California imposes severe penalties for even first offenses
If you are charged with a DUI in California, you can expect significant consequences…even if it is your first time being charged with such a crime. Like many states, California takes the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) seriously. As a result, the penalties for a DUI are incredibly harsh — designed to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car after they have been drinking and/or using drugs.
In California, you can be charged with a DUI based on your blood alcohol content (BAC), or based on your inability to drive with the care of a reasonable sober person in similar circumstances. The first type of DUI — known as a per se DUI — is often simpler for prosecutors to prove, as they typically have strong evidence in the form of a chemical test that documents your level of intoxication. Of course, a skilled San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer can often challenge these tests and defend you against these charges.
In California, the legal limit for driving depends on your age and what type of vehicle you are operating. If you are 21 or older and are driving a passenger vehicle, the legal limit is .08 percent. If you are 21 or older and operating a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is .04 percent.
If you are under the age of 21, the legal limit is just .01 percent.
Even for a first offense, there are harsh penalties for a first-time DUI offense in California. They include a mandatory license suspension for a 6 month period. A first offense DUI can also result in a jail sentence of up to 6 months, although an experienced San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer can often negotiate this down to a significantly reduced sentence or probation instead of jail time. First offenders will also be required to pay substantial fines and fees that often add up to several thousands of dollars when penalties are assessed. In addition, anyone convicted of a California DUI will be required to install an ignition interlock device, which requires you to provide an alcohol-free breath sample to start your vehicle and further samples as you continue to drive. On top of these consequences, a DUI conviction requires attendance at alcohol education classes, and often results in community service hours.
Given the potential for severe penalties for even a first-time DUI offense, it makes sense to hire a high quality San Bernardino DUI defense lawyer to represent you if you have been charged with a DUI. A seasoned attorney can not only represent your interests in court, but can work with the prosecutor to attempt to have your charge reduced or dismissed.
If you have been charged with a DUI or related offense, contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com. We offer free initial consultations, where we will explain your rights and options. If you choose to retain our firm, we will aggressively defend you and stand by your side throughout the case.
