Driving under the influence is constantly in the news, in part because police want it to be that way. Statistics have shown that DUI nationwide is actually down dramatically in the last few decades. But law enforcement continues to wage a public relations battle against the crime, unlike violent crimes such as robbery, assault or sex crimes.
And yet DUI in Los Angeles is a crime that has more ways for a suspect to fight back and possibly beat the charges because it is a crime without exact sciences available to the state.
Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyer Vincent Howard has defended many DUI defendants and these people come from all walks of life. They are teachers, police officers, students and even police officers. That's because it is a crime that doesn't discriminate.
DUI in Los Angeles is something that anyone, at any time, can face. It is not illegal to have a few drinks and then drive, but the situation can turn badly in a minute if an officer makes some observations that can lead to criminal charges.
Certainly no one advocates drinking and driving and drivers definitely must be responsible because a few too many can lead to a tragic situation. Such was the case recently, ABC 7 reports, when local comedian Angelo Bowers was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the corner of Yucca and Vine streets in Los Angeles.
According to police, a driver who was reportedly fleeing another accident nearby with a taxi cab, slammed into Bowers and friend Josh Meyers, who is also a comedian. Police said the 26-year-old was killed from the impact after having recently beaten a bout with cancer. Meyers is recovering from his injuries.
Police say the 21-year-old driver had previously crashed at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue five minutes earlier and had then collided with the car carrying Bowers and Meyers.
The driver's name wasn't released, but police say they intend to charge that person with murder once his condition improves. He, too, was being treated at a local hospital. Fans and friends have since come out with tributes to the comedians life and his work. And while Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney Vincent Howard believes any loss of life is tragic, the facts must still be proven in order for there to be a conviction.
Few details have been released about the driver who is accused of causing the crash, why police believe he was drunk and what proof they have of that fact.
Cases like these are difficult because police must be able to show the driver was operating the vehicle at the time, that their blood-alcohol level was above the state's 0.08 blood-alcohol limit and that their actions caused the accident.
In this case, the accident itself will be the focal point of the case. Either through eyewitness testimony, video surveillance from traffic cameras or nearby businesses should be able to shed some light on what exactly happened.
In cases where one driver is found to have been drinking and driving, it's still possible that the other driver caused the crash. Remember, sober drivers cause crashes every day because of poor driving habits, distracted driving, speeding and other reasons.
That's why when such serious charges are being filed, authorities must make every effort to ensure with great proof that the charges are warranted. Even if an arrest is made and charges are filed, that's just the beginning of the story and Vincent Howard strives to ensure all the facts come out at trial.
If you or a loved one would like to speak to a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles or in any of the surrounding areas, contact HOWARD LAW PC for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-872-5925.
Additional Resources:
Comedian Angelo Bowers killed by DUI hit-and-run driver, by Leanne Suter, ABC 7
