California’s DUI laws can be complex and confusing. In this section, our attorneys break down the rules and explain the process.
DUI Laws A to Z
California’s DUI laws can be complex and confusing. In this section, our attorneys break down the rules and explain the process.
DUI Penalties
The impact of a DUI conviction can haunt a person for years to come. But a good attorney can often get penalties reduced…and sometimes even get the case dismissed
DMV & Licenses
A good DUI attorney may be able to get the license suspension reduced, or even avoided altogether
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Dashcams are also referred to as Mobile Video/Audio Recording Systems (“MVARS”). These devices are dashboard-mounted cameras used in some law enforcement vehicles to record arrests, and events leading up to arrests.
Depending on the facts involved, a dashcam may help a California DUI case. MVARS may be helpful in showing that:
Please note though, that given the facts of a case, dash cams can also be hurtful to a matter. For example, camera footage may:
California law does not require police to use MVARS. However, if one is used in an incident, the accused has a legal right to view the footage from it.
There are three main reasons MVARS can help a person’s DUI case. These are:
As to this last point, please note these important facts:
Since a dashcam will likely show the defendant’s driving pattern prior to getting pulled over, the footage may indicate that the accused was driving perfectly normal. In other words, it may show that the police had no probable cause to stop the vehicle. And, if no probable cause, any evidence gathered as a result of the unlawful stop may get suppressed.
There are two main reasons MVARS can hurt a person’s DUI case. These are:
As to this last point, consider for example a case in which a defendant wishes to challenge a DUI charge by showing that his Constitutional rights were violated post being stopped. If a dashcam shows that all his rights were complied with, he would be severely limited in bringing his initial defense. MVARS may record facts that disprove certain legal defenses.
Dash cams are not required by law. While some police departments like them, others do not and will not use them.
But, if one is used, California law says that persons accused of a crime can obtain the footage of the dash cam video. Typically, a defendant’s lawyer requests the footage from the arresting department or agency. These entities normally supply a copy of the video/audio and keep the original.
Please note that prosecutors have the right to use MVARS videos as evidence in criminal cases. This means that if a video or audio recording makes an accused look bad, a defendant should anticipate that a prosecutor will use the recording against him. MVARS video can be obtained from police agencies, including the CHP.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.