California DUI Attorneys Doing Whatever It Takes To Protect You
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Drinking and driving is not illegal. As a matter of fact, almost everyone has had a drink and then gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is, however, illegal to drink and drive with a blood alcohol content level that is above .08. If you are arrested for DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in California it may change your life. Although you are not a criminal, you will be treated like one, and you will have to endure the entire criminal process just like anyone else who is accused of a committing a misdemeanor or even a felony in some instances.
Hiring a skilled DUI lawyer to defend you will ensure your rights are protected and that you are not being taken advantage of by the prosecution. Our experienced DUI attorneys will defend you against the DUI charges you are facing and fight to have your charged dismissed or reduced. With drunk driving charges, more than other charges, time is of the essence. Once you are arrested for DUI, you have 10 days to contact the DMV to schedule a hearing before your driver license is suspended. It is crucial for a criminal defense attorney to get involved immediately not only to be there for you in court, but to be there for you when dealing with the DMV
Most people who are charged with drunk driving are being over-charged by officers who write up exaggerated police reports. Although you may have felt confident that you passed the field sobriety tests, the officer’s observation is what is being written in the report. Even if you think you might be guilty, you very well may not be as guilty as the arresting officer claims. Therefore, you need DUI lawyer to fight for you and get you a fair outcome from a hostile court system.
Please contact us, night or day for a free and confidential consultation. We want to talk to you about your California DUI charge and determine whether or not our criminal defense lawyers can help you.
Drinking and Driving in California
The California Vehicle Code covers drinking and driving. Section 23152(a) and 23152(b). V.C. 23152a deals with your state of inebriation during the alleged crime. Basically, it states that it is a crime to operate a vehicle while impaired or if you are not able to operate the vehicle the same way you would if you were sober. V.C. 23152b discusses the alcohol content of your blood. Basically, it is illegal for you to operate a vehicle while your blood alcohol level is .08% or greater. This is determined by a breathalyzer test at the scene or within a few hours of you driving or by a blood test administered at a nearby hospital.
California DUI Penalties & Sentences
The following are the minimum possible sentences for a first time DUI offense: (It is important to note that sentences vary from county to county in all states, and it is best to contact us to discuss in more detail)
- Mandatory 48 hours in jail,
- 12-45 hours of DUI school,
- 6 month driver’s license suspension
- Fines, fees and costs
- 3-5 years court probation
Like any other crimes there are minimum sentencing requirements by statute, and then there are aggravating circumstances that allow the prosecutor for aim for harsher punishments. Some examples of enhancements that could affect the severity of your sentence are:
- Abnormally high BAC levels. Having a BAC of over double the legal limit for instance.
- Speeding at the time of arrest or driving recklessly.
- Driving under the influence with children in the car.
- Being involved in an accident while under the influence. The accident does not have to involve another vehicle.
- Driving on a suspended license.
A DUI conviction can be a permanent mark on your record and can be a huge stress on your life. An aggressive and experience criminal defense lawyer, who knows the criminal drunk driving statutes in California can be the difference in your case. Please contact our criminal law firm any time for a consultation.
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