Category Archives: Featured

Can they trace me by my license plate if I stole?

August 28, 2012

A question was recently asked about whether or not store security (a.k.a. “Loss Prevention”) could track somebody if they ran out and got into their car, but were followed.  To make matters potentially worse, loss prevention wanted them to come back into the store.  From there, the details matter. Can they track you with your [...]

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Some standard questions about DUI cases…

July 2, 2012

Why did they arrest me for DUI? Often, people are arrested for DUI and are absolutely perplexed why.  They don’t know why they were pulled over, don’t know what their blood alcohol results were, think they did well in the field sobriety tests, were never read their Miranda rights and yet there they are – [...]

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What to do when pulled over for DUI

December 31, 2011

My answer will be based on several things: California law (based on my experience as a cop, a prosecutor, a defense attorney and an instructor at a police academy), common sense and tidbits for thought. First – California law. There are two different charges for DUI – 23152(a) and 23152(b) of the Vehicle Code. The [...]

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If the officer doesn’t show for my DUI case, will it be dismissed?

December 30, 2011

In a traffic case, if it’s set for trial, the court issues a notice to appear for the officer. If they’re properly served and don’t show on the trial date, case dismissed. Not so in a DUI, however. There are several stages of a misdemeanor case such as a DUI. The first court appearance is [...]

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What is the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause?

November 30, 2011

Reasonable suspicion is what they need to detain you. Probable cause is what they need to search. Slightly different burdens and a slightly different analysis. If you’re contacted by the police, your first question should be, “Am I free to go?” If the answer is yes, then you are free to walk away. If they [...]

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