the prosecutor, it may not be worth it to the driver to go to trial even if their BAC was very low. A dry-reckless is a misdemeanor that carries very little in the way of fine and punishment.

Whether or not a driver should accept a plea depends on the specific facts of each case. A California DUI / DWI attorney can be of assistance in negotiating a reasonable compromise with the prosecution. A plea bargain is a generally a deal that criminal defense attorney and prosecutor will come to after assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases.