A charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in El Monte can result in serious repercussions for your life. You could end up facing steep fines and time in jail if the courts convict you of a DUI. You could also lose your license to a suspension and be unable to drive to work, school, or other important locations.
Fighting back against a DUI charge can be difficult. The court system and the prosecutors will work against you. However, you do not have to go through this on your own. Getting immediate help from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in El Monte with Simmrin Law Group can boost your defense. Find the legal help you need before it’s too late.
Charges for DUIs and Traffic Violations in El Monte
Your future can be thrown off course if you face a DUI charge in El Monte. If the police stop you and arrest you, a conviction could mean significant consequences. You can also face severe penalties for other traffic violations in California. Depending on your situation, you could be facing accusations related to:
- Traffic infractions
- Criminal misdemeanor charges
- Felony charges if you caused a serious injury crash or fatal accident
DUI and traffic violation charges can lead to fines and time in jail or prison. Each traffic violation also puts points on your driver’s license. Authorities will suspend your license if you accrue enough points. El Monte will suspend your license if you earn the following points:
- 1 Year: 4 Points
- 2 Years: 6 Points
- 3 Years: 8 Points
In addition, you could face an administrative suspension handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if law enforcement arrested you on charges of drunk driving, drugged driving, or refusing to take a chemical test.
You don’t have to face the legal challenges associated with a driving mistake on your own. Simmrin Law Group understands the DMV and court system in El Monte. We can build your case and protect you in and out of the courtroom as you fight DUI or traffic violation charges.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving El Monte, call (310) 896-2723
DUI Charges and Penalties in El Monte
California law considers you to be driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above a certain level. In general, drivers over the age of 21 must keep their BAC under .08 percent to drive legally. There are several exceptions to this rule:
- Drivers under age 18 must have a BAC below .01 percent
- Commercial drivers must have a BAC below .04 percent
While they may first perform a roadside sobriety test, which you can refuse, police officers generally measure a driver’s BAC with the use of a chemical test. Some individuals think they can avoid a DUI charge by refusing the test. This is not the case. California law calls for a license suspension if you do not comply with the test. You can also face significant fines.
A DUI conviction can also lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and time spent in jail. You will face harsher penalties if you have previous DUI convictions. You do not want to face the penalties associated with subsequent DUI offenses. Make sure you have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side to get the legal help you need.
Drug Use Can Also Lead to El Monte DUI Charges
You can also face DUI charges for operating a vehicle after using any mind-altering drug. The most common DUI-drug offense includes marijuana or alcohol and marijuana. While recreational marijuana use is legal in California, you cannot legally get behind the wheel and drive after smoking, vaping, or eating it. The consequences of a DUI-drug charge are the same as DUI convictions for alcohol use.
El Monte DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Traffic Infraction Laws in California
California considers driving mistakes that are not criminal acts to be traffic infractions. There are a number of well-known traffic infractions that you may be familiar with, including:
- Speeding
- Disobeying a stop sign
- Changing lanes illegally
Most people become aware that they committed a traffic infraction when a police officer pulls them over and gives them a ticket. However, red-light cameras in the El Monte area can also give you a ticket for the traffic infraction of disobeying a traffic signal. This could include running a red light, turning right on red where signs forbid it, not coming to a complete stop before turning right on red, and more.
Traffic infractions generally add a single point to your driver’s license. You will likely have to deal with a fine of up to $450 if you commit a traffic violation. Law enforcement could impound your car in some circumstances.
You can generally pay the ticket or go to court to challenge it. Fighting a traffic ticket for an offense you did not commit could keep the points off your license and help you avoid steep fines. In more serious offenses, you could avoid additional penalties, as well.
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El Monte’s Misdemeanor Charges for Traffic Violations
California law treats serious traffic violations as criminal acts and charges them as misdemeanors in El Monte. The court system can hand down harsh penalties if you stand accused of one of these crimes. Some of the most common include:
Reckless Driving
The term reckless driving describes any act in a motor vehicle that shows a willful disregard for another individual’s safety. The following actions are examples of behavior that can lead to a reckless driving charge:
- Road rage
- Daredevil behavior
- Illegal passing
- Excessive speeding
- Racing
If police officers stop you or you are in an accident, and they allege reckless driving, you want to enlist the help of a lawyer in your defense as soon as possible. Our legal team can protect your rights, fight for your license, and help you avoid the harshest penalties that come with a reckless driving conviction.
Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License
You can face serious charges if you drive in El Monte after the DMV or criminal court revoked or suspended your license for another offense. The courts can charge you with a misdemeanor if you drove with a suspended or revoked license for many reasons, including:
- A DUI
- Reckless driving
- Habitual traffic offenses (too many points on your license)
- Addiction
- A mental or physical condition that prevents you from driving safely
You will face different penalties depending on a conviction of this offense. The sentence depends greatly on the reason the previous restricted your license. Generally, you will not face more than six months of jail time and fines of no more than $1,000. Still, these penalties could significantly affect many aspects of your life. If possible, you want to avoid them. Our attorneys may be able to help.
An El Monte misdemeanor traffic violation conviction usually adds 2 points to your license. You don’t have to deal with these accusations on your own. You may be able to avoid some or all these potential consequences. Get help as soon as you can by reaching out to a DUI lawyer from our team. We handle cases like yours frequently.
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Build a Defense Against DUI Charges in El Monte
A DUI or traffic violation charge can lead to fines, jail or prison time, and even the suspension of your license. Simmrin Law Group can offer you expert advice and support throughout your legal battle. Our DUI lawyers have the courtroom experience you need. Contact us today for a FREE consultation so we can go over your options.
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Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form