Archives : 2012 : May

Florida DUI Laws and John Goodman DUI Case

Florida DUI laws are extremely tough. Under 316.193, F.S., you are considered driving under the influence if your BAC is .08 or above.  If you are arrested for DUI in Florida, your license will automatically be revoked, and you may receive jail time, fines, penalties and/or community service depending on your BAC level, the circumstances of the DUI and whether you have had any other recent DUI convictions.  Persons who refuse to take a BAL test will have their license suspended whether or not they are innocent of these charges. Further extenuating circumstances such causing serious injuries to someone else, vehicular manslaughter or leaving the scene of a crime related to a DUI are considered a felony, and could carry up to a 30 year prison sentence. (316.193, F.S. 322.271, F.S. and s. 322.28,F.S. 316.656, F.S., s. 322.2615 F.S.)

John Goodman DUI Case
Recently, John Goodman, founder of the Palm Beach International Polo Club, and the heir to a multimillion dollar air conditioning fortune, was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with the traffic death of 23 year old Scott Wilson, a Florida college graduate which occurred in February 2010, after Goodman, who had been drinking, hit Wilson’s car with his Bentley, and caused Wilson’s car to flip into a canal. Goodman left the scene of the accident on foot and waited approximately one hour later before reporting it to 911. By the time rescuers arrived at the scene, Wilson had drowned and was found trapped behind the wheel of his car. Goodman’s blood alcohol level three hours after the accident was more than twice the legal limit.  Goodman also received attention when he recently adopted his 42 year old girlfriend. Goodman’s attorneys say the adoption was to protect a $300 million trust fund for Goodman’s two biological children, who are now suing him because they are opposed to the adoption of his girlfriend as their new sister.

Goodman’s attorneys plan to appeal the case citing multiple errors committed before and during the trail, which he claims played a role in denying his client a fair trial. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2012. Goodman could face as much as 30 years in jail.

Florida DUI Criminal Attorney
Florida DUI laws are complex. If you have been arrested for a Florida DUI, you should contact a FL criminal lawyer to defend you. The attorney understands the Florida DUI laws and can get your charges reduced to a lesser charge, probation, community service, get your enrolled in a drug or alcohol treatment program, help you obtain a hardship reinstatement license if you qualify or get your case dismissed.

Contact an Imhoff & Associates DUI Lawyer Today!

DUI Celebrity Arrests in California

 

 

 

 

 

 

While celebrity arrests for DUI or DWI offenses get more public attention, average citizens make up the majority of persons who are arrested for DUI/DWI offenses in California. Anyone who has been arrested for a DUI in California should take these charges seriously because California has some of the strictest DUI/DWI laws in the country.  Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be charged with a misdemeanor DUI under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 or with a felony charge under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, if you cause an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulting in the death or serious injury of another person. Having the proper legal representation is crucial to the outcome of your case.

Penalties

A conviction could mean jail time from 96 hour to three years, fines up to $1,600 and payment of restitution to victims. For a first offense DUI conviction with a BAC over .08%, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to one year. Prior convictions are taken into account and may result in a longer suspension period, maximum sentence and/or fine.  For instance, for a second DUI conviction in California, your license could be suspended for one year or two years if you refuse to take a chemical test. Persons under the age of 21 with a BAC of .01% or more will have their driver’s license automatically suspended for one year.  You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IDD). Your insurance rates may increase. Three or more DUI/DWI convictions within the last 10 years with a BAC of .08% or more is considered a felony crime in California.

Celebrity Cases – DUI Arrests

Recently ex-adult film star Jenna Jameson was charged in Westminster, California for suspicion of DUI on May 25, 2012 after hitting a pole with her car. The police reported that Jameson suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. After a sobriety test showed some signs of intoxication, Jameson was arrested, charged with three misdemeanor counts, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood-alcohol level over the state legal limit and driving on a suspended license and then released.  If convicted, Jameson faces up to one year in jail and suspension of her driver’s license. Jameson gained mainstream notoriety in 2004 after publishing an autobiography. She is the on again and off again girlfriend and mother of twin sons of mixed martial arts star Tito Ortiz.
Sports figure Oakland Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey was also officially charged with drunk driving relating to his DUI arrest on April 7th on the San Francisco Bay Bridge after being stopped by police for speeding and weaving while driving in his 2012 Range Rover.  Heyward-Bey failed to pass a sobriety test administered by officers.  He is due to appear in court on May 31st. If convicted, he could face up to 6 months in jail. Heyward-Bey was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft.

Hiring a DUI/DWI Lawyer

If you are arrested for a DUI in California, you should refrain from making any statements to the police until you consult with a California DUI attorney. Hiring a California DUI attorney is recommended to ensure that you receive proper representation and that your interests are properly protected. The attorney will discuss all expected outcomes of your case so you can make the best decisions to make sure you receive a more favorable result.

Imhoff & Associates –Criminal Attorneys specialize in defending clients charged with DUI and DWI offenses. Your Imhoff DUI lawyer will review the police report, sobriety and BAC test results, any accident report, interview witnesses, and investigate all evidence to build a strong defense on your behalf should your case go to trial.  The attorney will investigate whether the police violated your Miranda Rights or your constitutional rights in connection with any search and seizure, negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges reduced to a lesser crime such as speeding, get you community service, enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program, get you probation or have your case dismissed.