Have you been arrested for DUI in California? If so, then it’s important for you to know about the potential penalties. California has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country, so you want to prevent getting convicted of a DUI as much as you possibly can.
What is a DUI?
Legally, in California and other states, a DUI results anytime a driver is found to have a blood alcohol level of .08% or above if they are over 21.
If someone is younger than 21, any amount of alcohol in the blood can result in a DUI charge. California has a zero tolerance policy for minors who drive after drinking alcohol.
It’s also possible to get a DUI as a result of taking drugs. The police officer who pulled you over likely asked you to take a field sobriety test, and along with taking other factors into account, they may have decided to arrest you for DUI even if you didn’t have a drop of alcohol in your system.
False DUI arrests also happen when police officers misinterpret a driver’s normal behavior, a mental or physical disability, or other factors as signs of intoxication.
Is a DUI always a felony charge?
If it’s your first DUI, it’ll likely be charged as a misdemeanor as long as aggravating circumstances aren’t present. However, if you injured someone, you’ll probably be charged with a felony DUI. Even if the DUI charge is a misdemeanor, there are still harsh potential consequences, including license suspension, steep fines, and mandatory class attendance.
If it’s your fourth DUI charge in a ten-year period, you’ll automatically be charged with a felony. If you are convicted, this charge carries the possibility of jail time with it, as well as fines, mandatory class attendance, license suspension or revocation, and other serious potential penalties.
Will I always have a criminal record if I’m charged with DUI?
Not necessarily – if you have a superb DUI lawyer, they may be able to work out a reduction of the charge to a more minor offense. Perhaps it could be changed to a “wet reckless” charge, which would involve much less severe penalties.
Top Orange County DUI Attorney Dan Chambers
So if you’ve been arrested for DUI in California, please know that your case isn’t hopeless. You might not be charged with a felony or even a misdemeanor if you enlist the Southern California’s best DUI defense lawyer, Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm. He specializes in DUI cases, and was recently named a top DUI defense attorney in Orange County.
Free case evaluation
All prospective clients are welcome to schedule a free case evaluation with Attorney Chambers. Book your appointment as soon as possible after your arrest so Attorney Chambers can start developing your solid defense strategy right away. Call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below to schedule your first appointment with Attorney Chambers immediately.
