Rick Springfield, the singer of “Jessie’s Girl,” has been arrested for drunk driving this past week. According to a news report in The LA Daily News, the DUI arrest occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway near Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu the night of May 1. Officials conducted a field sobriety test as part of the DUI investigation. Springfield also submitted to a breath test. Officials say his blood alcohol content (BAC) was .1 percent.
In California, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08 percent. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” The manner in which an officer conducts a blood alcohol test is significant in such cases. The calibration of the device used for the breath test must also be checked to ensure that the readings are accurate.
California drivers have 10 days to request a hearing from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to have their license suspension delayed until after an administrative review. First-time offenders typically face a four-month license suspension. There are, however, potentially much more serious penalties for a DUI that involves a high BAC. A first-time offense may result in up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,600, undergoing a mandatory alcohol education program, and the required installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on an offender’s vehicle.
The Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan help protect the rights of California drivers. Our reputed attorneys have a lengthy and successful track record of representing those charged with drunk driving and helping them retain their driving privilege. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.