An attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
In college, partying often doesn’t seem like a big deal. And much of the time, it isn’t — you go out with friends, have a few drinks, and everyone wakes up the next morning and goes to class. On many college campuses, you can walk to house parties or even to bars, making it fairly easy to avoid the risks of drinking and driving. But at other colleges and universities, it isn’t quite so easy to get around by foot — meaning that you have to drive or get a ride to bars and/or parties.
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge might not seem like that big of a deal. But in California, it is. As a DUI defense lawyer Anaheim, CA can explain, a DUI is not just a driving infraction. It is a criminal offense. If you are convicted of a DUI, not only will you face a host of consequences — like losing your license and possible jail time — but it may even impact your college plans and goals for the future.
First, it is important to understand what a DUI is. Under California law, it is illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. That is known as a per se DUI. It is also against the law if you are impaired to the point that you cannot drive with the care of a reasonable sober person, or if you are under the influence of drugs or drugs and/or alcohol. It does not matter if the drugs in question are prescription drugs or even over the counter medications. If they impair your ability to drive, you could be charged with a DUI.
Second, you should know what the formal consequences of a DUI are. For a first-time DUI, you will likely be facing a misdemeanor charge, assuming that you didn’t hurt anyone and there are no aggravating circumstances. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI, you will face a range of penalties, including losing your license, DUI school, community service, potential jail time, probation, fines, court fees, and possible restitution. If your DUI defense lawyer Anaheim, CA is able to work out a deal, you may be able to have some of these penalties reduced.
In addition to all of this, if you are convicted of a DUI as a college student, you could face other consequences. This may include losing scholarships and campus housing. You might be kicked off a college sports team, or barred from pursuing certain degrees, like nursing. You might also find it difficult to get certain jobs because of your criminal record, such as any position that requires a security clearance or a professional license.
Drunk driving is never worth the risk to yourself or to others. If you are charged on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Chambers Law Firm can help. We will work with you to put together the best possible defense to the charges, and fight for your rights. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a DUI defense lawyer Anaheim, CA.
