Are you facing charges after being arrested for driving under the influence? In California, a misdemeanor DUI charge carries serious penalties. Even though it’s considered less serious than a felony, the consequences can still impact your license, your freedom, and your finances.
However, you’re not alone in this. A Garden Grove DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and what the legal process looks like moving forward. With Los Angeles DUI Lawyer in your corner, you won’t have to go through the legal system on your own.
Instead, you’ll have a legal resource advocating for you every step of the way. We’ve helped thousands of people through situations similar to yours, and we can connect you with a Garden Grove misdemeanor DUI lawyer who knows what you’re dealing with—and how to help.
Understanding Misdemeanor DUI in Garden Grove
In California, a DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating factors present, which can elevate your charge to a felony instead. A misdemeanor DUI means that the offense is considered less serious in the eyes of the law than a felony charge.
However, it still involves penalties such as expensive fines, license suspension, and mandatory DUI education programs. All in all, it is very important to speak with a misdemeanor DUI attorney in Garden Grove to understand what constitutes a misdemeanor DUI.
The Legal Definition of DUI in California
According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More specifically, it is unlawful to get behind the wheel when you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more.
California law also prohibits people from driving if they are impaired by the following types of drugs:
- Prescription
- Over-the-counter
- Illicit substances
In misdemeanor DUI cases, if law enforcement determines that your BAC was 0.08% or higher or that drugs have impaired you to the point where you cannot drive safely, you may be charged with a misdemeanor DUI. However, there are exceptions.
If you have prior DUI convictions, caused injury to others, or are dealing with other aggravating circumstances, your charges might be upgraded to a felony DUI. However, you will likely face a misdemeanor if the following is true instead:
- It’s your first offense.
- No injuries or aggravating factors are involved.
Penalties for Misdemeanor DUI in Garden Grove
Although a misdemeanor DUI is less serious than a felony, the penalties can still be harsh. In California, the following consequences typically apply to a standard misdemeanor DUI conviction:
- Fines: The fines for a misdemeanor DUI can range from $390 to $1,000. This is in addition to other fees that the court may impose.
- License suspension: A DUI conviction typically results in your license being suspended for up to six months. You might be able to apply for a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work, school, or other approved activities during this period.
- DUI education program: In many cases, the court will require you to complete a DUI education program. This program usually lasts anywhere from three to nine months, though it all depends on the specifics of your case.
- Jail time: In some cases, a misdemeanor DUI conviction can result in you facing up to six months of jail time, although many first-time offenders are not sent to jail. Instead, they may receive probation or community service, if not both.
- Probation: It’s common for people convicted of a misdemeanor DUI to be placed on probation, which could last up to three years. While on probation, you are required to refrain from committing any other crimes, and you must comply with conditions set by the court, such as alcohol monitoring and regular check-ins with a probation officer.
Defenses to Misdemeanor DUI Charges
There are several potential defenses that your Garden Grove misdemeanor DUI attorneys might apply. Your legal counsel’s approach will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation. That said, these are examples of common defenses your misdemeanor DUI lawyers in Garden Grove might implement on your behalf:
- Improper stop: If the police officer did not have a valid reason to pull you over, your DUI charge may be dismissed due to a lack of probable cause.
- Faulty testing: Breathalyzers and blood tests can produce inaccurate results. As such, if the tests were not administered properly, the evidence against you might be challenged.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause false positives on breath tests. If you have a condition that could explain the outcome of your test results, your Garden Grove misdemeanor DUI attorneys may use this as a defense.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Today to Connect With a Misdemeanor DUI Law Firm in Garden Grove
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor DUI, you don’t have to go through this alone. Even though the charge is not as severe as a felony, the penalties can still impact your life and have lasting consequences for years to come.
It’s understandable to feel uncertain about what to do next, but we’re here to help. Reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer as soon as possible for resources on how to find Garden Grove DUI attorneys who are ready and willing to assist you.
We can connect you with lawyers who want to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Just remember: you don’t have to go through the legal process all by yourself. We’re here to offer support and guidance along the way.
