August 2009 DUI Report | Napa Valley Register

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August 2009 DUI Report

Friday, September 04, 2009

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By Register Online Staff

DUI coverage

November 26th, 2009

DUI arrest in North Napa

November 18th, 2009

Collision leads to DUI arrest

November 11th, 2009

DUI patrols out Saturday

November 6th, 2009

Accident spurs DUI arrest in American Canyon

November 3rd, 2009

October 2009 DUI Report

NEWNapaValleyRegister.com publishes monthly statistics on arrests and convictions for driving under the influence — and so-called “wet reckless” convictions — in Napa County.

Arrest information is from the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. Convictions, names and blood-alcohol levels are from Napa County Superior Court.

Convictions include cases in which the person pleaded guilty or no contest to one or more drunk driving charges, or where one or more such charges resulted in a guilty verdict at trial.

Vehicle code violations considered are: driving under the influence (Vehicle Code section 23152), reckless driving while under the influence (23103.5) and causing injury to another while driving while under the influence (23153).

The blood-alcohol levels provided by the court are based on a variety of tests — some taken at the scene of the arrest or county jail, others through a later blood test — and have not necessarily been proven or admitted in court. It is unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle if that person has a blood-alcohol level of .08 or more, according to the California Vehicle Code.

Names listed are those for convictions/pleas only.

Convictions/pleas: 97

Reported blood-alcohol below .10 or unavailable: 22

Reported blood-alcohol between .10 and .19: 59

Reported blood-alcohol between .20 and .29: 14

Reported blood-alcohol between .30 and .39: 2

Click here to load this Caspio Bridge DataPage.

41 comment(s)

Froggie1559 wrote on Sep 4, 2009 5:23 PM:

" Yay! Nobody I know made the list. Good job people! "

jmo wrote on Sep 4, 2009 6:42 PM:

" Ok I'll start it off.
Nope don't recognize any names.
There are a disproportionate number of Hispanic names...what gives???? "

SouthNapa wrote on Sep 4, 2009 7:41 PM:

" We've got a pretty big list this month. Good job NPD, Napa County Sheriffs, and the CHP! Keep up the good work NVR! "

Manxkat wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:06 PM:

" A person named Boos got busted for boozing? "

martini wrote on Sep 5, 2009 8:38 AM:

" JMO, Why does this suprise you? If you don't need insurance or a drivers license, why would driving drunk matter? "

paranoidinthetrees wrote on Sep 5, 2009 9:05 AM:

" I'm curious to know the ages of those on the list. "

mypoint wrote on Sep 5, 2009 11:32 AM:

" JMO - DUH..new month, same story..month after month after month "

anothervoice wrote on Sep 5, 2009 1:09 PM:

" mypoint, jmo and martini : get yourselves prepared for a lot of critical comments. And the month is just beginning. "

backtoNapa wrote on Sep 7, 2009 8:43 AM:

" Hispanic names really aren't disproportionate if you go through entire list. "

Froggie1559 wrote on Sep 7, 2009 12:19 PM:

" We can look at this list positively: Chances are we won't see the same names again. I hope. "

jmo wrote on Sep 7, 2009 4:21 PM:

" back toNapa;I went thru the entire list and stand by my position when the overall ethnic makeup of our community is considered. "

funnyme wrote on Sep 7, 2009 5:19 PM:

" back to napa,
What do you mean?

jmo,
Careful, I was given a warning to get banned from the site a few months back...even though your remarks seem very logical, now I am 'forced' to look the other way :)

I love statistics! "

Bianco55 wrote on Sep 8, 2009 3:27 AM:

" A little over 3 people per day get arrested some where in Napa County for DUI and the average cost for court fines for a DUI are $2000. $6,000 a day in fines. I hope the County is breaking even with the cost of the COPS, Jailers, Da's, Public Defenders and Judges!

I wonder if those people who got arrested wished now that they spent 5% of their fine on a Taxi or shoot, even have spent 1/2 of their fine and taken a nice limo instead of getting their car towed.

