July 4^th DUI in California?

DUIs Increase, Tragedy in Oceanside, and What to Do

Are you wondering what to do if your Independence Day celebrations are now threatening your independence? If you found yourself in handcuffs after drinking and driving during the July 4^th weekend in California, you’re not alone.

For many Americans, Independence Day is synonymous with indulgence, including eating 150 million hotdogs and spending a whopping $3 billion on beer and wine. Combine over $3 billion in alcoholic drinks with the number of people who decided to travel over 50 miles from home for a celebration: 50.7 million, and it’s a recipe for trouble.

Unfortunately, not everyone was able to find a designated driver, cab, Uber, or Lyft in Southern California when they needed one this past holiday weekend.

And the California Highway Patrol (“CHP”) and police departments were out in force, focusing on distracted, reckless, or drunk driving in a weekend long “maximum enforcement” campaign.

As a result, drunk driving accidents and charges were in abundance this holiday season – more so than has been the trend from recent years.

July is the Most Dangerous Month for Car Travel

Over the four-day weekend, the CHP arrested 1,224 people for driving under the influence on California roads and highways, according to ABC 10. What does that number of statewide California 4^th of July DUIs mean? It means that more people were arrested for DUI and drug DUI this year than the agency arrested in the past two years.

When the increase of travelers crowd the highways for social engagements, and possibly some who have had a few too many drinks, the Fourth of July weekend earns the distinction of one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.

This has resulted in many newspapers and websites trying to help drivers discover the safest and best time to travel for the Fourth of July holiday.

“July Fourth is a holiday where people are off work, out of school, and they may be celebrating with alcohol,” Russ Rader, the senior vice president of communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (“IIHS”) told Today. “And alcohol use sharply increases the risk of crashes.”

This makes July one of the most dangerous months to be on the road, with more people dying in drunk driving crashes than any other month of the year, according to Today.

Nearly 70 people died in car crashes over the 4^th of July holiday weekend across California, according to ABC 10.

The “National Highway Traffic Safety Association found that between 2007 and 2011, 40 percent of all the highway deaths that occurred were the result of drunk drivers over the Fourth of July weekend. July 3rd was also in the list of the top 10 deadliest days to be on the roads because of drivers being under the influence,” according to alcohol.org.

The IIHS notes that car crashes taking place on or during the Independence Day holiday claim an average of 118.4 lives every year, particularly since binge drinking around the Fourth of July makes the occasion “one of the most consistently deadly days of the year.” The organization emphasizes that this increased risk not only applies to those who drive drunk, but also other drivers and pedestrians.

This rise in DUI arrests this year is concerning to the CHP, Officer Mike Salas told MSN. Therefore, the CHP is currently focusing on educating people that even one drink can put others, yourself, and your freedom to drive at risk.

Tragedy in Oceanside

It’s sometimes hard to believe that tragedies can occur in our own backyards, but unfortunately one did occur here in Southern California this 4^th.

A 20-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine, Edward Minot Jr. with the 1^st Maintenance Battalion, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter that killed 12-year-old Santiago Gaspar in Oceanside on the 4^th of July.

The two-car crash that took place around 11 p.m. on Surfrider Way and North Myers Street occurred shortly after Oceanside Police attempted to pull over Minot, who was driving without headlights on. He failed to stop, instead speeding up to a high rate of speed before striking the vehicle within which Gaspar, his six-year-old brother, and an adult driver were in. The driver and Gaspar’s brother were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

One woman who lives near the crash site said the accident sounded like a bomb. Minot, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries was placed under arrest at the hospital.

While the investigation is ongoing, police suspect alcohol and speed factored into the crash.

DUI Charges in Southern California

Statistically, a vast majority of those arrested for suspicion of DUI are first time offenders. After the initial shock fades, the real work begins. There are a host of legal, practical, and financial issues you need to tackle if you were arrested under suspicion of DUI on the 4^th of July in California.

Your first move should be to find the best DUI attorney in Southern California. Professional DUI attorneys can find all the weaknesses in the case against you, bolster the strengths in your case, and help you navigate the complex legal system. It’s important to have professionals in your corner who understand what you’re going through and have been successfully defending DUI clients in California for decades.

