Driving under the influence can cause many problems in California. People who are accused of making this misstep need to understand how it can negatively impact them personally, financially and professionally.
Since Napa and Sonoma are known for their wineries and the area is popular with tourists, DUIs are common. Since a conviction carries with it myriad challenges, it imperative to be aware of what they are and to cobble together a viable defense to try and reach a positive outcome. This is true throughout the Golden State.
A DUI can have significant ramifications
When a person is arrested for DUI, they can face a loss of driving privileges, fines and even jail time. This hinges on the circumstances of the arrest, if there was an accident, how much alcohol was in their system and other factors.
During a traffic stop and investigation for DUI, the driver is required to submit to field sobriety tests, breath tests and blood tests if the officer requests it. This is implied consent. Failure to submit can result in a one-year driver’s license suspension.
Those over 21 who register a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or above will be arrested for DUI. The officer has some autonomy if the driver registers 0.05% to 0.07%. Signs of impairment can lead to an arrest for DUI even if they do not surpass 0.08%. People younger can be arrested for 0.01% BAC. Commercial drivers cannot be above 0.04%.
In general, if the driver did not have an accident, did not cause anyone else to be injured and did not have a minor under age 14 in the vehicle, they will be confronted with a misdemeanor. If it is a first offense, they will be fined as much as $1,000.
Their driving privileges can be suspended for six months or more. In addition, they must take part in a substance abuse program lasting for three months. They can even be sent to jail for between four days and six months. If it is a first offense, the court has the option of giving probation.
In some cases, the driver will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. The vehicle will be equipped with a breathalyzer machine. The driver needs to blow into it before the vehicle will start to ensure they have no alcohol in their system. It will intermittently require them to blow into it again to make certain they did not drink alcohol in the interim. For first-time offenders, this might be granted in lieu of a suspension. Those with at least two DUIs within 10 years will need to get the device.
It is essential to fight DUI charges
Not only can a DUI conviction result in these penalties, but it can hinder a person’s ability to work and diminish their standing in their community. Perhaps there are ways to combat the charges. The testing procedure might have been faulty, the officer’s justification for making the traffic stop could have been flawed, or the driver might not have been under the influence at all. From the beginning, it is crucial to have advice on how to proceed with an effective DUI defense.