A top civilian official with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been arrested for driving under the influence after she was found inside her county-issued car passed out with her head on the steering wheel. According to a KTLA news report, California Highway Patrol officers found the female official stopped in the middle of the Foothill Freeway after receiving many 9-1-1 calls.
Officials say the woman was intoxicated with her foot on the brake pedal and her car in drive. A test two hours after her arrest showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.20 percent, which is more than two times the legal limit. The woman apparently had one prior DUI conviction in 2009. She has been placed on administrative leave following the recent drunk driving arrest.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “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.” It is also against the law to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Repeat drunk driving offenders face stricter California DUI penalties compared to first-time offenders. Repeat offenders, if convicted, could face a mandatory jail sentence, lengthier alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs, hefty fines, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, the experienced Southern California DUI defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help you better understand your options and fight the charges. Please contact us today at (866) 430-8383 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.