A DUI charge in California can have serious consequences that affect many areas of your life. If convicted, you could face fines and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. A DUI conviction also stays on your criminal record, which can impact your ability to find a job, secure housing, or even get approved for loans.
The long-term effects of a DUI charge can be costly and disruptive, making it important to seek legal help. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has been helping individuals connect with the right DUI attorney for over 19 years. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Experienced DUI Attorneys in Lake Los Angeles Offer Strong Legal Support
The complexities of DUI laws, the potential for severe penalties, and the emotional toll of facing legal repercussions can be overwhelming. In such high-stakes situations, having experienced attorneys by your side can provide crucial assistance in managing the charges you may face after a DUI arrest.
A DUI lawyer in Lake Los Angeles can help with various charges, such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Underage DUI with a BAC of 0.05% or higher
- DUI involving a commercial vehicle
- Drinking alcohol inside a vehicle
A local DUI attorney in Lake Los Angeles understands the intricacies of the law and can help you navigate the various legal processes involved. They can also guide you through the complicated administrative procedures related to your DUI charge, including the DMV hearing that may determine the status of your driving privileges.
What Is Considered DUI in California?
A DUI is when someone operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. Under California Vehicle Code 23152, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Stricter BAC limits apply to certain drivers. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is just 0.01%.
A DUI charge can also be issued even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limits if their ability to drive safely is impaired. This includes impairment caused by illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that affect motor or cognitive skills.
California Considers DUIs a Criminal Offense
A DUI is classified as a criminal offense, and it carries significant legal consequences that can have a lasting impact on your criminal record. This means that a DUI conviction can lead to various penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
The severity of the consequences often depends on the specifics of the situation surrounding the DUI incident, including prior offenses, the level of impairment, and whether any injuries or property damage occurred as a result of the impaired driving.
Misdemeanor
A DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor for a first offense or cases without aggravating circumstances, such as injuries or fatalities. The driver must not have been driving with a minor passenger at the time of the offense and must not have previous DUI convictions within the past 10 years.
Felony
A DUI can be charged as a felony in certain serious situations. This includes cases where the driver has three or more prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years or has previously been convicted of a felony DUI. It can also be classified as a felony if the offense involves an accident that results in serious injury or death to someone else.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI?
The penalties for a DUI in California vary depending on factors like prior convictions, the severity of the offense, and whether any aggravating circumstances are involved.
For a first offense, penalties typically include fines, a driver’s license suspension for a minimum of four months, mandatory DUI education classes, and possibly up to six months in jail. Second and third offenses carry harsher consequences, including longer jail time, extended license suspensions, and higher fines.
A DUI involving serious injury or death can result in felony charges, leading to significant prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Additional consequences may include increased insurance rates, probation, and difficulty finding employment or housing.
Building Strong Defense Strategies
A DUI attorney in Lake Los Angeles who is well-versed in the complexities of DUI cases will protect your rights throughout the process. They will offer personalized legal guidance, helping you understand each step of the process.
Questioning the Accuracy of Field Sobriety Tests
These tests are designed to assess a person’s coordination and ability to follow instructions. Still, they can be influenced by factors other than intoxication, such as medical conditions, fatigue, or even environmental conditions like weather or uneven ground.
Additionally, not all officers are properly trained to administer the tests correctly, and mistakes can lead to inaccurate results.
Questioning the Officer’s Observations and Conduct
Police officers may make mistakes or misinterpret behaviors that they believe indicate impairment, such as slurred speech or unsteady movements. If the officer did not follow proper procedures during the stop or arrest, it could affect the reliability of their observations.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
In a plea bargain, the lawyer works with the prosecutor to reach an agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial.
The lawyer will review the evidence, consider the circumstances of the case, and determine if a plea deal is in the client’s best interest. A plea deal could lead to a lighter sentence, such as reduced fines, fewer license restrictions, or even a shorter license suspension, helping to minimize the long-term impact of the DUI conviction.
Work With an Experienced Lake Los Angeles DUI Attorney
Dealing with criminal charges can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. A skilled DUI lawyer in Lake Los Angeles will protect your rights. Your attorney will examine the details of your case and develop a solid defense strategy.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can connect you with experienced professionals who can seek to dismiss the charges or diminish your penalties. Contact us today by phone or through our online form for help.
