Blog Posts in 2017 Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 29-Sep-2017 How to Challenge a DUI You went out for a couple of drinks and expected to get home with no trouble. Unfortunately, you see a flash of red and blue lights behind you. An officer pulls up to the window and smells alcohol. Now you’re in handcuffs and you’re being ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 21-Sep-2017 What Makes a DUI a Felony? Although a DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, under certain circumstances, it can be considered a felony. If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, it’s important to know what kind of charge you face and what this means ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 13-Sep-2017 What Should I Do if My Child Was Arrested for DUI? As parent, you can never really prepare for a child’s arrest. It can be shocking and overwhelming, but when the emotions wear off, there are going to be a lot of issues and consequences you will have to deal with. How much is bail going to be? ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 7-Sep-2017 What Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) is part of a comprehensive federal law that requires each state to maintain a system for monitoring convicted sex offenders following their release from prison. Sex offender registration is ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 31-Aug-2017 Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer? Being charged with a crime, whether it’s minor or major, can result in some serious penalties and consequences, such as jail time, hefty fines, a criminal record, and lost jobs, among other things. While some legal matters, like a speeding ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 22-Aug-2017 Can I Get a DUI Expunged? After a conviction, a DUI charge will go on both your driving and criminal record. While a DUI in California automatically falls off a person’s DMV record after 10 years, it can stay on their criminal record for life. As a result, it may be ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 10-Aug-2017 How to Navigate a DUI Checkpoint As driver in California, you’ve probably been through a DUI checkpoint at least once in your life. Police departments usually set these checkpoints up on busy weekends when they expect lots of drunk drivers, such as on 4 th of July and New ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 4-Aug-2017 What to Expect at a DMV Hearing What is a DMV Hearing? A DMV hearing is an administrative proceeding regarding your driving priveleges and issues surrounding your DUI arrest. The court trial, on the other hand, decides whether you are innocent or guilty of the criminal act. DMV ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 28-Jul-2017 Am I Eligible to Receive a Restricted License? If you are convicted of DUI charges, you could face a number of serious penalties. However, while jail time, a large fine, mandatory alcohol classes, and installation of an ignition interlock device may all seem harsh enough, perhaps no penalty is ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 18-Jul-2017 What Driving Patterns Signal Intoxication? How can law enforcement tell that a driver is intoxicated without pulling them over? Officers can’t just pull you over at random without a reason to check your intoxication levels; they need to have a reason or suspicion that a crime may have ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 13-Jul-2017 How Accurate are Field Sobriety Tests? If you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence, you were likely asked to take a field sobriety test when you were first stopped by a police officer. The officer probably noticed you exhibiting signs that you were intoxicated while ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 6-Jul-2017 Can Prescription Drugs Lead to a DUI? Did you know that DUI charges don’t just include alcohol? “Driving under the influence” can also include anything that can cause you to be in an inebriated or inhibited mental state while operating a vehicle. While illegal drugs and ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 28-Apr-2017 How to Fight Wrongful Domestic Violence Charges Domestic violence charges are taken extremely seriously by legislators, prosecutors, and law enforcement. As a result, it often takes little more than an accusation based on a supposed victim’s word for charges to be levied and an arrest to be ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 21-Apr-2017 What's Legal Under Prop 64? November 8 th was a landmark day in our state’s history for those who have strongly advocated for the recreational use of marijuana. California residents approved Proposition 64 by a margin of 56%-44%, ending the state’s prohibition on ... Continue Reading Posted By Law Offices of Mark Girdner 14-Apr-2017 Obtaining a Restricted License After a DUI Conviction Having your driver’s license suspended is one of the most feared penalties of a DUI. While fines, jail time, and required classes are one thing, it’s nearly impossible to get around in California without your ability to drive. How will ... Continue Reading