Professional Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Charged with DUI

Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been officially charged with DUI (driving under the influence) stemming from an incident that occurred earlier in the year in Los Angeles. According to a TMZ report, Chavez Jr. was arrested in January after a routine traffic stop in Los Angeles. Officials approached his vehicle and allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol. After taking a number of field sobriety tests, he was booked for DUI. The March 2, 2012 report states that the champion boxer faces three CA misdemeanor charges, including two for drunk driving and one for driving without a valid license. He could face up to a year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. He is due back in court later in March.

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.” To determine if a driver is under the influence, officials may conduct field sobriety tests or administer a Breathalyzer test. In either case, there is the potential for mistakes to be made and for harsh penalties to result from wrongful assumptions.

Anyone facing DUI charges in Los Angeles would be well advised to seek the counsel and guidance of a skilled Los Angeles DUI defense attorney before discussing the incident with the authorities. There are severe consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol in California, and saying the wrong thing to a police officer can be costly. A knowledgeable defense attorney will review the circumstances of the case and help defendants protect their rights.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan have a long history of handling DUI cases in Los Angeles. If you or a loved one is facing drunk driving charges in Los Angeles, please contact our offices at (866) 430-8383 to discuss your case and determine your options at absolutely no cost.