Don’t get caught driving under this influence this holiday.
This year, Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, giving patriotic Americans throughout California the chance to celebrate for several days. Whether you plan to attend a parade, a picnic or cookout, or go to a party, if your plans involve alcohol or any controlled substance, you may be at risk for a California driving under the influence (DUI) charge.
As an Orange County DUI defense attorney can explain, under California law, it is against the law to:
- drive under the influence of alcohol, which means that your physical or mental abilities are impaired to the extent that you can no longer drive as well as a cautious sober person; or
- with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher (or lower, if you are under 21, currently on DUI probation, or driving a commercial vehicle); or
- under the influence of any drugs or the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
The penalties for violating California’s DUI laws can be severe, depending on the facts of the case and whether you have any prior offenses. A first-time DUI charge is typically charged as a misdemeanor, and can result penalties of up to 6 months in county jail, a fine of up to $1000, a driver’s license suspension of between 6 and 10 months, and mandatory alcohol education classes for 3 or 9 months. According to an experienced Orange County DUI defense attorney , repeat offenses, or cases that involve more serious facts, such as if a person was injured as a result of your drunk or drugged driving, may result in felony DUI charges.
Given the seriousness of the consequences for a California DUI — and the potential for others to be harm if you drive while under the influence — it is vital that all Californians avoid getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking or using drugs (including marijuana). This is especially important on holidays like the Fourth of July, where the weather is hot, and many other people may also be indulging in alcohol — making the roads all the more dangerous.
If you do plan on drinking this Fourth of July, here are some tips on how you can be safer:
- Be smart: pace your drinking, and be sure to eat and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Remember that the heat can dehydrate you, so the alcohol may have a greater impact than it normally would on your system.
- Plan ahead: the best bet is to have a designated driver if you intend to drink. Otherwise, get an Uber, Lyft, or taxi, or stay overnight at your host’s house or at a hotel. The cost of any of these options is FAR less expensive than what a DUI will cost you.
If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Chambers Law Firm can help. Our team of experienced professionals, including a former prosecutor, understands the system and how to get the best possible results. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with an Orange County DUI defense attorney.
