Currently in California the rate for DUI is .08.  That is the equivalent (roughly!) of 4 1/2 light beers in one hour if you weight 160 pounds.  I say roughly, because there are always varying factors to be considered.  Things …

Arrests were down this year at Coachella Music and Arts festival in Indio.  Over the three day period, there were less than 100 arrests.  Festival goers were being more aware and cautious.  The down turn in arrests was not due …

Of course the best way to not get arrested for DUI is to stay on-site.  Camping at the Empire Polo Grounds is a great option for those festival attendees who want to just stay on-site all weekend.  The Coachella Fesitval …

The Empire Polo Grounds, where Coachella Music and Arts Festival is held in Indio, California, is a huge facility!  It is easy to become separated from your friends and lost.  I’ve attached a map so friends can plan ahead to …

Palm Springs is known to be very “gay-friendly”.  It is a desert oasis where people come to play in the sun.  Every year, it is host to one of the largest lesbian parties in the nation: The Dinah Shore Weekend.  …

Palm Springs is known to be very “gay-friendly”.  It is a desert oasis where people come to play in the sun.  Every year, it is host to one of the largest gay dance parties in the nation: The White Party.  …

We are pleased to announce a ‘not guilty’ verdict we received on Friday, March 15, 2013 in San Bernardino Central court.  The trial was a misdemeanor battery charge alleging that our client, a Major in the United States Army, had …

The Law Office of Stephanie M. Arrache is proud to announce that a new mobile site has been launched. You can access the easy to use site from your smartphone at m.stephaniearrache.com The site contains a blood alcohol chart which …

For months there has been speculation that the Avalon Superior Court on Catalina Island will be closing due to budget cuts in California.  There are several courts slated to close because the state of California apparently has no money.  Pomona …

Sometimes certain charges have judges ordering defendants to do certain things as a condition of the release while criminal proceedings are going on.  For example, a person who is charged with drug crimes may be ordered to attend NA (Narcotics …

California Penal Code 247.5 makes it a crime to point a laser beam at an aircraft.  The crime is a “wobbler” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor (with up to 1 year in county jail and a …

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that you either love or hate.  Many women are emotionally addicted to Valentine’s Day and require flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or something equally thoughtful from their significant other.  Many also require a nice dinner.  What often …

With Coachella Fest 2013 right around the corner, it is never too early to start planning for a safe trip.  The lineup has been released.  Your tickets have been purchased.  You’ve planned with your friends.  Make sure that safe and …

This weekend is the Super Bowl XLVII, taking place in New Orleans at the Superdome.  Baltimore Ravens versus San Francisco 49ers.  Over 100 million people will be tuning in.  The Super Bowl is arguably the most heavily watched sporting event …

I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing (and trusting) your attorney.  You do not necessarily have to like him or her.  It does not have to be someone who you would normally associate with.  You don’t have to want …

The Law Office of Stephanie M. Arrache wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season.  As always, we would rather people be safe than get new clients.  The following are some helpful numbers and links to ensure that …

This year, California is cracking down on New Years Eve celebrations.  There is a joint task force crack down on drunk drivers.  They are deploying saturation patrols to look for drunk drivers.  There will be more obvious DUI checkpoints.  You …

Because of all the celebrating which occurs over the holidays, California law enforcement agencies have created joint task forces to crack down.  This means that in addition to more DUI checkpoints, there is an increase in saturation patrols.  These are …

American Heat Biker Weekend October 19-21, 2012 Every year, thousands of bikers ride into Palm Springs for biker weekend.  It’s actually the American Heat Palm Springs Motorcycle Weekend and a place where people can not only show off their own …

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a crime, then your whole world has been turned upside down. A majority of people do not know what to do or where to turn. You know you need an …

Some people have the unfortunate experience of being arrested while on vacation.  Southern California is a vacation destination for people from all over the world.  It’s a new and unfamiliar place.  Some people drink a bit too much and find …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 9/7/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and San Diego Counties: Perris- undisclosed location, 6pm-2am Santa Ana- Warner, east of Flower- 7:30pm-1:30am Whittier- undisclosed location, 7pm-3am …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started August 17, and is ending Labor Day on Sept. 3. This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Remember that it is always safer, wiser and …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started August 17, and is ending Labor Day on Sept. 3. This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Remember that it is always safer, wiser and …

Coachella Fest and StageCoach Music Festival are two highlight events in the Coachella Valley.  Both events are weekend long music festivals which present many different musical artists to thousands of concertgoers.  Coachella Fest was expanded this year into two weekend …

