Finding A DUI Lawyer in California
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious offense in California, and it is important to understand the laws surrounding DUI arrests in the state. A California DUI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in California, then getting a top-rated DUI attorney in California is imperative. In this article, we will explore the rate of DUI arrests in California over the past few years and how getting a California DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge.
DUI Arrest Rates in California
According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 124,141 DUI arrests in California in 2019. This marks a decrease from the 127,437 DUI arrests made in 2018. The decrease in DUI arrests is a positive trend, but it is still important to understand the potential consequences of a DUI charge.
Penalties for DUI in California
The penalties for a DUI in California can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DUI in California:
First Offense
- A fine of up to $2,000
- License suspension for six months
- Possible jail time of up to six months
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
Second Offense (within 10 years of the first offense)
- A fine of up to $2,000
- License suspension for two years
- Mandatory jail time of at least 96 hours, up to one year
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
Third Offense (within 10 years of the first offense)
- A fine of up to $3,000
- License revocation for three years
- Mandatory jail time of at least 120 days, up to one year
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
Fourth Offense and Subsequent Offenses
- A felony charge, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $18,000
- License revocation for four years
- Mandatory jail time of at least 180 days, up to three years
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
It is important to note that these penalties are a general overview and that the specific penalties for DUI in California may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
California DUI Checkpoints
California DUI checkpoints are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest drunk drivers or drugged drivers. While these checkpoints play a role in public safety, they also present certain risks for drivers. Engaging a top-rated DUI attorney in California can be crucial in navigating the complexities of a DUI arrest at a DUI checkpoint in California. Let’s look at the risks associated with California DUI checkpoints and how a top-rated DUI attorney can help.
DUI Checkpoints in California
California is one of the most aggressive of all states in the USA that allow driving under the influence checkpoints, for finding drunk drivers. With nearly 40 million people in CA, monthly searches like “DUI checkpoints Los Angeles”, DUI checkpoints orange county”, “DUI checkpoint San Diego”, and “DUI checkpoints Sacramento” are searched by motorists who consume alcohol over 6000 times monthly. With this type of online search, it is no surprise that mobile phone users nationwide have found one or more checkpoint apps by searching on their mobile devices for “checkpoints near me” or “DUI checkpoint locations.”
Are DUI Checkpoints in California Legal?
DUI checkpoints in California often raise Fourth Amendment issues related to illegal searches and seizures. The constitutionality of these checkpoints depends on various factors, including location, publicity, and procedure.
Innocent drivers may be stopped and questioned at checkpoints, leading to delays, anxiety, and a feeling of invasion of privacy. Additionally, field sobriety tests and breathalyzers may sometimes lead to false positives, potentially resulting in wrongful arrests. Checkpoints may also create pressure on drivers, leading to nervous behavior that may be misinterpreted as guilt.
Can A California DUI Checkpoint Arrest Be Beaten?
Expert DUI lawyers are familiar with the limitations and potential inaccuracies of field sobriety tests and breathalyzers. They may question the validity of the tests, the qualifications of the personnel administering them, or the test equipment’s calibration.
An arrest from a DUI checkpoint in California may lead to a license suspension. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can represent you at DMV appeal hearings and work to preserve your driver’s license.
The Problem With DUI Checkpoints in California
DUI checkpoints in California represent a well-intentioned but sometimes problematic approach to identifying and arresting impaired drivers. The risks range from potential constitutional violations to the impact on innocent drivers and the possibility of inaccurate tests.
How a California DUI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DUI Charge
One of the main ways that a California DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge is by challenging the evidence against you. This may include challenging the results of field sobriety tests, challenging the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test, or arguing that the police did not have probable cause to stop you in the first place.
It is important to remember that time is of the essence when it comes to DUI charges in California. If you have been charged with a DUI, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to contest your license suspension. Additionally, it is essential to contact a California DUI lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense and ensuring you have the best possible chances of beating a DUI charge in California.
If you have been charged with a DUI in California, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced California DUI lawyer. An experienced California DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to help you beat your DUI charge.
More California DUI Resources
If you need a DUI lawyer in a specific California city, we have your answers. We have listings for DUI lawyers in cities all across California. Read our helpful and informative articles below to find a DUI lawyer near you. Also, you can call 1-888-839-4384 anytime for a free consultation.
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