Talk to a Defense Attorney

At the Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we offer a free, no obligation consultation with one of our expert DUI attorneys. Everything you share with us is protected by the attorney client relationship, so we can freely discuss your DUI case, evaluate it, and discuss your options.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert California DUI attorneys here.

What to learn more about California DUI defense and Southern California DUIs? Find more articles on our blog, updated regularly!

A DUI on the Fourth of July

The first large 4^th of July party happened in 1777, exactly one year after American independence. It was a day of spontaneous merriment, with fireworks, bonfires, lit candles in windows and gatherings in the streets of Philadelphia, according to Military.com. In those days people could celebrate to their heart’s content without the legal repercussions now associated with transportation.

The modern 4^th of July holiday is largely the same in spirit, but with family, tradition, and parties now intertwined. It’s a time of celebration and reconnection with family and friends. The Fourth of July is about barbeques, quality time with loved ones, and usually a few drinks. But those alcoholic beverages can sometimes spell big trouble once the celebrations end. And the beautiful and patriotic display of red and blue fireworks can easily transition to the unnerving view of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror.

California law enforcement officers this year had heightened awareness around July 4^th, particularly thanks to the planned statewide California Highway Patrol (“CHP”) DUI crackdown across California and the 44 deaths on California highways during the 2022 Fourth of July weekend.

2022 and 2021 saw nearly 1,000 motorists arrested on suspicion of DUI statewide, according to Patch.

California Highway Patrol officers were told to take a “zero-tolerance approach to any roadway actions that put other drivers at risk,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee told Patch.

Fourth of July weekend DUI arrests are a concerted effort across California, with sheriff’s departments and municipal police departments in all counties, including Orange County communities like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach and Los Angeles County helping to carry out targeted patrols to find DUI suspects.

4^th of July DUI Checkpoints in Orange County, California

 

There were a total of 19 DUI checkpoints in Orange County for July 4^th in communities like Santa Ana, Orange, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Buena Park, Anaheim, and Garden Grove this year. Most began in the early evening and extended until around 2 a.m., attempting to snag drunk driving arrests in Orange County.

It’s important to know that your rights don’t fly out the window when you have to roll it down at a DUI checkpoint and speak with an officer. California officers are trained on the physical signs of driving drunk in Orange County, but they are particularly keen to catch drunk drivers leaving holiday celebrations, and especially at DUI checkpoints.

This can lead to faulty arrests stemming from symptoms from medical conditions being mistaken for intoxication.

For example, the very same symptoms of hypoglycemia can mimic that of drug or alcohol intoxication and lead to you being arrested for drunk driving suspicion in California. Although you may not be driving under the influence, an officer may mistakenly believe you are. These similar symptoms include: confusion, sleepiness, nervousness, slurred speech, and swaying while standing or the inability to maintain balance while walking.

Bacterial or viral infections can also appear to be alcohol or drug intoxication, as can reactions to certain medications, epilepsy, or brain injuries.

Even the stomach acid from gastroesophageal reflux disease and the use of inhaled asthma medications can throw off breathalyzer readings and make someone perfectly innocent appear suspicious to Long Beach police or result in a mistaken DUI arrest in Orange County.

The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor have incredibly experienced Orange County and Los Angeles County DUI defense attorneys ready to strategize your case and come to your defense when you’ve been wrongly charged with a DUI in either county.

You Deserve Quality Defense of Your California DUI or California Drug DUI Charges

Whether you were pulled over for a DUI in Orange, LA, Riverside, or San Diego County, the consequences of a California DUI conviction are costly to your financial and psychological health. If convicted, these penalties can be both short and long term, including an increase in car insurance rates, revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, the costly installation of an ignition interlock device, professional license suspension or revocation like a CDL license in California or a pilot’s license, and even your captain’s license (although not automatic after the first offense).

 If you ever have any interest in visiting Canada, our northern neighbors don’t take kindly to DUI convictions and can block you from entry. A California DUI conviction without proper legal representation can even end your military career (sometimes before it even begins) and create issues with immigration status, preventing you from gaining permanent US citizenship and forcing you to face possible deportation.