Come on people, think before you drink. "

KK wrote on Sep 8, 2009 11:14 AM:

" Nice. I do not have a DUI but someone with the same name as me is on this list. Someone at a bbq this weekend asked me if I was the same person who was this DUI list. I'm thinking this list isn't such a great idea after all. "

Froggie1559 wrote on Sep 9, 2009 10:02 AM:

" Yeah, that's a bummer, having someone with the same name as you. I guess that's why they usually put the middle names in also, perhaps that helps. But I know there are other women in Napa with the same name as me, I just hope they don't drink & drive. "

realitybites wrote on Sep 9, 2009 11:33 AM:

" This list is nothing more than a scarlet letter - seeking vengence against those who commit a victim less crime. The Register should stop printing this defamatory nonsense - why does someone like KK have to go through having to explain themselves because of your defamation? What about the businesses or individuals who loose income because someone happens to have the same name as someone on the list - is the register compensating them for the mistaken identification / slander? As to the people here who profes to be safer because of this list, I ask yourself who is protecting you from the speeders, cell phone users, texters, stop light runners - where is the list of these offenders in the register? All of these factors are just as responsible for accidents. It's a sad day when our community finds joy in the plight of others who have simply commited a victim less crime. "

Froggie1559 wrote on Sep 9, 2009 12:00 PM:

" We're lucky if there is no "victim" caused by a drinking driver. But I agree that all the offenses need to be addressed, not just the drinkers. But somehow I don't think it's worth printing three people's names who got a ticket for texting while driving. No, they shouldn't do it, and the fines should be really high. But not really noteworthy. "

realitybites wrote on Sep 9, 2009 1:20 PM:

" Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

Punish those who actually inflict injury - Speeders, texters, cell callers, stop light runners are just as responsible for accidents as someone who gets caught in the cash cow DUI laws. "

napabicycler wrote on Sep 9, 2009 3:28 PM:

" I see realitybites must be hanging out with resonator. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 10, 2009 12:25 PM:

" I doubt that realitybites has been hanging around me. At least lately. He just has good perception.

realitybites, you can't talk sense into some of the gossips who hang on the internet waiting for the list to come out so that they can find more people to gossip about behind their back. In fact, if you dare make Edith and Mabel get concerned that they may lose their gossip material, they will come here and talk about you instead. They loves their gossip, and they like it because it makes them feel superior to real people.

KK, I'm sorry for your situation. Even though you did nothing wrong at all, the NVR has decided you must suffer. And it is doing nobody ( other than Edith and Mabel ) any good. The NVR comes out looking cheap and petty, but Edith and Mabel support them and that makes them feel good. Actually, it's funny how many people you can get to laugh at the NVR. I didn't realize it until they started this feature.

I remember when the NVR was a decent paper, and I wonder if they can ever get back to there. Trodding over innocent people and hurting other innocent people is becoming commonplace now. Their lack of compassion is a big turn-off. "

Froggie1559 wrote on Sep 10, 2009 5:17 PM:

" Reason-ator, you've made good points at usual. Thank you for your insite. "

Napa_Citizen wrote on Sep 12, 2009 8:02 AM:

" Oh rubbish! I get so tired of hearing the petty complaints.

Im glad the NV Register prints this list. I think a little public humiliation is a good preventative for you to NOT drink & drive in Napa County. (Unless you want to risk getting caught and have your name published in the paper!)

Don't like it? MOVE "

me2you wrote on Sep 12, 2009 2:01 PM:

" I like the idea of the list being printed, a little humiliation sometimes is a good thing. I do wonder when I read the list (due to the last names) how many people stay here & pay up OR leave CA.!! I would think quite a few split... I hear it's ALOT of $$, you go to jail, loose your license for a year, car insurance goes UP UP UP! Doesn't sound like fun. "

anothervoice wrote on Sep 13, 2009 3:07 PM:

" Commenting to me2you: You made a point about leaving California, which is exactly what my neighbor did about 8 years ago. She got the DUI. Spent the nite in jail and then the expenses came rolling in plus punishments. And you must get a lawyer. She figured it would end up costing about $10,000 (do you know if that is a true amount?) so she packed up and moved to another state and knows she cannot come back here, ever for fear of being stopped by police for anything. I can hear it already ... people saying Good, she is gone. Actually since then, she married and is now raising a family. "

realitybites wrote on Sep 15, 2009 2:55 PM:

" Why are there comment guidelines if the NVR continues to allow people to make personal attacks, rather than address the issue(s)? Perhaps you'll post my comments this time even though I'm not personally attacking another writer.

