Facing a DUI charge can have long-term consequences that affect multiple areas of your life. Penalties include fines, license suspension, higher insurance rates, and possible jail time. It can also damage your reputation, affect your job prospects, and strain your relationships and finances. Work with a DUI lawyer in Lake Hughes to protect your rights.
For over 19 years, our platform has helped individuals connect with experienced DUI attorneys who understand what you are going through. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer knows this is a difficult time, and we will help you get the trusted legal support you need to move forward.
Professional Legal Support From Experienced DUI Lawyers in Lake Hughes
Navigating the legal system can be complex and overwhelming, especially when your future is at stake. Skilled attorneys can provide invaluable support in addressing the charges you may face following a DUI arrest.
Depending on your unique circumstances, a lawyer can assist with a range of charges, including:
- Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol
- DUI offenses involving a commercial vehicle
- Drinking alcohol while inside a vehicle
- Underage DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or higher
A Lake Hughes DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case. They will examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the methods used to test your BAC and whether proper procedures were followed. If there were any errors in the testing process, such as malfunctioning equipment, they could challenge the validity of the results.
How California Law Defines DUI
In California, a DUI is defined as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. According to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful for any driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
The BAC limits are even stricter for specific groups of drivers. Commercial drivers, for instance, have a reduced limit of 0.04%. Additionally, for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is set at 0.01%.
Importantly, a DUI charge can still apply even if a driver’s BAC is below these legal limits if they are found to be unable to safely operate a vehicle due to the influence of drugs. This includes both illegal substances and legal medications that may impair cognitive or motor functions.
DUI Is Considered a Criminal Offense
A DUI is considered a criminal offense in California, and it carries legal penalties that may impact your criminal record. Depending on the circumstances of the case, it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Misdemeanor
A DUI is generally treated as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders or situations without aggravating factors. This applies when a driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%, but the offense does not involve injuries or fatalities. The driver must have no prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years and must not have been transporting a minor at the time of the incident.
Felony
A DUI may be classified as a felony if the driver has three or more DUI convictions within the past 10 years or has a prior felony DUI conviction. A DUI is also charged as a felony if it involves an accident causing severe injury or death to another individual.
When injuries are involved, the charge is considered a “wobbler,” which means it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the seriousness of the injuries and the details of the incident.
Possible Penalties for a DUI
The penalties for a DUI charge in California can differ based on factors such as prior offenses and whether the DUI involved aggravating circumstances. A DUI attorney in Lake Hughes will help you better understand the penalties you may face.
You may be required to serve jail time or be placed in a state prison. Additionally, you could face hefty fines, be mandated to perform community service and be required to attend a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program as part of your sentence. Your driver’s license may be suspended or significantly limited, with only exceptions for commuting to work or essential errands.
Effective Defense Strategies
A local attorney with extensive knowledge of California’s DUI laws and the intricacies of DUI cases will advocate for your best interests. Your lawyer will provide tailored legal assistance, helping you navigate the process and work to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Medical Conditions Affecting Test Results
Medical conditions can sometimes affect the results of DUI tests, and this can be used as a defense strategy. Certain health issues, such as diabetes, can cause a person to have a higher breath alcohol concentration (BAC) reading even if they haven’t consumed alcohol.
Additionally, conditions like hypoglycemia or certain medications may mimic symptoms of intoxication, such as slurred speech or unsteady movements. If a defendant can prove that a medical condition impacted the test results or their behavior, it may weaken the prosecution’s case.
Challenging the Traffic Stop
If the officer did not have a valid reason for pulling you over, such as a traffic violation or suspicion of impaired driving, the stop could be considered unlawful. Without a legitimate reason, any evidence gathered during the stop, including field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, may be inadmissible in court.
Plea Bargain
A plea bargain offers the defendant the opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive reduced penalties, avoiding the need for a full trial. The attorney evaluates the evidence, determines the strength of the case, and negotiates with the prosecutor to secure a favorable deal, which could result in a more lenient sentence.
Hire a Lake Hughes DUI Attorney
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through this difficult period alone. An experienced Lake Hughes DUI lawyer can defend your rights. Your attorney will investigate the incident and build a strong defense on your behalf.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can help you connect with knowledgeable attorneys who can negotiate a plea deal or get the charges dropped. Contact us today by phone or through our online form for assistance.