At the Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, our attorneys have specialized in DUI law and know the intricacies created by precedent, the gray areas; we can quickly assess the weaknesses and strengths of a case, and whether your civil liberties have been violated. Every single step we take with your case is built upon the cornerstone of experience, immersive legal knowledge, and caring about the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Our experienced California DUI attorneys know the law, how best to negotiate with prosecutors, and help you get the best outcomes so you can continue with your life and leave California DUI charges in your rearview mirror.

Talk To A DUI Defense Attorney

An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and discuss your options with you. A lawyer serving DUI clients will often offer a free no obligation consultation and everything discussed is protected by the attorney client relationship.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert California DUI attorneys here.

Interested in this topic, or other topics similar to it? Find more articles on our blog, updated regularly!

First-Time DUI?

Here’s A Guide to Finding the Best DUI Attorney for Your Needs

Hunting for a DUI lawyer? Needing a DUI accident attorney? Your first instinct would probably lead you to do a Google search—which could lead down a long rabbit hole. Instead, we’ll make it easier for you and answer your most pressing questions in this blog post…

Finding the Best DUI Attorney for Your Needs

The unthinkable happened. You or your loved one were arrested and charged with your first DUI in California.

An onslaught of questions is swimming through your head: Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI? Is getting a lawyer for a DUI worth it? How do I find the best DUI lawyer near me? How much does a DUI lawyer cost? And what questions should I ask a lawyer about DUI?

Don’t panic. We’ll go through each of these questions to help you understand the steps you need to take if you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, especially steps you need to take to find a DUI lawyer in Southern California.  

Should I Get a Lawyer for My First DUI?

First, a word of caution: While it might be tempting to go it alone since some first offenders just want to plead guilty and get it over with (you don’t legally need an attorney to plead guilty for a DUI), going to court for DUI without a lawyer puts you at the mercy of a court system that is determined to make an example of you. Because your priorities may be to wrap up the DUI process as quickly as possible, you might overlook other important aspects of the DUI process. You can’t count on prosecutors being merciful if you don’t have a good DUI lawyer or DUI felony lawyer, even if it’s your first offense and you have no previous record.

Most people who get DUIs are first-time offenders, so this by no means gives you an edge. No matter where you are in Southern California, it is important to find a good DUI lawyer. It is never wise to step into a court room, or even attempt to navigate the court system, without legal representation.

Is Getting a Lawyer for DUI Worth It?

When asking yourself the question, “Is getting a lawyer for DUI worth it?” we advise you to ask yourself another question: “How important is my future?”

DUI charges are serious, particularly DUI charges in California. The ramifications can be far reaching and lasting, impacting areas of your life like employment, transportation (if your license is suspended), probation and possible jail time.

While on the surface, representation by the best DUI lawyer can seem costly, consider what lost employment can mean to your immediate future. Not only does lost employment equate to loss of wages, but it also creates a loss of independence—you will now be depending on others to get places, or paying for costly Uber rides for months, if not years, of your life.

Here are specific ways that having a DUI defense attorney in Riverside County; DUI defense attorney in LA County; DUI defense attorney in Orange County; or DUI defense attorney in San Diego can help.

Remember: You are paying for their wealth of knowledge and ability to adeptly maneuver through the legal system with your rights top-of-mind.

Ways having a DUI Defense attorney in California can help:

Knowledge and Experience: DUI laws and legal procedures can be complex, and an experienced DUI defense attorney has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system effectively. They understand the nuances of DUI laws, potential defenses, and strategies to challenge the evidence against you.

Defense Strategy: A skilled DUI attorney will assess the specific details of your case, such as the traffic stop, arrest procedure, and evidence collected. They will develop a tailored defense strategy based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They may challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, or question the admissibility of certain evidence.

Plea Bargaining: A DUI attorney can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. They may seek to have the charges reduced, secure a plea bargain that involves lesser penalties, or explore alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or community service. Their negotiation skills can help achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

DMV Hearings: In California, a DUI arrest triggers a separate administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) to determine the status of your driver’s license. A DUI attorney can represent you at this hearing and present arguments to help protect your driving privileges.

Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer by your side is essential. They will build a strong defense strategy, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present arguments on your behalf. They will ensure that your rights are protected throughout all vital court proceedings.

