In school we read about Julius Caesar and the Ides of March, a month named after the Roman God, MARS. Martius was the name of the first month in the original Roman calendar. Along with January, May, and June, March is one of several months named after a god. It was a day that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances and was notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts. The phrase, “Beware the Ides of March,” is the soothsayer’s message to Julius Caesar, warning of Caesar’s death/assassination in 44 BC.
Since that time, the idea stuck that the Ides of March is unlucky or a portent of doom—even if your name isn’t Caesar. The Latin root of “ides” means “to divide,” so ides basically just denotes the middle of the month.
There are lots of reasons to party and drink in March… March Madness, NASCAR, Golf and St Patty’s. However, for CV locals, it also refers to The Indian Wells BNP Tennis and the increased traffic of almost a half million visitors…leading to more DUI/PI incidents.
- “I have to be driving to be arrested for a DUI.”In California, merely being in “actual physical control” of a vehicle while impaired can be enough. This means, asleep in a car in a parking lot, while under the influence, or even pushing a motorcycle because you were drunk, with keys still in the bike etc. It doesn’t take much, such as sitting in the driver’s seat with the fob in your pocket.
- “I’m not that drunk, so I should be okay to drive.”Even small amounts of alcohol can put you at or over the .08% BAC limit. Factors like weight and body chemistry affect impairment, making it best to avoid driving after drinking.
- “Breath spray or pennies can trick a breathalyzer.”Mouthwash and sprays often contain alcohol, potentially increasing BAC readings, while coins have no effect. Officers also conduct a 20-minute observation to prevent interference.
- “A second DUI isn’t much worse than the first.”Penalties increase with each DUI.
- “Eating or showering will sober me up.”Food, coffee, or cold showers do not lower BAC. Alcohol absorption peaks about an hour after drinking, and only time can sober you up.
- “I must comply with everything an officer asks.”You have rights. You can request an attorney and refuse to answer questions. Refusing a breath or blood test, however, will result in license suspension.
- “Underage DUI penalties are lighter.”California’s zero-tolerance policy means any detectable alcohol in drivers under 21 can lead to a one-year license suspension.
- “Fighting a DUI is pointless.”A skilled DUI attorney can challenge evidence, potentially reducing or dismissing charges. Legal defense can make a significant difference in the outcome.
DUI charges have lasting impacts. Understanding the law and making responsible choices can help prevent costly mistakes. If charged, consulting an experienced DUI lawyer is crucial.
DON’T DRINK & DRIVE
Impaired Driving = Drunk Driving
Uber is cheaper than me!
Get a FREE 360 DUI/PI Case Analysis Consultation
You may not need a Lawyer
“If not retained, I will direct you”…honestly!
Remain Silent! It’s not what you said,
It’s what the police/insurance co…thought you said!
They are Not on your side, you are Not in good hands
and your friendly neighbor will Not give you a piece of the rock
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Cut out this card!
GIVE THIS CARD TO ARRESTING OFFICER WITH LICENSE, INSURANCE & REGISTRATION
Upon advice of my attorney, Dale Gribow, I exercise my right to remain silent, until you contact him at (760) 837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com for an OK. He advises, “the VOLUNTARY FIELD SOBRIETY AND BREATH TESTS, at the scene, are OPTIONAL (unless one is on probation). Thus, I elect not to take them. I want to cooperate and am happy to take a BLOOD TEST.”
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5 Star Career Honors: Google, Martindale Pre-eminent/Avvo 10.0/5 Star Superb, reflecting the “highest” confidential peer opinions of Judges and Attorneys by the most respected national legal rating publications for 150 years.
35 Top Lawyer Awards | 9 Man of the Year | 4 Dale Gribow Days | Mr. Charity – recognizing dozens of philanthropic awards. Gribow limits cases and personally answers calls.
