A charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in El Monte can result in serious repercussions for your life. You could end up faced with steep fines and time in jail if you are convicted of a DUI. Your license could even end up suspended.
Fighting back against a DUI charge can be difficult. The court system and the prosecutors will work against you. Getting immediate help from a skilled criminal defense lawyer in El Monte 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 are charged with a DUI in El Monte. 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
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. Your license will be suspended 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
You don’t have to face the legal challenges associated with a driving mistake on your own. The Simmrin Law Group understands the 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.
DUI Charges and Penalties in El Monte
You are considered 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% to drive legally. There are several exceptions to this rule:
- Drivers under 18 must have a BAC below .01%
- Commercial drivers must have a BAC below .04%
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. You could have your license suspended if you do not comply with the test. You can also be fined.
A DUI conviction can lead to the suspension of your license and time spent in jail. You will face harsher penalties if you are convicted of a DUI more than once. Make sure you have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side to get the legal help you need.
Traffic Infraction Laws in California
The state of 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 have committed a traffic infraction when they are pulled over and given a ticket by a police officer. However, red light cameras in the El Monte area can also give you a ticket for the traffic infraction of disobeying a traffic signal.
Traffic infractions generally add a single point to your driver’s license. You will likely have to deal with a fine of $450 if you are convicted of a traffic violation. Your car could be impounded in some circumstances.
El Monte’s Misdemeanor Charges for Traffic Violations
Serious traffic violations are treated as criminal acts and charged as misdemeanors in El Monte. The court system can hand down harsh penalties if you are accused of:
Reckless Driving
The term reckless driving can be used to describe any act in a motor vehicle that shows 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
Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License
You can face serious charges if you drive in El Monte after your license was revoked or suspended. The courts can charge you with a misdemeanor if your license was suspended or revoked for many reasons, including:
- A DUI
- Reckless Driving
- Habitual Traffic Offenses
- Addiction
- A Mental or Physical Condition
You will face different penalties depending on the reason your license was restricted. Generally, you will not face more than 6 months of jail time and fines of no more than $1,000.
El Monte usually adds 2 points onto your license if you are convicted of a misdemeanor traffic violation. You don’t have to deal with these accusations on your own. Get help as soon as you can by reaching out to a DUI lawyer with experience.
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. The 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. Call us at (310) 997-4688 or fill out the form on the right to get started now.