After a toxicology test came back negative, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney will not be charged with DUI. As discussed previously on this blog, Loney was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in mid-November after his Maserati crashed into several vehicles on a Los Angeles freeway.

But after the results of a toxicology test, prosecutors were left with no evidence with which to charge Loney with DUI. According to Loney's attorney, "Independent lab analysis reconfirmed that Mr. Loney did not have any unlawful substances or alcohol in his blood."

As California residents may know, a car accident can be very disorienting even if serious injuries aren't sustained. In James Loney's case, medical responders at the scene determined that his symptoms after the crash were consistent with those of a person who had suffered some degree of head trauma, which can result in disorientation and a shaky demeanor. When Loney showed signs of head trauma, he was transported to Sherman Oaks Hospital for medical treatment after the crash.

Too often, police officers are quick to jump to conclusions when a person demonstrates discomfort or uneasiness after a car accident, and that seems to be the case with James Loney. A California Highway Patrol officer reported that the ballplayer had "objective symptoms of being intoxicated or being under the influence of something." However, the toxicology report proves just how mistaken a police report can be.

When Los Angeles residents are charged with drunk driving, they deserve a strong and strategic defense to help ensure that police officers and prosecutors don't overcharge or over-sentence a defendant. Everyone deserves his or her day in court, and the burden of proof should always lie on the prosecution -- not the defendant.

Source: foxsports.com, "Dodgers' Loney avoids DUI charges," Feb. 1, 2012