When you are arrested and taken into police custody for suspicion of drunk driving, it can feel as though the world is ending. Whether this is your first offense or you have faced driving under the influence (DUI) charges before, the fallout that follows a conviction can have a profound impact on your future. Fortunately, when you have a highly-rated Athens DUI lawyer with over 19 years of trial experience working for you, there is no need to panic.
With our Los Angeles DUI attorney handling your criminal defense strategy, you can rest easier. We will do everything possible to challenge the state’s evidence against you and determine which defense options are most likely to return a favorable outcome in your case. Learn more about the possible penalties you could be facing and whether you should consider alternative defense options when you contact our law office to request a confidential consultation.
California DUI Laws are Comprehensive
Generally, under California Vehicle Code 23152, you can be charged with driving under the influence if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels reach or exceed 0.08% or a marijuana DUI, depending on the circumstances. You do not need to be driving the motor vehicle, either. If you are in control of the vehicle, you could still be charged with a DUI.
The number of DUI convictions on your record will have an impact on the extent of the penalties you face. Other factors, including aggravating or mitigating circumstances and how high your BAC levels were logged, could also determine the consequences that could follow if you are ultimately convicted. While the ultimate goal is the dismissal of a DUI case, here is what you can expect if you are found guilty of drunk driving in Athens:
First DUI
Generally, first-time DUIs are classified as misdemeanors. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you could spend up to six months in county jail and be ordered to pay up to $1,000 in fines. You could also have your driver’s license suspended for up to 10 months, be placed on probation for up to five years, and be ordered to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service.
Second DUI
If this is your second DUI, expect increased penalties. You will likely be ordered to spend a mandatory minimum of 96 hours in jail but could face up to one year in jail if convicted. Fines could increase to $2,000, your driver’s license could be revoked for up to two years, and you could be ordered to complete up to 30 months of a court-approved DUI school program.
Third DUI
Third, DUI convictions are still considered misdemeanors, meaning you could spend up to one year in county jail. However, the mandatory minimum jail time increases from 96 to 120 days. Additionally, fines will be increased to as much as $5,000, and you can be ordered to install an ignition interact device (IID) at your own expense.
You will also be designated a habitual traffic offender. Typically, this designation will stand for up to three years, according to California Penal Code 193.7. If you receive any new traffic violations as a habitual traffic offender, you can face enhanced penalties.
Subsequent DUIs
If you receive four or more DUIs in 10 years, your charges will be elevated to the felony level. This means instead of spending up to one year in jail, you could spend up to three years in a California state prison. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for up to five years, and you may be ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.
If your BAC levels reached 0.20% or higher, you could also be ordered to participate in a DUI treatment program. You will receive a habitual offender status and may be ordered to forfeit your vehicle. With consequences this severe, it is crucial to trust in an Athens DUI attorney to help you clear your name of these serious charges.
Underage DUI
If you are under the age of 21, your BAC cannot reach or exceed 0.01%. California is a zero-tolerance state for underage drinking and driving. If this is your first offense, expect your driver’s license to be suspended for at least one year.
Habitual offenders will have their driver’s license suspension increased for longer periods of time. The court could prohibit you from driving until you reach the age of 21 and even have your vehicle confiscated. In some cases, you could also face disciplinary action from your college or university.
CDL DUI
If you carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL), your BAC limit cannot reach or exceed .04%. If you are convicted, fines could reach $1,000, you could spend up to six months in jail if this is your first offense, and your CDL could be suspended for a minimum of one year. If you drive commercial trucks for a living, your Los Angeles DUI attorney can help since the loss of your license could prevent you from being able to provide for yourself and your family.
Implied Consent Violations
All California drivers are assumed to have given their consent to chemical BAC testing when they are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. If you refuse to consent to a BAC test, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your license for a minimum of one year if this is your first offense. Your license will remain suspended even if you are acquitted of the DUI charges against you.
Meet With a Strategic DUI Lawyer in Athens Today for Help With Your Defense
Drunk driving may not be as serious a crime as murder, but the consequences of a conviction can still be devastating. Depending on your criminal record and whether anyone was seriously injured or killed as a result of your impairment, you could be facing stacked criminal charges, which could lead to additional time in jail or prison and other penalties. It is time to take charge of your defense when your future is on the line.
Get help with your defense when you turn to a skilled DUI attorney in Athens to craft the strongest defense strategy possible based on the circumstances of your case. Your dedicated Los Angeles DUI attorney will stop at nothing to safeguard your reputation and protect your future. Complete our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential and 100% free consultation as soon as today.
