Build A Strong DUI Defense With The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC
At The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC, we can protect your rights in all aspects of drunk driving (DUI/DWI) charges in California, including criminal proceedings and the administrative process of protecting your driver’s license. Our lawyer will thoroughly scrutinize all aspects of the stop and arrest, including blood, breath and field sobriety tests, to expose weaknesses in the state’s cases against our clients.
What Is A DUI In The State Of California?
In California, a DUI charge happens when someone drives a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The law says a person is driving impaired if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. For truck drivers, the limit is .04%, and for drivers under 21, it’s .01%.
DUI penalties in California depend on a person’s criminal record and the details of the drunk driving incident. Some of the consequences include:
- Fines: These can be from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, based on how serious the offense is and past convictions.
- License suspension: A conviction means losing the right to drive, which lasts longer if someone keeps getting DUIs.
- Mandatory education programs: This requires going to classes that teach drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence.
- Imprisonment: Jail time can be from a few days to several years, especially if someone got hurt or died because of the DUI.
These penalties show how serious DUI charges are and why it is essential to work with an experienced attorney when defending against accusations of drunk driving.
A DUI Comes With Penalties Beyond Fines And Jail Time
A DUI conviction stays on your record for up to 10 years in California. So, whenever someone looks at your record, they’ll see the DUI conviction. It might lead to limits on your driving, like having to put an ignition interlock device in your car that checks your breath for alcohol before your car starts. The conviction can also add points to your driving record, and too many points can cause additional legal trouble.
Insurance companies look at your driving record closely to determine your insurance rates. A DUI conviction could lead to raised insurance rates for several years. Some companies might not even want to insure you after a DUI conviction.
Being aware of these consequences is important for anyone facing DUI charges. Not only does awareness of these penalties help you understand what you are up against, it also highlights how important it is to have experienced legal guidance as you try to defend yourself.
How Can You Defend Against DUI Charges?
When people face DUI charges, a common defense is to identify issues with the evidence against them. One common way is to question breathalyzer tests. Sometimes, breathalyzers can give wrong results due to improper calibration, poor maintenance or certain health issues.
Another approach is looking closely at field sobriety tests, which police use to check if a driver is impaired. Tiredness, health problems or bad weather can all affect how someone performs. Lawyers might identify bias in an officer’s judgment or health conditions that makes the test results unreliable.
Also, identifying mistakes during the arrest is a key defense move. Police have to follow certain rules when they stop and arrest someone for a DUI. If they made mistakes, like not telling the driver their rights or doing an illegal search, it can cause the evidence or case to get thrown out. By spotting these errors, your attorney can argue that the arrest was not legal, which might lead to reduced or dropped charges.
Speak To A Skilled San Diego DUI Defense Attorney Today
A drunk driving charge does not guarantee a conviction. The first step to fighting these charges is often a consultation with a skilled San Diego attorney. You can discuss your DUI case with a member of our team by calling 619-363-5146 or reaching out online.