Albert G. Stoll Law Blog

The LA Times reported last week, “Baseball has a long way to go to match the NFL when it comes to embarrassing off-the-field issue…but with six players having been cited for drunk driving this year, the commissioner's office is seeking wider powers to discipline players involved in alcohol-related incidents.”

After reading the headline, “Bud Selig seeks ability to discipline off-the-field alcohol-related offenders,” I remember thinking just how... Read More

These days, the Internet is always buzzing with reviews about the latest and greatest applications for smart-phones.  One that recently caught my attention is called simply, “iDrunky”-- an iPhone app with four sobriety tests that mimic U.S. police officers’ roadside DUI tests.

Although the concept is not at all surprising (especially for those among the college circuit) I found myself wondering just what this new fad is truly about.  The answer was... Read More

Just recently, researchers have claimed a highly creative yet effective way to curb distracted driving among teenagers: capture video of them behind the wheel!  One news report suggests that the answer (for young drivers especially) is surveillance.  Sound strange? Maybe the idea is new to Californians, but apparently not to New Yorkers!    

In fact, exactly one month ago, the New York Times printed a story suggesting simply, a new study found that... Read More

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that Ventura County prosecutors “will look at nearly 300 DUI cases in which the Alco-Sensor V was used.”  Defendants have also already pleaded guilty or no contest in around 157 cases, according to the report.  The main issue with the Breathalyzer, however, remains unclear.    

What we do know is that Prosecutors in Ventura are scheduled to review nearly 300 drunk-driving cases because of... Read More

According to CA.gov, The Highway Safety Act of 1966 gave rise to California's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).  California Highway Patrol's Information Management Division took the lead in developing SWITRS as a means to collect and process data elements from a collision scene.  California's Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and CHP formed a committee to act as caretakers of SWITRS.  Each has a special interest in... Read More

The law of the state where the accident happened determines what reports must be made after a motor vehicle accident.  Typically, reports should be filed with police, your insurance company, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  In California, one may report an auto accident to the Highway Patrol (CHP).  In addition, all drivers involved in auto accidents in California are required by statute to file reports with the CHP or local police department under Vehicle Code... Read More

After reviewing the website, CA.gov - I found the following information helpful for all (especially to those who have families) and would like to share it with readers.  The full page can also be found here:  http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl16.htm.

Most drivers, no matter how carefully they drive, will be involved in at least one traffic vehicle collision during their lifetime.  Your chances of being injured or killed in a vehicle collision are... Read More

Currently, there is no national law that bans texting or using a cellular phone while driving.  Although many states have taken the initiative to create their own laws to address this issue, the problem of distracted driving still runs rampant across the nation.
 
For example, some states have chosen to ban cell phone use altogether while driving unless you happen to be a school bus driver or novice driver.  Currently, 29 states (including D.C.) ban all kinds of... Read More

In a March 13, 2011 issue of the LA Times, Los Angeles police were reported to have joined a growing list of law enforcement agencies across the state in changing policies for impounding vehicles of unlicensed drivers.  This shift was prompted by complaints that illegal immigrants were being unfairly targeted at DUI checkpoints, according to the story.

In fact, the Times reports that for years, activists and some city officials have charged that police are increasingly... Read More

This week the New York Times released a video of a staged accident and shed light on an issue that affects more and more people each year.  The report revealed that those caught on tape this time had previously not been so lucky (i.e. their first attempt at deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another on a Bronx street last summer) did not sufficiently damage the cars.  So the suspects – nine of them spread out in three vehicles – tried again, this time... Read More