What are the Possible DUI Charges?

Possible DUI charges include standard DUI offenses, DUI involving drugs, felony DUI, DUI causing injury, underage DUI, commercial driver DUI, and refusal–related allegations.

The type of charges you’re facing will depend on the circumstances of your arrest. Many people panic after getting arrested for driving under the influence because they fear losing their license, paying expensive fines, dealing with jail time, or damaging their future employment opportunities.

However, you don’t have to handle any of these matters on your own. Let a Los Angeles DUI lawyer explain the charges against you, identify potential defenses, and protect your rights throughout the criminal court process. 

Standard DUI Charges Under California Law

One of the possible DUI charges in California is known as a standard misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Prosecutors can charge someone for driving under the influence if they were impaired by alcohol or drugs while trying to operate a vehicle. 

You can also face charges if you were driving your car despite having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. Even though these charges are usually filed at the same time, they are technically two separate allegations under California state laws. 

If you’re accused of driving under the influence, here’s what a defense attorney can do for you: 

• Examine the breath testing equipment to see if it was calibrated properly
• Determine if your blood samples were handled correctly by professionals 
• Figure out if any medical conditions or external factors affected your results

In some cases, attorneys can challenge the timeline between when you were driving and compare it to the point at which you were chemically tested. The gap between those two moments is important because blood alcohol levels can change over time. 

DUI Charges Involving Drugs

Did you know that not all DUI arrests involve people intoxicated with alcohol? In California, it’s possible for prosecutors to file DUI charges against people who are under the influence of drugs while operating motor vehicles.

Here’s what this includes: 

• Illegal substances
• Prescription medications
• Marijuana
• Over-the-counter medications that allegedly impair driving ability

Drug-related DUI cases are especially complicated because there isn’t a universally accepted numerical limit for drugs like there is for alcohol. 

Since there isn’t a number like this in place for drug-related offenses, prosecutors frequently rely on these details to make their decision prior to arresting someone for a drug-related DUI: 

• Officer observations
• Field sobriety tests
• Toxicology reports
• Testimony from drug recognition professionals

With an attorney by your side, you can argue that you weren’t actually impaired when you were driving. Your lawyer can also figure out if the presence of substances in your body was a result of prior use rather than active impairment. 

Underage DUI Charges

Drivers under the age of 21 years old are in a position where they could face unique DUI-related charges in California. The state upholds a strict zero–tolerance approach when it comes to underage drinking and driving offenses.

This means that even a relatively small amount of alcohol in a young driver’s system can result in administrative penalties, if not criminal charges. Underage drivers are also at risk of license suspension consequences through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. 

These are separate from the criminal court process, though a lawyer can help younger drivers understand how these proceedings work.

Other Possible DUI Charges

Here are other possible DUI charges you could face depending on the circumstances of your case: 

• Commercial driver DUI charges
• Refusal allegations in DUI cases 
• DUI with extremely high BAC levels 
• DUIs causing injuries 
• Felony DUI charges 

You don’t have to understand your charges in full before contacting a lawyer who can represent you. Instead, just let the attorney know that you’re being charged with DUI, and your legal counsel can help you explore your options from there. 

How Lawyers Challenge Evidence While Defending You From Possible DUI Charges 

DUI defense cases frequently involve detailed legal and scientific issues. Attorneys may challenge many different aspects of the prosecution’s case depending on the circumstances. 

Potential defense strategies might involve questions pertaining to:

• The legality of the initial traffic stop
• The accuracy of field sobriety tests
• Breathalyzer calibration and maintenance
• Blood sample collection procedures
• Officer observations and reports
• Chain of custody issues
• Constitutional rights violations
• Whether impairment was actually proven

Every DUI case is different, and a defense strategy that works in one case may not apply in another. Attorneys often tailor their approach based on the available evidence and the client’s specific circumstances.

Potential Long-Term Consequences of DUI Convictions

A DUI conviction may create consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Depending on the circumstances, you could end up facing:

• Increased insurance costs
• Professional licensing issues
• Employment challenges
• Travel restrictions
• Probation requirements
• Mandatory education programs
• Installation of ignition interlock devices
• Permanent criminal records

Because the consequences can follow a person for years, many individuals seek legal representation to pursue a favorable outcome.

Call Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to Understand the Possible DUI Charges in California 

If you’re worried about the possible DUI charges you could be facing, you don’t have to try to identify them on your own. Instead, contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you call us, the more time you’ll have to find the right attorney for your case. 

With 19 years in business, we operate as a DUI defense resource. For the past two decades, we have helped connect thousands of people facing allegations of DUI with experienced California attorneys who handle drunk driving defense matters. 

With a lawyer by your side, you’ll have someone who can assist you during DMV hearings, challenge chemical testing evidence on your behalf, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions. Call today to get peace of mind now.