Home Improvement Star Taran Noah Smith Charged with DUI

Taran Noah Smith, 27, a child star from the hit television show “Home Improvement,” faces up to a year and a half in jail following a DUI arrest. According to a news report on E! News, the arrest occurred in a Los Angeles suburb. Officials say his 1998 silver Honda was parked in front of a fire hydrant when they approached his vehicle. They allegedly found marijuana in the vehicle, and Smith failed a field sobriety test. He faces misdemeanor charges for driving under the influence and possessing concentrated cannabis.

You do not have to be driving at the time of a traffic stop to face DUI charges in California. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and have control of the vehicle, you may be considered driving under the influence. For example, sitting in a parked car with the keys, or even sleeping in a car that is idling, can result in DUI charges. Having the keys and being inside the vehicle is considered “driving” under the 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.” Even first-time offenders can face years of probation, fines and court fees between $1,400 and $1,800, a six-month license suspension, required DUI school, and mandatory jail time.

The skilled criminal drunk driving defense attorneys in Los Angeles at Sitkoff & Hanrahan have a long history of fighting DUI charges in southern California. If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence, please contact us at (866) 430-8383 for a free consultation.