Minimizing Consequences: Even if a conviction is likely, a DUI attorney can work to minimize the potential consequences. They can advocate for reduced penalties, explore alternatives to jail time, and help you understand the available options for rehabilitation or treatment programs.

While hiring a DUI attorney does involve costs, the potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can be far more significant. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

How Much is a DUI Lawyer?

The costs associated with hiring a DUI attorney in California can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, reputation, location, and the complexity of the case. So, the question “How much does a DUI lawyer cost?” doesn’t really have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Below is a general idea of the typical costs. However, it’s best to consult with individual attorneys to get accurate and specific information. Here are some common fee structures for DUI attorneys in California:

Hourly Rate: Some attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services. Hourly rates can range widely depending on the attorney’s experience and reputation, typically ranging from $200 to $500 or more per hour. The total cost will depend on the number of hours spent on your case.

Flat Fee: Many DUI attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements for their services. The flat fee typically covers the attorney’s time and services for handling the DUI case from start to finish. The cost of a flat fee can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it often ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 or more.

Retainer Fee: Some attorneys require a retainer fee upfront, which is an advance payment to secure their services. The retainer fee is typically based on an estimate of the work involved in the case and may be applied toward the total cost of legal representation.

Additionally, it’s important to inquire about what services are included in the fee, such as court appearances, negotiation with prosecutors, or representation at DMV hearings.

Remember, while cost is a factor to consider, it’s equally important to prioritize the experience, qualifications, and track record of the attorney. DUI cases can have significant consequences, so investing in an experienced DUI defense attorney who can effectively represent your interests and protect your rights is crucial.

DUI Lawyer Free Consultation

It’s important to get an understanding of the complexities of your case and how an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange, LA, or Riverside County can help you. If you’d like to get an understanding of your case and what options are available to you, then it would be wise to find a the best DUI defense attorney in California that offers a free consultation involving your DUI, marijuana DUI, or drug-related DUI case. Free consultations with the best DUI attorney in California are valuable because they allow you to ask questions, get an idea of costs, and possible financing.

What Questions Should I Ask a Lawyer About DUI?

It’s a valid question since a CA DUI attorney is going to guide you through a challenging court system, one that harshly reprimands people who drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. In fact, those charged with impaired driving can face a haunting criminal record—one that never goes away—even if they are first time offenders and have never had any previous trouble with the law.

In light of the gravity of a possible DUI conviction in California, it’s imperative to consider a number of factors when getting a free consultation with a SoCal DUI lawyer.

Knowledge and Experience: DUI laws and legal procedures can be complex, and an experienced DUI defense attorney has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system effectively. They understand the nuances of DUI laws, potential defenses, and strategies to challenge the evidence against you.

Defense Strategy: A skilled DUI attorney will assess the specific details of your case, such as the traffic stop, arrest procedure, and evidence collected. They will develop a tailored defense strategy based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They may challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, or question the admissibility of certain evidence.

Plea Bargaining: A DUI attorney can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. They may seek to have the charges reduced, secure a plea bargain that involves lesser penalties, or explore alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or community service. Their negotiation skills can help achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

DMV Hearings: In California, a DUI arrest triggers a separate administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) to determine the status of your driver’s license. A DUI attorney can represent you at this hearing and present arguments to help protect your driving privileges.

Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer by your side is essential. They will build a strong defense strategy, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present arguments on your behalf. They will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the court proceedings.

Minimizing Consequences: Even if a conviction is likely, a DUI attorney can work to minimize the potential consequences. They can advocate for reduced penalties, explore alternatives to jail time, and help you understand the available options for rehabilitation or treatment programs.

While hiring a DUI attorney does involve costs, the potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can be far more significant. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Talk To A DUI Defense Attorney

An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and discuss your options with you. A lawyer serving DUI clients will often offer a free no obligation consultation and everything discussed is protected by the attorney client relationship.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert California DUI attorneys here.

Interested in this topic, or other topics similar to it? Find more articles on our blog, updated regularly!

Low carbohydrate/high protein diets have been popular for decades as a way to lose weight quickly. Whether it is the keto diet, Atkins, Paleo, or some other name for a ketogenic diet, you might be surprised to learn that one side effect is a false positive on a breathalyzer at a DUI stop. 

