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In 1990, she spearheaded a campaign to have scientific evidence of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus eye test admitted in drunk-driving prosecutions. Although the technique had been used by law enforcement statewide for over thirty years, no attorney had ever been successful in obtaining its admission in court against persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. After successfully conducting an extensive evidentiary hearing involving internationally known experts and law enforcement witnesses, Ms. Sahhar was victorious in gaining admission of the evidence and obtained a guilty verdict, which was appealed. Ms. Sahhar drafted an in-depth brief and argued successfully before the 4th District Court of Appeals, resulting in a published opinion binding on all courts in the State of California and providing precedential influence nationwide. Ms. Sahhar was honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the San Diego City Council and the Mayor of San Diego for her efforts.
A 1985 graduate of Beloit College, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Ms. Sahhar received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature. Ms. Sahhar graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1989.
Ms. Sahhar has been admitted to practice in all courts in the State of California and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California since 1989 and is an active member of the California State Bar.
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