AB472 California State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D- San Francisco) introduced a bill on February 15, 2011 regarding drug overdose.  As it currently stands in California, a high rate of drug overdose deaths occur because people are afraid of police and …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started August 17, and is ending Labor Day on Sept. 3. This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Remember that it is always safer, wiser and …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started August 17, and is ending Labor Day on Sept. 3. This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Remember that it is always safer, wiser and …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started on August 17, and ending Labor Day on Sept. 3.  This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.  Remember that it is always safer, wiser and …

A California joint task force “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is starting  today, August 17, and ending Labor Day on Sept. 3.  This will create more DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.  Remember that it is always safer, wiser …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Sunday 8/12/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Los Angeles- saturation patrol in 77th Street area between 12pm-8pm Contact the Law …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 8/11/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Encinitas- at an undisclosed location, between 7:30pm-2am Long Beach- at an undisclosed location, …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 8/10/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Escondido- at an undisclosed location, between 6pm-3am Los Angeles- at Broadway, between Daly …

Criminal cases are won or lost daily based on eyewitness ID.  People are incarcerated unfairly based on wrong eyewitness ID.  People waste time in jail for crimes they did not commit based on eyewitness ID.  Identification plays a significant role …

The Law Office of Stephanie M. Arrache has moved into a new office, effective immediately.  The new location is on the corner of Vista Chino and Palm Canyon.  The address is 1701 N. Palm Canyon, Suite 8, Palm Springs, CA …

Many attorneys feel like they are bigger than life.  There are very few who can actually claim that they are; Mark J. Sullivan was one of those rightful few.  Mark, was a great man.  He was a larger than life …

It is not uncommon for defendants to feel the need to appear unaffected in court.  The person in the robe is handing you a sentence, and you want to make it seem like you couldn’t care less.  This all makes …

President Obama issued and executive order which grants a sort of amnesty-esque program to people who were brought to this country by their parents and have remained here without obtaining proper citizenship.  This new program is referred to as the …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 6/29/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Escondido- checkpoint at undisclosed location between 6:00pm and 12:00am; roving saturation patrol until …

Traffic tickets are no different than other types of criminal charges.  Their penalties are just less than misdemeanor or felonies.  It basically all boils down to the same thing: an alleged breaking of a law.  A broken law is a …

Many clients ask me about whether cops can search their cell phones upon arrest.  The answer, as terrible as it may be, is YES!!!  The California Supreme Court declared that cell phone searches incident to arrest are legal and do …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 6/9/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties:   Azusa at an undisclosed location between 6pm and 2am Inglewood at an …

Prison Entrepreneur Program (PEP) The Texas prison system has a program for inmates- Prison Entrepreneur Program (PEP).  The prison system realized that putting people in jail and letting them sit out their sentence did nothing to motivate or encourage them …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 6/8/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Altadena at an undisclosed time and location Hollywood at Highland Ave between Sunset …

If you are facing criminal charges, there are several ways to get you into court: Summons or Arrest. Arrest to get you in to criminal court. An arrest warrant must be signed by a judge prior to issuing it.  If …

I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into a courtroom and my client is not there.  I wait around hoping he shows up, and try to beg time for him or her to get there.  Finally, when …

Here is an update as to the number of arrests at Stagecoach 2012.  The final tally is: 174.  That is, 174 in 3 days at the country music festival.  The arrests were mostly for alcohol related offenses.  Indio police are …

LEGAL GUIDE TO SURVIVING STAGECOACH 2012 Stagecoach Festival is country music’s answer to Coachella Fest.  Stagecoach follows Coachella Fest every year, and brings in just as many fun-loving, music-appreciating, rowdy fans as its rival Coachella Fest.  The cowboys and cowgirls …

Criminal Threats: In General Criminal threats are exactly as they sound: threats of a criminal nature.  Meaning, they are threats of hurting or harming someone.  They are threats of causing great bodily injury, or even death.  The threats can be …

I can’t count the number of times I’ve had clients tell me that they have been in and out of the system so often that one more stint won’t matter.  They just want me to get them the least amount …

Most of America is tuned in to the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case.  A child of 17 was gunned down by a concerned neighborhood watchman.  This blog and this firm will not get into whether he did or did not do …

Cops lie.  Shocking, I know.  But it’s true.  Cops lie.  Attorneys lie.  Sometimes even clients lie.  Not me and not you, but some others.  Here’s a lie that a was recently told to a client that particularly made me mad: …