How Keto Diets Work – in a Nutshell

These diets allegedly burn off fat by converting fat into ketone bodies and fatty acids. If you are not on a ketogenic regimen, your body typically uses glucose for energy. Keto diets are very low in carbs, including those that contain glucose. With the keto diet, your body can’t burn glucose, so it burns ketones for energy.

You might wonder how you could end up in jail for following one of these trendy diets. A low-carb diet itself is not against the law, but your body’s chemistry could register a false positive on a DUI breath test. A prosecutor could use the false positive result as evidence against you to get a conviction for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Also, a keto diet could cause symptoms that make you appear intoxicated to the officer.

How You Could Fail a Field Sobriety Test Because of a Keto Diet

You might not have even had a sip of alcohol before getting behind the wheel, yet a police officer might suspect that you are impaired by alcohol. When you severely limit your intake of carbs and increase your protein consumption, your body eventually goes into what is called a state of ketosis. Your body will have a very high level of ketones.

A person in a state of ketosis can develop the side effects:

• Your breath could smell very sweet or like alcohol.
• Your face could become flushed.
• You might become sluggish.
• Your movements could become uncoordinated.
• Your face could become red and flushed. 
• Due to the diuretic response to ketosis, you could become dehydrated and very thirsty. 

Let’s see that you got pulled over for speeding. The officer walked over to your car and talked to you. When you responded, the officer smelled what he thought was alcohol on your breath. Your face was red and flushed. Your speech was sluggish, and you were a little clumsy when reaching for your driver’s license and registration. All of these factors were caused by being in a state of ketosis.

Based on your conduct, the officer felt justified in making you take a breathalyzer test. This is where things go from strange to downright bizarre. Without drinking a drop of alcohol, you might fail a breathalyzer test and get arrested for a DUI.

Why Keto Diets Can Register a False Positive on a DUI Breathalyzer Test

DUI breathalyzer testing equipment can only perform within the limits of its design. Some DUI breath testing machines incorrectly read ketones as alcohol on the breath. The chemical composition of ketones is similar to isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol. It can be lethal to drink isopropyl alcohol, but a breathalyzer might not be able to distinguish between isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol, which is the kind of alcohol that people drink.

If the machine mistakes ketosis breath for alcohol, the test result can be a false level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit. In other words, the prosecutor would have strong evidence to support a conviction of driving while under the influence.

Other Medical Conditions Can Cause Ketosis that Masquerades as Intoxication

There are multiple medical conditions and behaviors besides a high-protein/low-carb diet that could lead to the body producing an excessive amount of ketones. In these situations, a person could mistakenly get arrested for a DUI because of the appearance of intoxication from being in a state of ketosis and from registering a false positive for a high BAC level on a breathalyzer test.

• A person with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin or does not respond well enough to the body’s insulin for the body to use glucose for energy. The individual can build up dangerously high levels of blood sugar and make too many ketones for the body to flush out. The person could develop diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are the same as being in a state of ketosis from a ketogenic diet.
• An individual with an eating disorder, like anorexia or bulimia, can go into a state of ketosis. When the body does not get enough carbohydrates due to an eating disorder, diarrhea, fasting, or starvation, the body burns off its fat stores for energy. Using fat instead of carbohydrates for energy can cause the liver to produce a high level of ketones, resulting in ketosis.
• Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, can cause many of the same physical symptoms as ketosis, leading a police officer to think that the person is intoxicated. A person with diabetes could become hypoglycemic if their insulin dose is too high. Some medications can cause hypoglycemia, as can endocrine disorders or diseases of the liver or kidneys. 

If you have any of these medical situations or were on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that caused a state of ketosis, you will want to speak with a DUI defense lawyer about using the keto defense in your case. It is a significant challenge to persuade a jury that a diet or medical condition could cause a false positive breathalyzer result and make a person appear intoxicated. You want to work with a criminal defense lawyer to fight this battle. 

Strategies for Fighting a Ketosis-Caused DUI Charge

The way to go about challenging a DUI charge for a field sobriety test or false positive breathalyzer analysis will depend on the specific facts of your case. As we learn more about conditions that can cause ketosis and how ketosis affects the body, it is likely that we will develop even more techniques for defending people from unfair arrests and criminal charges.