Personal vengence is no excuse for public humiliation. Those without sin cast the first stone. What blogger here hasn't sped, talked on a cell phone, texted while driving, made an illegal lane change or rolled through a stop sign. So that we can all be safer - why don't you voluntarily print your names in the paper every month so we can stop frequenting your business and look upon you with disfavor.

While your at it, let's also print the name of all the "witches" so we can start a witch hunt . . . and the mob says baaaaaaaaaaa. "

KK wrote on Sep 16, 2009 9:21 AM:

" I had another person at my place of employment "console" me this morning on my supposed DUI.

I mentioned earlier in the comments section that someone in Napa has the same name as myself, and she is on this list.

What's the point of this list Register? I can only imagine how many other people think it's me on this list. "

napagirl76 wrote on Sep 16, 2009 10:18 AM:

" heres a great idea!

if you dont want your name on the list DONT DRINK AND DRIVE! it only takes doing one time to kill someone.

second- if you dont like that the list is in the paper DONT READ IT!

and if you have the same name as someone and people start asking about it make into a joke and have some fun with it i did! I told them i had been out hitting up all of napas hot spots (haha) then stole a car and lead the police on county wide chase it made everyone laugh and they got the point that it wasnt me :) "

realitybites wrote on Sep 16, 2009 11:57 AM:

" Here is an even better idea - stop printing the names of people who commit victimless crimes. Put away your brooms, torches and pitchforks and let's cast off the scarlet letter the NVR has decided to place upon the chest of our fellow citizens. This is suppose to be a community newspaper, not the Star or Enquirer. Let's post the name of every traffic offender so we can all publically humilate ever speeder, texter, cell phone driver, illegal lane changer, etc. Sacrificing personal liberty for safety is wrong. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 16, 2009 2:50 PM:

" I guess it's not good to suggest the NVR is a low-grade publication, although it's not in the Comment Guidelines.

But they can make it pretty obvious sometimes. They do it all the time, but they don't like anybody ELSE to point it out.

This list is the biggest reason I can't take the NVR as serious journalism. And I know I'm not alone. "

checkyourself wrote on Sep 16, 2009 9:28 PM:

" anothervoice - your crime follows you wherever you may move in the US. additionally, the fees of 5-10,000 are little compared to the time, counseling, paroling, getting rides, explaining to friends, family, loved ones, and employers that you have committed an unforgivable crime. this nonsense in the NVR is just a soap opera of kicks for the bored. "

winewoman wrote on Sep 17, 2009 10:23 AM:

" "NapaValleyRegister.com publishes monthly statistics on arrests and convictions for driving under the influence — and so-called “wet reckless” convictions — in Napa County."

These aren't statistics. They are numbers. Actual statistics might be useful, instead of listing names for the sole purpose of gossip and scolding.

How about real statistics, like:
% this year to last year
% this month to last month
% by demographic
% by age
% local versus non local
% change
% first time offense, second offense. etc
seasonality trends

Merely listing names does not promote change. We need to identify the contributing factors and address those. Provide real statistics NVR and perhaps the public might offer up solutions, rather than tongue wagging, snickering and gossip. "

onethought wrote on Sep 17, 2009 10:55 AM:

" Hey Reason-ator--- speaking of unfair!!! how 'bout all the Ediths and Mabels out there that are not gossips! People must be asking them why they feel so superior and love to gossip. They are just innocent victims of their names being posted on the internet in an unflattering way. "

tsgets wrote on Sep 18, 2009 8:10 AM:

" GOOD job local law enforcment and NVR for your enforcement and continuous post of this offense!!! I love it!!! "

TRUCKinDONUTS wrote on Sep 18, 2009 12:24 PM:

