I am thrilled to announce that I have been recording episodes of ‘The Ask The Festival Lawyer' podcast with legendary festival law attorney Cameron Bowman. The podcast features Cameron, aka “The Festival Lawyer,” and I discussing legal news in the festival and nightlife scene. The podcast stresse...
Recent News
Listen to the bi-weekly Festival Lawyer Podcast where legal topics and trends surrounding the festival and nightlife communities are discussed.
A Rideshare Accident Is Not Your Typical Auto Accident
And we're not your typical lawyers. If you've been injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle (an app-based, personal transportation service like Uber or Lyft), or if you've been injured as a result of being struck by a rideshare vehicle, it's important to get assistance from a legal profess...
5 Steps to Follow When Pulled over for a DUI
Being pulled over for a DUI can have some serious ramifications. However, knowing the best course of action to take when pulled over by the police can help to avoid furthering the charges an individual may face. Demeanor Obviously it is inconvenient to be pulled over by the police and in some sit...
What Is An Arraignment After A DUI Arrest?
An arraignment is the first formal hearing following an arrest. The purpose of an arraignment is to provide the defendant (the person being charged) with the specific crime they are being charged with, to advise the defendant of his or her constitutional rights, to allow the defendant to enter a ...
Can I Get Probation for a DUI?
In California, a defendant found guilty of DUI may be sentenced to formal or informal probation. Usually, for a first-time DUI it will result in a 3 year informal probation, also known as summary probation. Even though the probation is informal, it still requires that you comply with the probatio...
Should I Fight a Marijuana DUI?
A Marijuana DUI is very similar to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers can arrest someone if they drive a motor vehicle while their mental abilities are impaired by marijuana, to the extent that they are unable to drive with the caution of a sober person using ordinary ...
If I Get Convicted of DUI, Will I Have to Get an Ignition Interlock Device?
If your case ultimately ends up in a guilty plea or conviction, you may have to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. What is an IID? An IID is a small machine which is connected to the steering column in your vehicle. Once it in installed, you must blow into it prior...
Behind The Scenes with California DUI Lawyer Jason Beahm
Transcript Jason: There's obviously a lot of stigma attached with DUI law. That's serious. Some people are worried that they're going to go to jail. Some people are worried that they are going to lose their job. There's a number of reasons why an individual should hire a DUI lawyer. Often we can ...
What If The Cops Don’t Read Me My Miranda Rights During a California DUI Stop?
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you ...
Is a Marijuana Breathalyzer On the Way in California?
Driving under the influence of marijuana to the extent you are impaired has always been illegal in California, prior to the invention of a new marijuana breathalyzer. California has yet to establish a standard measurable intoxication level for marijuana for law enforcement official use. With a ne...
All About the Bench Warrant
Most people have heard the term warrant at some point in their lives, usually in the form of an arrest or search warrant. In California, there is another type of warrant that is quite common and could land you in jail: the bench warrant. A bench warrant is an arrest warrant issued by a judge aga...
Why You Should Never Talk to the Police
I am constantly asked how best to answer questions posed by the police. The answer is surprisingly simple, although the advice is rarely followed. Unless you absolutely have to answer a question, you should never talk to the police. Anything that you say in response to police questioning is likel...
The People vs. OJ Simpson: Closing Thoughts on “The Verdict”
The “Trial of the Century” started nine episodes ago, taking us back to the night of the killing of Ron Goldman and Nicole Simpson and then to the famous chase of the Ford Bronco through Los Angeles. Prosecutor Marcia Clark appeared to have an overwhelming case–a glove matching the one found near...
Ride Share Drivers: What You Need to Know About Insurance
Over the past few years, as ride sharing has become more and more prevalent, government regulation has sought to make it safer for the riders. . . but what about the Uber and Lyft drivers? What about their safety? What happens to ride share drivers when they get in an accident or are injured whil...
California Ride Sharing Just Got Safer
On January 1 of this year, a new California law (AB1422) went into effect to make ride sharing safer. The law makes ride sharing companies more accountable for their drivers. The new law requires the DMV to provide Transportation Network Companies (TNC) with current and prospective drivers' recor...
HUI: Hoverboarding Under the Influence
Hold on to your hoverboards folks! California lawmakers have made it illegal to ride your hoverboards while intoxicated. While some might say that it is common logic that no one would even be able to hoverboard while drunk, the legislature, in a surprising twist, has kept up with the times. New l...
Does California Need a Change to the Lane Splitting Law in Order to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents?
California is the only state in the nation to allow motorcycles to split lanes while driving in traffic. Drivers frequently get irritated by motorcyclists that split lanes and pass them cruising through the traffic, while they have to sit there stopped in traffic. Lane splitting, when not done sa...
No One Expects to Get Arrested for DUI
No one expects to get arrested for DUI. A few drinks too many and suddenly you can find yourself in the back of a police car asking, “how did this happen?” If this happens to you, an experienced DUI lawyer can help. The question is: how do you choose the right attorney for you? 1) Do Your Re...
Insurance: How Much Is Enough?
As personal injury attorneys that focus on auto accidents, we are often asked: “How much insurance is enough?” The answer to this is always: “It depends on what you have to lose.” Generally, if you own your home, or have significant personal assets or wealth, then you want to have more coverage. ...
Can I Be Charged For DUI Without Driving?
Suppose that you are arrested for DUI in California, but the officer didn't actually see you driving. Perhaps you were sleeping in your car, or there was an accident and the police arrive after the fact. Can you still be convicted of DUI without driving? The answer, like many, is “it depends.” If...
What Is Pain and Suffering?
After an injury, a person usually only thinks about recovering from their injuries, but recovery under the law is a much different concept. When an injury is caused due to the negligence or actions of another individual, the law entitles the injured person to be made whole. At the end of the day,...
Drug DUI Arrest – What You Need to Know
When most people think of a DUI, they think of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol is just one of any number of substances that can impair one's ability to operate a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of any drugs — including prescription medications legally prescribed by your doctor, as well a...
Wrongful Death – Auto Accidents Causing Death
Losing a loved one is a horrific experience and it is even more so when it is due to an accident caused by a third party. Whether it is a simple fender bender or a multi-car pile up, no excuse can bring your loved one back, nor can anything or anyone say or do anything to fill the void. Knowing ...
The Breathalyzer Flaws California DUI Lawyers Are Talking About
If you are stopped for suspicion of DUI in California, you will likely be asked to take a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS). A PAS device is a portable breath tester used by California police including California Highway Patrol (CHP), or Federal National Park Service Police Officers. Typically ...
Am I Free to Leave?
It might sound like a very simple question, and that's the beauty of it. This post isn't about saying police are bad guys. (Some are, some aren't, not really surprising. When it comes to interacting with police and security, especially when you are consuming alcohol or any other party favors. For...