Countering the Physical Appearance of Intoxication from Ketosis

If the police report describes physical symptoms, like the smell of alcohol, a red or flushed face, and a lack of coordination that the officer observed in your appearance at the traffic stop, the keto defense could explain that part of the police report. Your DUI attorney could present evidence that the diet you were on or a medical condition from which you suffer causes the same symptoms noted in the police report.

A letter from your treating physician could be extremely valuable. The letter should identify the medical condition or diet and explain briefly how your situation can cause a false positive breathalyzer test result and the specific symptoms the police officer noted in the traffic stop and arrest report. 

It would be quite expensive to pay your doctor by the hour to come to court to testify, but a letter might get the ball rolling. The prosecutor might want to take your doctor’s deposition or hire an expert for the prosecution. As a practical matter, however, the prosecutor might decide to drop the charges.

Attacking A False Positive Breathalyzer Result

You might decide to try to prove that you had isopropanol from ketosis in your bloodstream or on your breath at the time of the breathalyzer test instead of ethanol from alcoholic beverages. It is possible to distinguish isopropanol and ethanol by using gas chromatography of the defendant’s blood sample. You will need to obtain and preserve a blood sample right away for this differential analysis because alcohol dissipates in the breath and bloodstream in a matter of hours.

Another possible option is to attack the breathalyzer machine itself. Research studies reveal that some breathalyzer devices are substantially unreliable even when measuring ethanol. The same sample BAC result could range from 0.09 to 0.17, for example, depending on which breathalyzer the officer used. In other words, if you can show that the particular breathalyzer unit the officer used is not reliable, you could discredit the validity of the breathalyzer test results.

Even identical models of the same brand of breathalyzer could achieve inaccurate results because of instrumental or procedural problems. In other words, the breathalyzer could be flawed, there could be maintenance issues with the device, or the officer might have used the machine incorrectly. It is usually best to have an expert evaluate the actual unit the officer used at the time of the DUI arrest.

How to Fight False and Unfair DUI Arrests and Charges

Getting charged with and convicted of a DUI can have far-reaching consequences that damage your career, your finances, and your reputation for many years. Challenging DUI charges based on ketosis causing physical symptoms that look like intoxication or a false positive breathalyzer test is sophisticated work, not for amateurs.

If you find yourself charged with a DUI wrongfully because you were in a state of ketosis from a ketogenic diet or a medical condition, you will want to have a DUI attorney at your side from the very beginning.

Chelsea Annmarie Stiles, 27, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in a DUI crash that left an elderly man dead in 2019 in San Luis Obispo, California. This week, District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Stiles has been sentenced to  serve 15 years and eight months in state prison.

In December 2020, the San Louis Obispo County jury convicted Stiles of numerous offenses. However, after several days of deliberation, the jury was initially unable to reach an unanimous verdict on the most serious charge—murder. Stiles was convicted of  the following felonies: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of a drug causing death, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon using an automobile, fleeing the scene of a vehicle collision causing injury, child abuse, and a misdemeanor possession of cocaine.

The deadly crash sequence occurred on December 1, 2019 at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Highway 227. According to investigative reports, Stiles, while under the influence of cocaine, seemingly lost control of her vehicle and rear-ended an automobile carrying a family of four at over 70 miles per hour, disabling the vehicle as a result. Moments later, Stiles inexplicably drove into the opposite lane and struck a 77-year-old San Luis Obispo man identified as Terry Tilton head on at 68 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the impact of collision was severe and killed Tilton instantly. Stiles’s 18-month old daughter and her two dogs were also in her vehicle at the time of both collisions.

Stiles suffered from moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment along with her young daughter who thankfully only sustained minor injuries.

During trial, court testimonies suggested that prior to the deadly crash, Stiles cut her daughter’s scheduled visitation with the father short. The father told investigators that Stiles’ strangely aggressive behavior lead him to believe that she was under the influence of drugs.

A CHP officer Trevor Ashton testified that Stiles was generally incoherent as she was being transported into the ambulance. At the hospital, Stiles admitted to intentionally crashing her vehicle into the two cars she hit but gave no explanation as to why.