Memorial Day weekend is a time for barbeques, spending time with family and friends, and taking time out of our busy schedules in order to remember those who have fought for our country. The California Highway Patrol, however, looks at it as a time of increased arrests for DUI (CA Penal Code §23152), as numbers for this type of arrest usually go up around holidays such as this. However, despite one crash in San Mateo County at a Hillside Boulevard cemetery that ended the lives of three people, DUI arrests were down this year. Of course, the number only went down by one – the CHP report suggests that there were 166 arrests last year and only 165 arrests this year.
This begs an important question: are officers in the California Highway Patrol looking for people to arrest on DUI charges or do more people actually drive while intoxicated during this particular holiday? In the case of 25-year-old Paul Diaz, whose Ford Mustang ran into another Ford, causing Ruvin Vazquez, Jonathan Mouton, and Rosa Falla to careen into a nearby cemetery, cutting the car in half, there was no evidence at the scene to suggest that either alcohol or drugs were related to the accident. First, it occurred at around 7:30 a.m. and, second, Diaz turned himself into the police.
So, although Memorial Day, amongst other holidays, may be a time during which individuals consume more alcohol, it is also likely that the CHP also allow themselves to assume that many accidents that occur during that particular time frame are alcohol-related when, in fact, they are not.
latest news
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major offense in San Jose. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you might be worried about the future of your driver’s license. Following a DUI arrest, you might be wondering what to do next. Knowing your rights and the next steps can significantly impact the outcome of […]
Navigating the complexities of criminal law in San Jose can be confusing. Many residents often have questions about their rights, the legal process, and the consequences of a criminal charge. Fortunately, understanding these topics is easier with the correct information. At Summit Defense, our criminal defense lawyers are here to help you. Every criminal offense is […]
Being charged with a DUI in California is a serious matter. If you get convicted of a DUI, you spend time in jail, have your license suspended or revoked, and face significant fines and other penalties. A DUI conviction will also appear on your records, which might make it hard for you to secure housing […]