" the DUI list is nothing more then vinegar in the wounds of the convicted.
i understand and support the efforts by the police to keep these potentially dangerous people off the road. but is it necessary to post them up on a paper pedestal? they already have court and fines why make it a public matter? "

victoria911 wrote on Sep 24, 2009 7:34 AM:

" If your arrested its Public Information. The public has a right to know, I agree with most of you here..PRINT THE NAMES! As with any other arrest made, the name of the person is printed. It's scary the NVR has to print such a long list. Funny how so many of you find it wrong that they print this list yet I'm sure I will find you posting how disgusted you are with a person who killed a innocent driver or pedestrian because they made the choice to drive drunk...AND, whos name is printed for all he world to see. Many of you do not know but these names are printed but how they were caught isn't! Some where the DUI check points others involved in accidents. So NVR Print away! "

jmo wrote on Sep 28, 2009 10:17 AM:

" Ok so what happened at last Saturday's DUI Checkpoint? "

h3ath3rj wrote on Sep 28, 2009 3:21 PM:

" The question I have is that are our local vendors such as bars, restuarants and stores doing the responsible thing? I meen how many times have we seen a bartender give someone who is obviously intoxicated another drink? Or someone you know driving after drinking and knowing they shouldn't what do you do about it. Keep in mind that half of these people are not thinking if alchol impairs your judgement to drive them it also impairs your judgement to make rational decisions. I do not agree with people drinking and driving but when does enough become enough. The fines I hear a steep and I don't know about all of you but I have only been pulled over once in Napa and was leaving a bar. I was pulled over for a licensce plate light being out. (or at least that was the excuse) Needless to say the situation was very degrating as I was not intoxicated and passed the test and breathalizer with flying colors. I was held up for over an hour. How about my rights they new I wasn't drunk.

Although drinking and driving is a problem in our community I would love to hear about some of the reduction in crim such as thefrt , secual assoult casses saulved ect..... "

keep it real wrote on Oct 4, 2009 1:03 PM:

" Victimless crime? Some of these names may have been in an accident and you don't know that. There are plenty of DUI's that result in an accident with other drivers or by themselves. Don't have a pitty party for people that broke the law and took the chance of risking their own life as well as others. The posting is for the community, you realize what and who are out there taking chances with our lives. Simple lesson Don't Drink and drive and you won't be posted or caught! This is the gilties own fault, not the Napa Register: their a newspaper it's their job to keep us "posted"!We should start posting Dead Beat Dads like they used to in the 80's . They are another group in our community that we should recognize for their heroic behavior!! lol! "

reason-ator wrote on Oct 5, 2009 12:20 PM:

" Edith and Mabel are probably all a'twitter waiting for September's list. It's already Monday afternoon. They might have to make up some stuff to get them by.

DUI may or may not be a victim-less crime. But innocent people whose names appear on this list do not deserve to have Mabel and Edith giggling about them.

What's truly sad is seeing how so many people are so mean-spirited that they enjoy seeing that other people are suffering difficulty. They don't even care if the people are innocent- they still enjoy the illusion that they are better than someone. But really, people who enjoy this list are sad commentaries on life in today's societal mix.

Yes, I'm aware that the people who come here to enjoy other people's misery are in support of this list, just as I'm sure that that there are probably a large percentage of men in prison who feel that forced sodomy should be legal in prison. It's all about the audience as to what they support.

This is real sad. "

realitybites wrote on Oct 5, 2009 1:26 PM:

" Speeders, cell phone users, texters, illegal lane changers, stop sign / light runners CAUSE ACCIDENTS TOO, where is there least KIR? Emissions of gas effect global warming - guess we should start a community witch hunt / bulletin board for people who pass gas - so we can all know who to blame and ridicule and humiliate. Get off the high horse and put away your pitch fork. "

realitybites wrote on Oct 5, 2009 2:29 PM:

" Furthermore, if the NVR publishes DUI convictions, your certain to see a headline if one of them involves any type of accident or injury. Thus, KIR, the list is of victimless misdemeanor offenders. Your "may" argument holds no truth. If someone gets injured at the hands of someone driving under the influence - the NVR will surely let you know. Also, if you want to see who filed for divorce, they print that too. Seems to me it's all about ridicule and shame - but hey, it sells papers. "

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