You can face serious legal repercussions if you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Burbank. The court system handles these charges very seriously. A conviction for a DUI can cost you your license. You could also be fined and sentenced to time in jail.
Addressing a DUI accusation quickly can improve your chances of winning in court. You can count on the Simmrin Law Group to take on your case. Our DUI lawyers in Burbank have experience taking on cases like yours and securing wins for our clients.
How DUIs Are Charged in Burbank
You could be accused of driving under the influence after being pulled over by a police officer or after a motor vehicle accident. Many times, the police officer that pulled you over will request that you complete a field sobriety test or take a chemical test to prove that you are guilty of a DUI.
In many cases, you are legally allowed to refuse to take a chemical test or a field sobriety test. Note that you must complete these tests if you are:
- Younger than 21
- On DUI probation
- Arrested
Refusing to complete a chemical test if you are required to do so can lead to serious consequences, so make sure you’re aware of your situation before taking a test or issuing a refusal.
The goal of any chemical test is to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). The state of California considers drivers over the age of 21 to be driving under the influence if their BAC is .08% or higher. Note that there are exceptions to this legal limit for commercial drivers and drivers younger than 21.
Results of a DUI Conviction
Individuals who are convicted of a DUI can face harsh repercussions. Each time you are convicted of a DUI the punishments get worse. Examples of possible charges include:
Fines:
- 1st Offense: $2,000
- 2nd Offense: $2,500
- 3rd Offense: $3,000
License Suspension:
- 1st Offense: Up to 1 year
- 2nd Offense: Up to 2 years
- 3rd Offense: Up to 3 years
Incarceration:
- 1st Offense: 2 days to 6 months
- 2nd Offense: 4 days to 1 year
- 3rd Offense: 120 days to 1 year
The court also requires individuals convicted of a DUI to take part in an alcohol treatment program. You don’t have to risk your future by fighting a DUI charge on your own. Working with a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank can improve your odds of protecting yourself in court.
Traffic Infractions in Burbank
In many ways, DUIs are one of the most serious charges you can face for making a mistake while driving. You can also end up in serious trouble for traffic infractions, which are small offenses that don’t result in criminal charges.
You are likely familiar with many common examples of traffic infractions, such as:
- Illegally changing lanes
- Running stop signs
- Speeding
- Misusing a carpool lane
You could also be subject to a traffic infraction charge if a police officer pulls you over because you have a broken light or if there is something else wrong with your vehicle. While police officers are typically responsible for handing out tickets for traffic violations, you can also receive tickets from red light cameras in Burbank.
Traffic infraction convictions usually require you to pay a small fine. On its own, this can seem like a minor inconvenience. However, each traffic infraction also puts a point on your driver’s license. Your license will be suspended if you accrue a certain number of points.
Understanding Misdemeanor Traffic Violations
Misdemeanor traffic violations are generally more serious than traffic infractions, but not as severely punished as DUIs. These acts can result in:
- Fines of $1,000
- 90 days to 6 months of time in jail
- 2 points added to your driver’s license
The most common misdemeanor traffic charges that we see are:
- Reckless Driving
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving on a Revoked License
Any action that shows willful disregard for the safety of another individual can be charged as reckless driving. This broad definition means that many individuals can face this harsh charge.
You can face charges for driving on a suspended or a revoked license any time you operate a motor vehicle without a valid license. There are many unique charges for driving on an invalid license, based on the reason that you lost your license. However, they all have roughly similar penalties.
Dealing with any traffic violation charge on your own can cost you dearly. DUI lawyers understand how to deal with any traffic infraction or traffic misdemeanor charges you could be facing.
Take Charge with a Burbank DUI Lawyer
You don’t have to just hope for the best if you’ve been charged with a DUI or another traffic violation. Get proactive and find the legal help you need with a DUI lawyer in Burbank. The Simmrin Law Group can take on your case today. Let us detail your options with a FREE consultation.
You can reach us by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.
