Driving-Under-Influence Defence Attorney

A DUI in California

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California is a very serious crime. The first conviction can lead to high fines and up to six months in jail, in addition to having your driver’s license suspended. Other serious consequences could also apply, such as installing an Ignition Interlock Device or having to carry SR22 insurance. If you have been arrested for DUI in California, it is important that you have a defense attorney on your side who knows the laws and will pose a superior defense to help minimize charges that may have a devastating impact on you and your family.

Suspicion of DUI

If you have been stopped for DUI, you will be required to take a sobriety test. California follows the “implied consent” law, which means that by having a driver’s license, you are implying consent to giving a sobriety test should you be stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence. There are two forms of sobriety tests available in California; blood or breath. If you refuse to take the test, the consequences are more severe than taking and failing the test. A first offense of refusing to take the chemical test results in a one-year license suspension, while taking the test and having a BAC of .08% or more results in only a 4-month suspension of your driver license.

A DUI Conviction is Serious

A first conviction of DUI can already result in jail time and high fines, and subsequent arrests and convictions may result in even more jail time, higher fines, as well as the following:

  • Suspension of driver’s license—up to three years for a third conviction, and possibility of permanent revocation should someone be injured, or a fourth conviction
  • DUI School—an 18 month program at a school approved by the California Department of Alcohol and Drugs
  • Installation of Ignition Interlock Device—a device which, once installed, will have to be breathed into before the car will start, every time you attempt to start the car

Protect Your Rights

If you have been charged or arrested for a DUI, prosecuting attorneys will use all available resources to ensure a conviction, which carry expensive fines and long-term imprisonment. Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney like David Gonzalez who will pose an aggressive defense to help defend your rights, minimize fines and do his best to keep you out of jail.