| If you're arrested for driving under the influence in the | | | | into a device that measures the breath alcohol |
| state of California, there is a lot of information you | | | | concentration of your breath. If neither of these tests is |
| need to know if you're going to win your case. One of | | | | available, which is not usually the case, a urine sample |
| the first things you should know is that you should hire | | | | can be taken. Refusal to submit to chemical testing |
| an attorney who specializes in DUI defense so that | | | | can result in a license suspension of one year, even if |
| you have the benefit of a qualified legal professional | | | | you were not actually impaired or above the legal |
| on your team. Having someone who is skilled in | | | | BAC limit. |
| handling DUI cases can make all the difference | | | | How to Win DUI in California - Criminal Penalties |
| between successfully defending yourself against the | | | | The penalties for a DUI conviction in California start |
| charges and having to spend time in jail or pay costly | | | | with the first offense and increase as you accumulate |
| fines and penalties. Understanding California DUI law is | | | | additional convictions. For a first offense, you can be |
| an important first step in avoiding DUI in the first place | | | | sentenced to 3 to 5 years of court probation, fines and |
| so you don't need a DUI attorney. If you are unable to | | | | court fees, 6-month license suspension, DUI education, |
| avoid DUI charges, hiring a DUI attorney who is | | | | and a mandatory sentence of 48 hours of jail time. A |
| experienced in handling DUI defense should be your | | | | second offense can result in sentencing of 3 to 5 |
| next step. | | | | years of probation, 18-month suspension of driving |
| How to Win DUI in California - California DUI Law | | | | privileges, DUI education, ignition interlock device |
| The basic California DUI law is that it is illegal to drive | | | | installation, and a mandatory sentence of 96 hours of |
| while you are under the influence of any kind of alcohol | | | | jail time. A third offense is more serious can result in |
| or drug substance. Under this DUI law, you can be | | | | four months to one year in jail, 3 to 5 years of |
| charged with a criminal offense and found to be under | | | | probation, 3-year license suspension, fines and court |
| the influence. In California, it is also considered a | | | | costs, and DUI education. Having a California DUI |
| misdemeanor to drive when your blood alcohol level is | | | | attorney on your defense team can help you minimize |
| above .08%, which is the legal BAC limit in the state. If | | | | these penalties if he or she speaks on your behalf |
| you're stopped on suspicion of DUI, you will almost | | | | prior to sentencing. |
| always be charged with violating BOTH laws. If you're | | | | How to Win DUI in California - Choosing an Attorney |
| driving a tractor trailer or commercial vehicle, the BAC | | | | Choosing an attorney is one of the most important |
| limit is 0.04%, which means driving after even having | | | | steps you will take when you are arrested for driving |
| one or two drinks can be considered a crime. All of | | | | under the influence in California. Because it is a criminal |
| this can be very serious, so you should contact an | | | | offense, you will need someone who is highly qualified |
| attorney to find out how to win DUI in California. | | | | and has a great deal of experience so that you have |
| How to Win DUI in California - Blood Alcohol Levels | | | | the best chance of winning your case. Most DUI |
| The blood alcohol concentration is exactly what the | | | | attorneys offer a free initial consultation so that you |
| term describes. BAC is the amount of alcohol that has | | | | can find out what it will be like to work with them |
| become concentrated in the blood. If you are pulled | | | | before you commit. Once you've selected an attorney, |
| over or stopped at a checkpoint, you may be asked | | | | you'll need to pay a retainer fee so that the attorney |
| to submit to chemical testing. Three types of tests are | | | | can commit to working with you. Your attorney will |
| used to determine your blood alcohol concentration | | | | help you prepare for your case and will represent you |
| level if you are arrested. The first is a blood test, | | | | at any court proceedings. This help is valuable, so be |
| where a sample of your blood is analyzed to | | | | sure to hire an attorney as soon as possible after your |
| determine alcohol content. The second is a breath test. | | | | arrest. |
| When a breath test is performed on you, you breathe | | | | |