Drunk Driving Issues in Sacramento

Drunk Driving Issues in Sacramento

Drunk driving issues in Sacramento are common and more cases are reported when there are popular events across the city. The criminal law regulating driving under influence offenses is quite complicated. There is a progression of how severely the law is exercised. You may be charged with misdemeanor if the offense does not have any aggravating factors. You may be charged with felony if you have four or more offenses in a 10 year period. There is driving under influence with injury or drugs, maybe both. There is reckless driving, high blood alcohol level in which case the blood alcohol content is much higher than the 0.08% required for the law to be applied, underage driving under the influence and boating or cycling when intoxicated.

Each type of offense is treated differently by the prosecution. Anyone accused of drunk driving and charged accordingly has the right to contest it. Before the case moves to court or a trial, there would be a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This hearing is like a mini trial or a pretrial. The criminal case in drunk driving incidents, regardless of whether there was an accident, will proceed as it must at a court of law. The civil case will be taken up by the Department of Motor Vehicles where the hearing is primarily confined to the suspension of the license. This hearing is also when you must contest your arrest or the charged filed against you. There is a statute of limitations that requires anyone accused of drunk driving to arrange a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days from the date of arrest. If anyone is unable to attend this hearing in person, it is necessary to send an attorney as a representative. Sending a family member or a friend would not suffice.

While the hearing is limited to the suspension of the license and whether it must be upheld, the same can be used to begin arguing the case against the offense. A defendant can contest the steps taken by the law enforcement during the stopping of the vehicle and testing for blood alcohol content. The law enforcement must be able to present a reasonable cause for stopping you and testing blood alcohol content. There are well laid procedures or protocols that the police must follow. If any procedure was violated or not followed, then there is reason for the defendant to request for dismissal of the case. A defendant may also contest the blood alcohol content, if it was 0.08% or more. 

It is possible to get cases dismissed at the hearing so one must always hire an expert San Diego Criminal defense attorney to argue their case. If the civil case is dismissed, the license is not suspended, or the suspension is revoked, then the criminal case is weakened. If any of the statements or charges of the law enforcement gets questioned and the defendant can prove their innocence, then it is easier to get the criminal charge dismissed at the court later.

Santa Cruz County’s Recreational Marijuana Policy

Santa Cruz County’s Recreational Marijuana Policy

Santa Cruz County’s recreational marijuana policy

Santa Cruz County has just recently released a new proposal designed to regulate the harvesting, the manufacturing, and the distribution of recreational marijuana – getting in line with most other California counties that are helping to lead the charge to decriminalize or legalize the recreational usage of this substance

People throughout Santa Cruz County are getting very excited about the prospects that this new legalized industry could bring to the table for the citizens of Santa Cruz County, but are also excited about not having to worry about managing all of the laws, loopholes, and regulations that might be in place in one county, including Santa Cruz Accident Attorneys, but completely the opposite in their home county – making life as a recreational user of marijuana more than a bit of a tough task.

According to this new proposal, both the growing and distribution of marijuana will be regulated and licensed under the exact same County ordinance that already exists as far as the cultivation of this crop is considered. Businesses that have multiple licenses for each step of this industry can now operate on the same property (with a handful of restrictions, of course), allowing for more vertical integration in the recreational marijuana industry which should streamline operations and improve the efficiency and profitability of this kind of endeavor at the same time.

The county leadership members that have been leading the charge for these kinds of changes are also making another notable proposal, essentially putting aside the Environmental Impact Report in an effort to speed up the licensing process for individual recreational marijuana enterprises.

This could shave months off of the wait time and improve the overall recreational marijuana economy throughout Santa Cruz County almost overnight without having any real negative side effects, according to county leadership.

Some in the county remain a little bit skeptical about the kind of impact on crime that this type of enterprise and industry may have throughout Santa Cruz County.

Residents and citizens have been nervous about a spike in crime but have also been vocal about expressing anxiety regarding the nuisance that these burgeoning enterprises may bring to neighborhood communities and the increase in risk of fire spreading through the Santa Cruz County region as well (especially after all of the drought that Californians have been dealing with for so long).

To help alleviate these concerns, the new ordinances are going to require recreational marijuana growers and business owners to keep all plants and grow lights out of sight, out of mind, and under extreme security – and anyone that plans on growing outdoors will have to have their site inspected regularly to guarantee that they are complying with all safety and security regulations, too.

One of the first counties in all of California to license 12 recreational retail marijuana storefronts, some have criticized the county to be more than a little bit headstrong, stubborn, and slow moving when it comes to licensing and regulating cannabis growers and farmers.

These new proposals are designed to shape and remold this approach, providing growers with the same opportunity to grow and expand their businesses in Santa Cruz County right alongside the commercial and retail operations.

New Laws for California Drivers in 2016

New Laws for California Drivers in 2016

As a California driver, one of your many responsibilities involves understanding the new laws that are coming down the pike. New laws tend to effect large populations of California’s drivers, so it is always a good idea to know what’s going to be on the books for the coming months and years. In terms of new laws for California drivers in 2016, there are several things worth understanding.

New 2016 Traffic Laws for Californians

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has a number of new laws for 2016 Californian motorists. If you want to avoid fines or worse, you will want to be aware of the laws that have changed, the laws that have been introduced, and more.

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For example, upon your first DUI offense, the laws in California will require you to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle. This breathalyzer device will not allow you to start your vehicle, if your blood-alcohol level goes above a certain point. First-time offenders will be required to have this device on their vehicle for five months. Repeat offenders can look forward to longer sentences.