There is an update on the arrests at Coachella the first weekend (4/13-4/15).  There were a reported 134 arrests by the end of the weekend.  The second weekend (4/20-4/22) there were 101 arrests.  Most of these arrests were for drug …

Criminal Defense: Sentencing Alternative- Home Confinement Sentencing Alternatives in general The California prisons have been grossly overcrowded.  The courts had been sentencing too many people to prisons, and there just wasn’t enough room to accommodate them.  Because of the budget …

As of 10pm on Saturday night, 39 people had been arrested for drug or alcohol related offenses.  That arrest rate is up from the night before.  Concert goers and locals in the area are reporting a heavier police presence.  This …

Hi Coachella Fest goers.  This post is for you.  Well, it applies to all Coachella Valley people.  But, specifically, my intentions are to keep the concert goers safe and arrest free this weekend.  As always, the Law Office of Stephanie …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 4/13/12 (Friday the 13th!!)  in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: *Costa Mesa- at an undisclosed location, from 8:00pm to 2:00am …

DUI Checkpoint sample results People know that checkpoints are something to be avoided.  Even if you’re sober, it’s intimidating to drive through one.  Nerves can make you act strangely.  But, does anyone ever really pay attention to what kinds of …

Normally taped conversations can hurt people accused of crimes.  However, one woman in Florida is relieved that a recorded call helped her case.  Susan Mait was stuck on a street after two of her tires on her SUV blew out.  …

Riverside County Explores Expanded Diversion Program This week Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerback announced his plan to expand the Diversion program.  This would mean that people charged with certain misdemeanors could engage in classes, instead of jail time.  Upon …

COACHELLA FEST 2012 DRIVING ROUTES AND ROAD CLOSURES The following are road closures, expected delays and recommended routes for the two weekends during Coachella fest 2012 (April 13-15 and April 20-22).  There are 200,000 people expected both weekends, which means …

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival brings music, art, fun and entertainment to the Coachella Valley every year.  Dating back to 1999, the festival boasts Ticketmaster free musical entertainment. The problem is that cops know the music lovers are there …

The California Superior Court has begun a program aimed at helping US Veterans, called Veteran’s Court.  These courts are a mixture of criminal courts, mental health court and drug courts, where the person will get help focused on rehabilitation, rather …

I have always told my clients to be careful about what they put on facebook.  People think that what they post is private, especially if they’re page has been restricted to friends only.  However, everything you put on the web …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 4/7/12  in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Anaheim- Ball Rd, 8pm to 3am Escondido- undisclosed location, 6pm to midnight North …

Criminal Defense: Penal Code 186.22, the “gang enhancement” laws Gang activity and 186.22 California has enacted specific laws regarding gang activity.  This means that if a person is determined to be a member of a criminal street gang, he or …

There is a bill in front of the California Legislature, regarding marijuana possession laws.  If a person is found driving with less than 28.5 grams of marijuana (not including concentrated cannabis), under current laws, the court can (and usually does) …

The United States Supreme Court has decided that it is ok for jail officials to conduct strip searches on inmates.  The right of jails and prisons to conduct strip searches was being challenged by a man who was wrongly arrested …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 3/30/12 (Cesar Chavez Day) in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego and Long Beach Counties: Carson- 7pm to 3am undisclosed location Glendale- undisclosed location, 8pm …

California Man Pleads Guilty to Arson A Cathedral City man pleaded guilty to arson charges today in Indio, at the Larsen Justice Center.  Jesus Abel Hernandez was arrested in December 6, 2011 after he confessed to police that he set …

Criminal Defense: DUI Charges  1st DUI A standard 1st DUI is what most people charged with DUI receive.  It means that the person was found driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.  The person must request a …

Criminal Defense: General Overview of a DUI Arrest   DUI Arrest: General Probable Cause   Driving Under the Influence (DUI) occurs in California when a person is driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.  To pull you …

Result of Acquittal of Co-defendant The acquittal of one accomplice or co-conspirator does not bar conviction of another. Standefer v U.S. (1980) 447 US 10; People v Summersville (1995) 34 CA4th 1062;  People v Palmer (2001) 24 C4th 856. Under …

Criminal Defense: Improper Immunity in a Co-defendant Case Immunity in General in a Co-defendant Case Under Penal Code 1324, a prosecutor has the authority to seek immunity for a certain witness in exchange for his or her testimony in any …

Criminal Defense: California’s Three Strikes Victory in Riverside County California’s Three Strikes Rule The Three Strikes Rule was enacted in California in 1994 to make violent offenders accountable for their crimes. (For more, see here.)  The rationale was that certain …

