Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Getting pulled over for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs is a humbling experience, but it can happen to anyone. If arrested, you may be thrown in jail or taken to a detox facility. After arrest, there are two big consequences to face: (1) you will be charged with either a misdemeanor of felony crime of DUI; and (2) the DMV will suspend your privilege to drive. While both the criminal case and the DMV action will affect you, they are handled separately.

In the court system, California Vehicle Code sections 23152 and 23153 govern DUI laws. The law states that you can be found guilty for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, if such alcohol and/or drugs impairs your ability to drive like a sober person, or if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or above. There are enhanced penalties if your blood alcohol content is above 0.15%. If someone is injured as a result of your DUI arrest, the case can be a felony with additional, significant consequences.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may also conduct a hearing to show you were driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and driving with 0.08%, or higher, blood alcohol content. If they demonstrate this, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of four months. You have a right to challenge the DMV proceeding, but most do so within 10 days of your arrest. Thus, it is imperative that you do not delay in contacting the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Jackson Law to defend both the criminal charges against you and the DMV proceedings against you.

Getting charged with a DUI can happen to anyone but will significantly affect your daily life, including your ability to drive, to work, and even your freedom. It is important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Jackson Law to defend you as there are many things to be done to in preparation for court. The attorneys at Jackson Law have handled thousands of DUI cases and routinely obtain excellent results for clients facing all types of DUIs, from first-time misdemeanor DUIs to felony DUIs where the client is facing a lengthy prison sentence. Jackson Law will help you navigate through the court system while advocating solely for your best interests.

If you are being investigated for a criminal offense, or have been charged with a criminal offense, and want to know how to best proceed, please contact the attorneys at Jackson Law online or call Jackson Law at 650-587-8556.