December 2022 eNewsletter Issue no. 76
TOP 10 (Out of Court) Moments for LOODPS in 2022
We have been so blessed to have been able to have another year helping so many people regain control of their future when facing criminal charges. While we have certainly had a significant number of wins inside the courtroom for our clients, we also wanted to share our Top 10 Moments from 2022 outside a courtroom.  
No. 10
November 17: San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Event
For the second straight year, Ally Keegan was honored as a Finalist for a Woman of the Year recognition. The Firm came out in numbers to support and celebrate Ally and all the other inspirational women in attendance.
No. 9
December 16: Opening Night at The Nutcracker
The Firm came together in support of Golden State Ballet Academy and was front row center for opening night of the holiday classic at the San Diego Civic Theatre. 
No. 8
November 10: San Diego Attorney Alliance Event Benefitting Second Chance
One of our strongest community relationships is with Second Chance Program, whose mission the past 30 years has been to disrupt the cycle of incarceration and poverty by helping people find their way to self-sufficiency. We tri-hosted an event at Coasterra, with two other firms and co-founding members of the San Diego Attorney Alliance, where we were able to raise some money and awareness for an organization David Shapiro has been involved with since 2007. 
No. 7
May 16: Andre Reed Golf Tournament Sponsorship 
Despite having both lived in Buffalo in a former life, it took a Leukemia & Lymphoma Fundraiser for David Shapiro and NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed to connect. Most recently, the Firm was a sponsor at Andre’s 2022 Celebrity Golf Tournament at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, which benefitted the Andre Reed Foundation, whose mission is to enable underprivileged children to reach their full potential and become responsible contributors to their communities. We had a great day on the course, sharing a tee box with Poki Poki Encinitas, and handing out LOODPS swag to some new friends. 
No. 6
June 2: Coach Rob Mendez Event at Carte Hotel
While we were blessed in 2022 to have come across many great people, few have had as great of an impact on our team as 2019 ESPY Award Winner for Perseverance Coach Rob Mendez. Many people look at Rob and see limitations, yet Rob sees an opportunity: An opportunity to change the way people perceive physical disability. Some questioned why a criminal defense law firm would host a fundraising event for Coach Rob? Our response was then, and remains now: #WhoSaysWeCant
No. 5
November 14: SD500 List Published by the San Diego Business Journal
Admittedly sooner than even he imagined, it was quite an honor when David Shapiro was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in San Diego. For 2023, under David’s leadership, the Firm will look to build upon its reach in continuing to create an everlasting impact to the San Diego community beyond criminal defense.  
No. 4
December 2: LOODPS at the SD Gulls Game
Our team was graciously welcomed by San Diego’s American Hockey League Team, the San Diego Gulls, on December 2 at Pechanga Arena. Liann Sabatini rode on the Zamboni in between periods, Gulliver the Gulls mascot freaked out Ally Keegan when he paid us a visit in the Perch suite, and the LOODPS team was welcomed onto the ice for a post-game photo.
No. 3
October 2: Camp Vaden
Far more than a world champion boxer and consultant to the Firm since 2020, Paul Vaden is an all-around great human. We all learned a thing or two at this year’s Camp Vaden, where Paul put us through a team building boxing workout at Old School Boxing and Fitness Center. 
No. 2
February/August/November: New Additions to the LOODPS Family
Many people say you shouldn't refer to your law firm as a “family,” preferring to use the term “team.” 2022 brought new faces to the LOODPS family and we are thrilled they are with us as we wrap up 2022 and embark on the next chapter of the Firm’s growth and reach in 2023.
No. 1
September 7: BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
While being the only law firm finalist, and perhaps the first ever San Diego criminal defense law firm finalist, was quite an honor, winning the 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics is a recognition we cannot be prouder of.
How You Can be Charged with DUI Murder
in San Diego & What to Do About it if You Are
When someone is charged with murder after allegedly committing a DUI, the person charged often asks how he or she could be facing a murder charge. After all, it is apparent that there was no intent to take someone’s life, and the death was clearly the result of an accident. In this video, Managing Partner David P. Shapiro explains a prosecutor’s rationale behind charging an individual with DUI murder, and suggests the appropriate steps to take in order to protect your interests if you are facing such a charge.

David explains that the prosecution’s theory in a DUI murder case is that the defendant drove while intoxicated, was aware of the risks attendant in doing so, and recklessly disregarded those risks, leading to the death of another. And that is essentially what needs to be proven in order to be convicted of second degree murder. David also notes that if you have a prior conviction for, among other things, DUI, you will be shown (and asked to initial) a “Watson advisal.” It is a written warning that puts you on notice, assuming you did not already know, that driving under the influence is dangerous to human life, and if you do so and someone is killed, you can be charged with murder.

If you find yourself detained or arrested after a DUI-related fatality, the police will want evidence that you were aware of the risk, whether through a prior conviction, having attended a DUI program or MADD meeting, or simply knowing that driving under the influence can lead to a fatal car crash. In addition to asking you questions about what alcohol and/or drugs you have in your blood, law enforcement frequently asks suspected DUI fatality drivers about their knowledge of DUIs and their dangers. Don’t make their job easier and your case worse. Politely refuse to answer any and all questions from law enforcement, unequivocally tell them you want to speak to a lawyer, and retain the services of a quality, locally experienced, criminal defense firm, whether ours or one of the very small handful of firms in San Diego who can represent you at a comparable level. We are one phone call away and can be reached at (619) 295-3555.
3500 Fifth Ave., Suite 304
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-295-3555
Contact Us 24/7
This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. Our attorneys are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.