San Francisco PAS test devices manlfunctioned If you were arrested for a DUI in San Francisco, then your case has a chance to be dismissed, or your guilty plea thrown out. It has been discovered that the San Francisco police …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 3/17/12 (St. Patrick’s Day) in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Buena Park- Beach Blvd and 10th St, from 7pm to 2am Chula …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 3/16/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Mission Viejo- undisclosed location, 6pm to 2am Roving patrols at “hot spots” in Orange County …

Criminal Defense: What Is Arraignment? What is Arraignment- General Arraignment is the first time you will appear in front of a judge and will plead either guilty or not guilty. If you have not hired an attorney, the court will …

Criminal Defense: Arrest and your right to remain silent Arrest and Your Right to Remain Silent During Questioning If you’ve been arrested, chances are that you are scared and unsure about what to do or not do, say or not …

Criminal Defense: Health & Safety Code 11359 Marijuana Sales  Elements of Health & Safety Code 11359 Marijuana Sales Health & Safety Code 11359 is the statute against possession of marijuana for sales. The prosecutor must prove that you intended to …

Criminal Defense: Marijuana Arrest Records Marijuana Arrests California is becoming more lenient in their rules against possession of marijuana.  When a person is caught with less than one ounce (28.5 grams), they are charged with an infraction.  The penalty for …

Criminal Defense: Seal Juvenile Records  Seal Juvenile Records  If you committed a crime as a juvenile and were subsequently convicted, you most likely want to seal those records as an adult.  You don’t want one mistake as a kid to …

Penal Code 640   What is Penal Code 640 Penal Code 640 applies to specified acts committed in or on a facility of public transportation system.  This means that if any of the following acts occur on a public bus, …

Health and Safety Code 11550 What is HS 11550 Health and Safety code section 11550 is a statute regulating personal drug use.  It covers the willful and intentional use of certain drugs described in this article, Substances covered under HS …

Will a teaching credential be revoked upon the conviction of a DUI? DUI and the Teaching Credential Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges are on the rise. The State of California is cracking down and all counties are initiating more …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 3/3/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Fontana-  undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 2 …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 3/2/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Coachella- undisclosed location, between 6pm and 2am Marina del Rey- Lincoln at Maxella, between 8pm …

Concealed Weapons Permit San Bernardino County   Ability of applying for a Concealed Weapons Permit in San Bernardino County California law authorizes the local police chief in an incorporated city to issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to …

San Bernardino County Throwing of Missiles   Missile as defined in San Bernardino In San Bernardino, it is illegal for any person to throw a missile at a moving vehicle.  For the purpose of this section, the ordinance defines missile …

Riverside County Gun Law: firearms, including shotgun and rifle While the State of California may have certain gun laws, a local government may legally enforce rules that are stricter.  Riverside County has Ordinance No. 514.10 which pertains to the use …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Sunday 2/26/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Los Angeles- The DUI Saturation Patrol will be throughout LAPD’s Hollenbeck Area, 12pm-8pm Contact the …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Saturday 2/25/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Los Angeles- Florence Avenue between Main St and Broadway St, 8pm-2am Chula Vista- undisclosed location, …

The following are the published DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for Friday 2/24/12 in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Long Beach Counties: Laguna Woods- undisclosed location, 6:30pm- 2:30am Santa Ana- 3000 W. Edinger Ave, 7:30pm-1:30am Studio City- …

What happens if I donate blood knowing that I have HIV/AIDS? Knowingly donating blood that has tested HIV positive or is infected with the AIDS virus It is a violation of Health and Safety Code 1621.5 to knowingly donate blood …

Q: Are the conversations between my attorney and myself confidential? A: Any communication between an attorney and a client are protected under California laws.  There are certain laws and rules which protect this right.  To effectively represent a person accused …

Q: Can I be arrested for a Vehicle Code violation? If you are pulled over by an officer for a violation of the California state Vehicle Code, an infraction is likely to be issued. An infraction is a ticket which …

Today the State Assembly passed legislation which would change the current Three Strikes Law.  As it is written now, any felony committed by a person who has two strikes would send them away to prison for “25 to life.”  This …

Q: What do I do if I was arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine in my home where my 9 year old son lives?   Manufacturing methamphetamine Charges A charge of manufacturing methamphetamine carries a very hefty punishment.  The term of imprisonment …

What is an accomplice An accomplice is any person who can be prosecuted for the same exact offenses as the principal.  For example, if a person is being charged as an accomplice to the manufacturing of a controlled substance, that …