Los Angeles residents probably know that an arrest for drunk driving can have serious ramifications, including hefty fines, possible jail time and the potential revocation of one's driver's license. Currently, prosecutors are weighing whether or not to charge Los Angeles Dodgers player James Loney with DUI. The slugger was arrested in mid-November for allegedly driving under the influence.

On Nov. 14, shortly after 6 p.m., Loney allegedly sideswiped three other cars, causing a traffic collision on the westbound Ventura Freeway near Sepulveda Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. He was driving a 2009 Maserati at the time, and when the other motorists attempted to talk to him, they claim he appeared to be unconscious. An officer with the California Highway Patrol later reported that Loney seemed to have signs of intoxication.

However, that may not be the case. Paramedics rushed Loney to an area hospital following the accident, at which point the highway patrol drew a sample of his blood. The results of that blood test were not available in a news report on the incident, and that lack of information, combined with the seeming reluctance of city prosecutors to press charges, may mean that Loney was in fact not driving under the influence.

Here, it is not unfeasible that the man was struck by a medical condition just prior to the accident. Moreover, it would not be unusual for someone to be unconscious and appear intoxicated following a motor vehicle accident. If Los Angeles prosecutors do decide to charge Loney with DUI, then he will likely seek the assistance of a qualified and sympathetic attorney. Other Los Angeles residents who are up against DUI charges would also be wise to secure the proper counsel in order to mount a strong and meaningful defense aimed at the dismissal or reduction of charges.


Source: Contra Costa Times, "Prosecutors weigh charges against Dodgers' James Loney on alleged November DUI," Dec. 8, 2011