We have learned that a Long Beach police detective has been arrested on DUI charges. California Highway Patrol says that Claudia Lopez allegedly crashed into a bicyclist causing injuries. Police say that she then allegedly caused a three-vehicle accident on a nearby freeway in which one person was seriously hurt.
CHP took the detective into custody. She has since been released on a $100,000 bond. The Long Beach Police Department has placed Lopez on administrative duties and launched an investigation into the incident.
These are serious allegations that need to be thoroughly investigated and dealt with. While we do believe that those who drink and drive need to be dealt with, they should also be afforded every right under the law. This means they are innocent until proven guilty, despite what news stories say before a trial. At Okabe & Haushalter, we are here if you need a DUI defense attorney in Los Angeles.
You need to understand the seriousness of a DUI conviction in California. Not only does a person face jail times and fines, but they can also be required to complete DUI programs, purchase expensive SR-22 insurance, and have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
If there are injuries involved in a drunk driving incident, as was alleged above, the penalties become much more severe. The charges of DUI with injuries can be felony charges and result in prison sentences of up to four years. DUI with fatalities means a person will face vehicular manslaughter charges or murder charges, with a conviction ranging from a year to life in prison depending on the charge.
From the moment a person is arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence, they face an uphill battle. Not only will there likely be a mugshot plastered in the newspapers, but some cases even mean a news story will be written. This is often the case when police officers, firefighters, teachers, or elected officials are arrested. People love a sensational news scandal and they do not care if a person is not guilty. Not only do people face actual jail time and fines, but their reputations are on the line.
If you are facing charges of driving under the influence, we know that this is a confusing and scary time. We also know that this is not a time to try to handle the charges alone. You need to secure a skilled and experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Okabe & Haushalter, you can count on us to work diligently to investigate the charges against you and do everything we can to get you through your case. The ultimate goal is to get your charges reduced or thrown out. We understand that people make mistakes, but they should not define you. When you need a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney, you can contact us today by calling at 310-543-7708 for a free consultation.
