Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

The Tragedy of Vehicular Manslaughter

It is a fact of this life that one never knows when one’s life will end. You could be driving down the street one day, and without warning, BAM! It’s all over. It’s a disturbing thought, yes, but it’s something that happens all too often in this country. The death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart in April of this year is a stark reminder to the public of the tragedy...

Manslaughter Laws

Manslaughter is characterized as killing a person exclusive of premeditation or malice aforethought. The term “malice aforethought” indicates having a wicked intent preceding the killing. Like murder, there are different degrees of seriousness of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary. A) Voluntary manslaughter is described as a killing upon a sudden fight or in the heat of passion. Voluntary...

Arrest for Driving under the Influence (DUI)

When police officers suspect a driver of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, they conduct a sobriety test and  carefully observe the physical aspect of the driver.  In order for them to make an arrest, they must have probable cause.  Probable cause is determined by the results of their observations, which are also used by the prosecuting attorney. It is a scientifically proven fact...

DUI – Other consequences

The courts or the registry may require that you not only lose your license but also face high fines, lose your car or even have a locking device on your ignition if you’re convicted of drunk driving. This is a frightening time for you if you’re convicted and you’ll be faced with a criminal record which could seriously impact your future possibilities for employment, housing and more. Don’t...

DUI – Your Freedom and your License

Being convicted of DUI charges means that you will haunt you in your future – whether it’s your work, your personal life or your future driving abilities, there is no getting away from the stigma of a DUI charge. Since these charges carry not only criminal charges but may also result in charges that are administrative in nature filed by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) the attorney...

Protecting yourself in DUI situations

Less than 70% of DUI arrests in California result in a conviction. Preparation, knowledge, and an excellent DUI attorney in Riverside, CA (or other area, served by Rizio and Nelson) are among your best defenses. So, hiring a good DUI attorney is absolutely your best decision and ought to be your first move. Did you know that only about 30% of the arrests for drunk driving in California ever result...

Non-Standardized Testing DUI — Finger Count Test

Law enforcement agencies utilize a number of different field sobriety tests in order to determine enough probable cause to make a DUI arrest. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted studies that have determined that some tests are accurate indicators, to a certain degree, of a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .10%. However, law enforcement agencies frequently use...

DUI Non-Standardized Testing — Alphabet Test

Law enforcement agencies utilize a number of different field sobriety tests in order to determine enough probable cause to make a DUI arrest. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted studies that have determined that some tests are accurate indicators, to a certain degree, of a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .10%. However, law enforcement agencies frequently use...

Common plea-bargained offenses

Common plea-bargained offenses for DUIs include: Wet Reckless Driving refers to a plea-bargained conviction of an alcohol-related reckless driving charge (VC 23103) from an original charge of VC 23152. If both the prosecution and the court agree to a plea to 23103, and the prosecution states on the record that there was consumption of alcohol involved, then VC 23103 is eligible to be a prior DUI in...