1. It’s Not “Drunk Driving”

The correct charge is Driving Under the Influence (DUI). You don’t need to be “drunk” — you only need a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. In Riverside County, officers will arrest — and the Indio DA may file — at .07. Being “under the influence” can happen after just three standard drinks, though factors like weight, food intake, protein, and timing matter. Many think you must be loaded to be guilty. Not true.

2. One Drink ≠ One Drink

It’s not about the number of glasses, but the alcohol inside them. So, two “glasses” of wine may actually equal three drinks.

  • 12 oz. beer = 1 oz. hard liquor = 4 oz. wine.
  • Many restaurants pour 6–9 oz. wines or 3 oz. shots of liquor.

A teen client once swore he had “just one.” Turned out it was a 16 oz. Costco cup, two-thirds vodka. That’s 12 drinks in one. Even wine “top-offs” at dinner add up fast — count every ounce.

3. Alcohol + Prescription Drugs = Danger (Potentiation)

When your RX says “don’t operate heavy machinery,” it means cars, not tractors. We need clearer labeling so patients understand, mixing alcohol and prescriptions is especially dangerous. This is because of Potentiation — the drug multiplies the effect of alcohol. One drink with certain meds can equal several. Add in illegal drugs, and it’s worse. Today’s marijuana, for example, is often 13 times stronger than the 60s/70s variety. The public rarely realizes this.

4. Repeat Offenders face five years’ probation. Courts may also mandate refresher DUI classes annually until probation ends — on top of DMV and court-ordered programs.

Bottom Line: Don’t Drink and Drive | Impaired Driving = Drunk Driving | Uber is cheaper than me.

Why The Lawyer You Choose Matters

Billboards don’t win cases — lawyers do. Avoid the TV/Billboard, and 1-800 lawyers with jingles. With Jacoby & Myers, one is deceased, as is Larry H. Parker, and the other retired. You don’t need a lawyer — until you do…much like a placekicker in football. Save my number next to your plumber and electrician for that DUI/PI rainy day: 760-837-7500. And note: A DUI is a Felony in Canada, and can bar you from entry. Call me for direction, if this affects you.

CUT & KEEP THIS DUI CARD. Understanding what is Voluntary during a traffic stop, is the Declaration of Independence applied to a DUI

Give this card with your license, registration, and insurance to the officer. Explain, upon the advice of attorney, Dale Gribow, I exercise my right to remain silent until he is contacted at 760-837-7500 or [email protected]. He advises, “It’s not what you say — it’s what the officer and insurance company think you said.” I understand the Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and Preliminary Breath Test (PAS),  at the scene, are Optional- unless on probation…thus, “I Elect not to take them. I will cooperate fully and request a blood test instead.”

About Dale Gribow

  • 37-Time “Top Lawyer” DUI/PI Career Honoree
  • 10.0/5-Star Ratings: Google | Avvo Superb | Martindale AV Pre-eminent/Client Choice Award 2025 | Justia | Nolo | Lawyers.com
  • Awards: Palm Springs Life 14X | 9× Man of the Year | 4× Dale Gribow Day | “Mr. Charity”, recognizing dozens of legal/philanthropic awards
  • Confidentially recognized for both legal ability, and ethical trustworthiness, by judges and peers in the most respected legal directory for 150 years

You don’t earn 37-Top Lawyer career awards without standing on the shoulders of thousands of past clients. I’m grateful to each one. Cases are limited. I personally handle every call — no secretaries, no receptionists, just me.