DUI Defense Attorney in Woodland Hills
Arrested for Drunk Driving? Call Our Firm for a Free Consultation.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to retain an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The state aggressively pursues convictions in these cases, and the criminal justice system can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with proceedings. At The Law Offices of Oscar R. Swinton, we are dedicated to providing you with the top-tier legal services to protect your rights. We will work to ensure that you are fully informed of all your options throughout this process.
Call our firm at (818) 423-5254 or contact us online for a free consultation. Also serving clients in Santa Clarita & Palmdale!
What Constitutes DUI in California?
Under California law, you can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if you are driving a vehicle and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. However, there are also other factors that may increase your risk of being charged with DUI, such as being under the age of 21, driving on a suspended license, or having a child in the vehicle. If you are charged with DUI, you may be facing serious penalties, such as jail time, fines, license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device at your expense.
It is important to note that you may be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is below .08%. For example, you may be charged with DUI if you are driving erratically or if your breath or blood test results are over the legal limit. In these cases, you may be facing a "wet" reckless charge, which carries similar penalties. Those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) can be arrested if their BAC is .04%. Your CDL will also be suspended, meaning you will be unable to work.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in California?
The potential penalties you face for a DUI conviction will depend on the circumstances of your case, such as if there were any injuries or property damage, and your prior DUI convictions. For example, if you have one prior DUI conviction, you may be facing a misdemeanor charge and penalties of up to 6 months in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. If you have 2 prior DUI convictions, you may be facing a felony charge and penalties of up to 3 years in jail and/or fines of up to $10,000.
Other possible penalties for a DUI conviction include:
- Installment of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory attendance of a DUI program
- Community service
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Reimbursement of DUI program costs
Why Is It Important to Hire an Experienced Attorney?
If you are facing DUI charges, it is important that you work with a lawyer who is experienced in this area of law and who understands the complexities of California DUI law. The Law Offices of Oscar R. Swinton has helped clients throughout the San Fernando Valley reduce or eliminate their DUI charges.
If you are facing DUI charges, our attorney can help. Contact us today at (818) 423-5254 for a free consultation.
What Are the Penalties for a Refusal Charge?
If you refuse to take a BAC test when requested by a law enforcement officer, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. If convicted, you may be facing jail time of up to 6 months, fines of up to $1,000, and a driver's license suspension of up to 1 year. However, if you are under the age of 21, you may be facing an additional one-year license suspension.