The law has also changed, when it comes to earbuds or headsets. Under the new law, you cannot have earbuds or headsets covering both of your ears, while you are operating a motor vehicle or bike. This law will not apply to those who are working with an authorized emergency vehicle. There are additional exemptions, particularly as it relates to the use of protective, essential ear coverings on the job.

Many of the new laws for California drivers are designed with crucial safety considerations in mind, something long needed to keep the roads safe. A good example of this would be the new laws pertaining to electrically motorized skateboards or electric bikes. The skateboards will now have limited/prohibited use in certain areas, and riders will need to have the proper safety equipment. With bikes, the new law has established three classes of vehicles that you will want to keep in mind. There are additional elements to both of these laws that must be appreciated, such as the law now prohibiting skateboard riders in areas in which the speed limit is above thirty-five miles per hour.

Additional Laws for California Motorists

One new California DMV law for 2016 isn’t going to directly impact you on the road. However, it will prove to be a profound change for many. Of course, we are referring to the new law that states that any Californian who obtains or renews their license will also be instantly registered to vote within the state. However, if you do not wish to be registered to vote, you will be given the ability to choose the opt-out option.

Even so, the move is being applauded by many for working to create a greater body of voters.

There is also a new law that pertains to Transportation Network Companies. In this regard, we are referring to companies like Uber or Lyft. Under the new law, these companies will be responsible for reviewing the records of their drivers. In order to do this, they will be given the ability to utilize a DMV program. In other words, if there is an accident, a violation, or a driver’s license suspension, these companies will now be able to find out, according to San Mateo Personal Injury Attorneys.

Beginning July 1st, anyone who is seeking out an original driver’s license or I.D. card will need to be able to prove that they are indeed residents of the state.

Final Thoughts

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All of the laws above cover many of the news laws that are now on the books for California drivers. At the same time, note that we haven’t covered all of the laws. You may also want to research certain laws in greater detail, if you believe that law is going to play a significant role in your life.

There is a Yellow Alert System that you may want to learn more about. There is also a Silver Alert System that you should check out. Under the Yellow Alert System, the focus is going to be on hit-and-run incidents that end with deaths or severe injury. Through the Silver Alert System, changeable message signs can now be utilized in the retrieval of elderly/disabled individuals who are believed to be in some sort of danger. Development sin the law and technology seldom go hand in hand, but one state is trying their best.

What’s Happening in NorCal This Summer!

What’s Happening in NorCal This Summer!

If you happen to find yourself visiting Northern California for a period of time, or if you are planning to actually move to the region in the near future, one thing is for certain: When it comes to finding things to do in NorCal during the summer, you are going to be quite frankly overwhelmed by your choices.

We couldn’t begin to cover everything in a single article. However, if you want to have at least a rough idea of your possibilities, then there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

Summer Activities in NorCal

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You can find activities in Northern California that you can enjoy all on your own. You can find activities that are designed to be enjoyed with the whole family. You can even find activities that are designed to be enjoyed with that singular, breathtakingly special person in your life.

Here are some ideas to get you going:

• Star-Spangled Fourth: Lights on the Lake: Enjoy one of the greatest 4th of July events imaginable at stunning Lake Tahoe.

• Freemont Summer Concert Series: One of the most important things to remember about Northern California is that free events abound. If you know when you are planning to visit the region, or if you live there, and summer is coming up, look up something along the lines of “Free summer events in NorCal.” You’ll be glad you did. The Fremont Summer Concert Series is a good example of your possibilities.

California State Fair: While this adventure can be a little expensive, particularly if you decide to bring the whole family along, you really can’t beat the rides, atmosphere, food, and special events that are featured at the California State Fair.

• San Rafael Food and Wine Festival: It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that Northern California is home to some of the most varied, appealing food and/or wine festivals/tours to be found anywhere in that entire part of the country. Check out more information on the San Rafael Food and Wine Festival for an idea of what we mean.

• Movies in the Park: You can find movies in the park all over the place. If you love watching films under such settings, look up the schedule for North Natomas Regional Park, which is located in Sacramento.

These are just five ideas. To be sure, you’re not going to have to travel very far to find a whole lot more.

More Things to Do In NorCal

Robinson’s Taekwondo is home to an annual car show. The Mammoth Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate wine and music under a beautiful backdrop. Redwood City Music in the Park is yet another thing that you may want to check out. Obviously, what you can do is going to depend keenly on where you are in Northern California. However, as you are going to discover, getting to the various components that define NorCal isn’t the hardest thing in the world.

Looking for more? Check out the Midsummer Mozart Festival in Berkeley. Grass Valley, California offers the wonderful music of the California WorldFest. If you like beer, take the time to learn more about the Oakland Athletics Craft Beer Fest. The Oakland Triathlon is a great idea for exercise/health fans.

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Honestly, the list can go on for just about forever. Sacramento hosts the exciting, historical REEL Recovery Film Festival around August. Sacramento is also home to the District 2 Multi-Cultural Festival, which is also held during the month of August. Another great August event to check out would have to be the Santa Clara County Fair, which is held each year in San Jose.

Planning Your NorCal Experience

Simply put, no matter what you are looking for in Northern California, you are almost certainly going to find it during the summer. From music festivals, to the opportunity to taste beer, wine, or delicious foods, to unique cultural parades/attractions/festivals, the possibilities will make for a remarkable list. Whether you want to learn about special sports events, free events in Sacramento, or film festivals in Northern California, you have possibilities.

Try to plan as far ahead as possible. Create a budget, if you find it necessary. Remember, that California is known for the freeways, as Elk Grove Accident Attorney discusses, not the public transportation. So plan to either rent a car, or use a ride-sharing company to get around. Keep in mind backups, in case something falls through. If you want to know even more, read some reviews.