A drunk driving conviction can turn your life upside down. You may face severe fines and prison time, and you might lose the right to drive for a long period. It’s a tough situation, and it can feel overwhelming.
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, it is smart to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You need a Val Verde DUI lawyer who handles complicated DUI cases and understands California law.
You don’t have to wait for the courts to decide your fate. Connect with an attorney who can explain your rights and help you choose the next steps.
What Happens When You Get a DUI in California?
If you are suspected of driving under the influence, you can be stopped by police and issued a field sobriety test and chemical (breath or blood) test. Refusal can lead to a license suspension, arrest, and additional penalties if you have previous DUIs.
In California, the criteria for a DUI is a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% (0.04% for commercial drivers). If you fail a breath or blood test, you will be arrested. While DUI is not an automatic felony, driving under the influence is a serious offense with steep penalties for first-time offenders.
You can expect:
License Suspension
Your first DUI means a four-month license suspension. You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to contest your suspension. If you miss this window to request a hearing or if it doesn’t go your way, you will have your license suspended for at least four months.
Note that the California Department of Motor Vehicles issues your suspension, and this act is separate from any penalties resulting from your criminal charges. To regain your license after your four-month suspension, you may be required to take a DUI education course.
Criminal Charges
A first-time DUI offense is usually a misdemeanor. Still, you could potentially see jail time, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. You’ll face fines of up to $1,000 and three to five months of probation. Any fines or restrictions placed on your license through criminal proceedings must clear before it can be reinstated.
Aggravating Factors
In a best-case scenario, you lose your license for a few months and spend five months on probation. However, depending on the circumstances, the consequences of a first-offense DUI can be much stiffer. Some examples include:
- Injury DUI: If someone is hurt in a crash due to your impairment, you could be charged with a felony and face significant jail time.
- Child Endangerment: If you have a child in the car at the time of your arrest, you may face additional penalties.
If you have been arrested for DUI, contact an attorney immediately. A skilled Val Verde DUI lawyer knows the best ways to win a DUI case.
What are the Penalties for DUI in California?
It is important to talk to an attorney to understand what kind of penalties you may be facing as a result of your DUI arrest. Every situation is different, and the court may impose different penalties depending on your actions.
Here are the typical penalties for the most common DUI offenses:
First-time DUI (Misdemeanor)
- Fines up to $1,000
- 4-month license suspensions
- 3-5 years probation
- DUI education program
- 6 months in jail
Second DUI Offense (Within 10 years)
- Fines up to $1,000
- 2-year license suspension
- 3-5 years informal probation
- DUI education programs
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle
Third DUI Offense (Within 10 years)
- Fines up to $3,000
- 3-year license suspension
- 3-5 years probation
- DUI education
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Required to install an IID in your vehicle
DUI with a Child in the Car
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- License suspended for one year.
- DUI education programs
- 3-5 years informal probation
DUI Resulting in Death or Injury (Misdemeanor)
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to a year in prison
- 4-year license suspension
- Probation
DUI Resulting in Death or Injury (Felony)
- Vehicular manslaughter charges
- Up to 4 years in state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Permanent license revocation
- Felony probation
What Should You do if You are Arrested for DUI?
If you are arrested for DUI in California, it is important to keep your head. Smart decisions here can influence your entire case going forward. Here are a few things to think about:
Keep Calm
When you are arrested, it is easy to panic or let your emotions get the best of you, especially if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly. It is important to stay calm and avoid saying or doing something that will complicate your situation or lead to additional charges.
Cooperate with the Arresting Officer
Be respectful and follow instructions. The police officer is likely feeling some stress, too, so both parties need to de-escalate any tension. Comply with requests to take a field sobriety test or chemical test, as refusing could lead to additional charges.
Remain Silent
If you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent, and it is smart to take advantage of that right. You will need to identify yourself and answer basic questions, but the police understand your Miranda rights. Respectfully tell them you wish to consult with an attorney.
Contact a DUI Lawyer in the Val Verde Area
The consequences of a DUI arrest are harsh. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible means having someone in your corner to fight for your rights. They can advise you on your best course of action and help you avoid many common mistakes.
How a Val Verde DUI Attorney Can Help
An experienced Val Verde DUI lawyer will give you the best chance of contesting your charges and preventing a prosecutor from proving a DUI case in court. They could seek a reduction in penalties or bargain for lesser charges.
When you hire a Val Verde DUI attorney, you don’t have to figure it out alone. You’ll have a partner who understands the law and has experience defending people in your position. Don’t take chances with your future.
Reach out today to Los Angeles DUI Attorney to get connected to the representation you need to put your DUI behind you.
