You could be severely punished if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Downey, CA. Penalties for a single mistake can include high fines and even a jail sentence. In some cases, your driver’s license can be suspended, making it difficult for you to live your life.
The court handles individuals accused of DUIs very harshly. You can end up facing highly trained prosecutors that are determined to secure a conviction. You can improve your chances of winning a DUI case by working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Downey.
DUIs and Traffic Violations in the Downey Court System
A DUI charge can cause serious problems for you, but it is not the only charge you can face for a driving mistake in Downey. You could be found guilty of a traffic infraction or a criminal misdemeanor if you take certain actions while driving in a motor vehicle.
Any conviction for a traffic violation can result in incarceration in prison or jail as well as high fines. You will also have points put onto your driver’s license if you are found guilty of a traffic violation. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your license if you accrue:
- 4 Points in 1 Year
- 6 Points in 2 Years
- 8 Points in 3 Years
Dealing with a traffic violation charge on your own can make matters even worse. You can get professional help from the DUI lawyers of the Simmrin Law Group. We’ll focus on your unique needs and defend you from the charges you’re up against in the court of law.
Understanding Downey’s DUI Charges
You can be charged with driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is higher than the legal limit in Downey. California uses several BAC limits for different drivers:
- Non-Commercial Drivers Over 21: .08%
- Non-Commercial Drivers Under 21: .01%
- Commercial Drivers Over 21: .04%
If you are pulled over by a police officer who suspects you of driving under the influence, you will be asked to take a chemical test. In some cases, you must take this test even before you are arrested. If you refuse to take the test after you are arrested you can be fined and have your license suspended.
You can face time in jail if you are convicted of a DUI. It is also likely that your license will be suspended, even for a first-time offense. The penalties will grow harsher if you are caught driving under the influence multiple times.
Getting help as soon as possible can improve your chances of beating a DUI charge. You can take control of your future by contacting a DUI lawyer in Downey before it’s too late to build your defense.
Traffic Infractions in Downey
Traffic infractions are mistakes made while driving a motor vehicle that are not serious enough to be considered criminal acts. You can still be fined and you will have 1 point added to your license if you are convicted of a traffic infraction in Downey.
You could be charged with a traffic infraction if you are caught:
- Running a Stop Sign
- Illegally Changing Lanes
- Speeding
- Misusing a Carpool Lane
You might also face traffic infraction charges if there is something wrong with your vehicle, such as a broken taillight. Police officers generally handle traffic infractions by pulling you over and giving you a ticket with a fine on it.
Downey also makes use of red light cameras to deal with certain traffic infractions. A red light camera might catch you:
- Illegally Turning at a Light
- Running a Light
Tickets from red light cameras are considered constitutional by the California Supreme Court. This means that you have to treat them just as seriously as you would a ticket from a police officer.
Criminal Charges for Traffic Violations in California
There are certain traffic violations that can be charged as misdemeanors in the state of California. These acts are generally very dangerous and they can be punished severely. You could be charged with a misdemeanor for:
- Reckless Driving
- Driving on a Revoked License
- Driving on a Suspended License
Reckless driving is a broad term that covers actions that willfully disregard the safety of others. Downey can charge you with reckless driving for many acts, including:
- Passing Illegally
- Racing
- Engaging in Road Rage
- Taking Part in Daredevil Behavior
Driving on a suspended or revoked license is treated as seriously as reckless driving in Downey. You can face fines of up to $1,000 and 6 months of time in jail if you are caught driving on an invalid license. Your exact charges will depend on the reason why your license was suspended or revoked to begin with.
Be aware that misdemeanor traffic violations can add 2 points to your license, which could cost you your ability to drive. You can take advantage of the experience and resources of a skilled DUI lawyer to fight these charges so you can maintain your freedom.
Help Dealing with DUI Charges is Waiting for You
You can be severely penalized if you are convicted of a DUI or another traffic violation in Downey. Make sure that you’re ready to face these charges by working with the expert DUI lawyers of the Simmrin Law Group. We’re here to support you and build your case. Let us go over your options today with a FREE consultation.
You can reach us by calling (310) 997-4688 or filling out the form on the right.