The Associated Press reports that Adrian Pasdar, who plays Nathan Petrelli on NBC’s “Heroes,” was arrested early this morning on The 405 freeway in Los Angeles.

According to the report, his F-150 was straddling two lanes and traveling at 94 mph when California Highway Patrol pulled him over just before 3 am.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says that he was released at around 8:30 am on $15,000 bail.

Pasdar is married to Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines.

Technically, DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. That can mean alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol. The use of the terms can be interchangeable but DWI usually refers more to the severity the drug has metabolized within the offending person’s body.

California DUI / DWI arrests trigger two separate cases: In court, and at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Concerning the DMV case, time is of the essence in responding to the Department concerning the charges against you. Your driver’s license will automatically be suspended if the accused does not request a DMV hearing before the 11th day after being accused. The criminal case filed against California DUI / DWI defendants consists of two different statutes:

The first count, CVC section 23252 (a) focuses on whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that they are “unable to drive their car with the same caution characteristic of a sober person, of ordinary prudence, under the same or similar circumstances.” This is the legal standard for being considered under the influence of alcohol or “DUI” in California courts.

The second count, known as the “per se” charge and CVC section 23252 (b), concentrates on whether the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .08 percent or greater. Whether the motorist seemed to be driving perfectly before the traffic stop or performed with textbook precision doesn’t matter with this count. It is a charge that is based purely on body chemistry.

Convictions for first time defendants can include heavy fines, jail sentences, license suspension, vehicle impounded, ignition interlock device, DUI school, probation, and community service.

According to the August 05, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -2009 Changes to California’s DUI Laws, “Each year, the state’s drunk driving laws get tougher and the punishments more severe. 2009 was no exception. The legislature passed a zero tolerance law for DUI offenders on probation, decreased the blood alcohol content (BAC) level needed to trigger the use of ignition interlock devices and made DUI programs mandatory for those on probation for a “wet reckless” driving charge.” The same clamp down effects every California driver whether you live in Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, or Orange County.

Whatever term you refer to drinking and driving or drunk driving, states are clamping down on these type traffic violations. When you face these kinds of charges, it is no time to handle your case all by yourself. You may need an attorney to help protect your rights. Contact DUIAttorneyHome.com to help you get in contact with a DUI lawyer who can help you understand the subtle differences in the legal jargon of California law

Driving under the influence (DUI), the legal term most commonly used to describe the offense of drunk driving, has been attributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of causing 15,387 of the 41,059 deaths by automobile accidents occurring in 2007. The figure represents 37 percent of the total fatal traffic accidents throughout the United States. The NHTSA says, “A motor vehicle crash is considered to be alcohol-related if at least one driver involved in the crash is determined to have had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 gram per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Thus, any fatality that occurs in an alcohol-related crash is considered an alcohol-related fatality.”

In 2007, in the state of California, there were 1,509 deaths attributed to alcohol which represented 36% of the total that were considered traffic-related fatalities. Non-fatal DUI caused accident statistics are even more startling than the fatality statistics, and they include numerous disabling injuries that have occurred all across our land including places like San Francisco, San Mateo, Oakland, and Marin, California.

It is true what some say, it does not pay to drink and drive. With these startling statistics, is there any wonder states are cracking down on the people who drive while drinking? Across the nation, depending on the severity of the traffic violation and including the consideration of a fatality, convictions for drinking and driving can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, and they can bring a multitude of harsh punishments. With a conviction, a person’s record could permanently brand him or her as a life time criminal. The record is often made public to employers and insurance companies.

Traffic laws have been made to protect the innocent because there usually is an innocent party in most traffic accidents. So, if you are facing a DUI related accident in California and have been hurt, disabled, or had a fatality of one of your family members as a result, and you feel like you are the innocent party involved, these types of accidents are too serious and complicated for the average layman to handle by themselves. You may need a legal professional to help advise you on what to do and how to protect yourself. Contact us right now at DUIAttorneyHome.com, and we will help you find an attorney in the area where you live that can help you with your case.