Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious traffic offenses in Fullerton, CA. Individuals may be accused of a DUI after a routine traffic stop or after a motor vehicle collision. The penalties for DUIs can include jail time, fines, and the suspension of your license.
It is vitally important that you get professional help right away if you are charged with a DUI. You can lose your license if you do not set up a meeting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of a DUI accusation.
Attempting to handle a DMV hearing on your own can end in disaster. You will likely also have to face a criminal hearing if accused of a DUI. The Simmrin Law Group can help you deal with criminal charges and your meeting with the DMV. Our DUI lawyers in Fullerton have the experience and skill to increase your odds of winning any DUI case.
Penalties for DUI Convictions in Fullerton
DUIs are harshly penalized by the court system in California. As already mentioned, you can have your license suspended for a first time DUI offense.
You may also face these penalties after a DUI conviction:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 Months
- Fines: Up to $2,000
Individuals who are accused of additional DUIs will face worse punishments, including:
2nd DUI Conviction
- Jail Time: Up to 1 Year
- Fines: Up to $2,500
- License Suspension: Up to 2 Years
3rd DUI Conviction
- Jail Time: Up to 1 Year
- Fines: Up to $3,000
- License Suspension: Up to 3 Years
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you defend against a DUI charge effectively. You have a higher chance of winning your case if you contact a lawyer that has experience winning cases for clients in similar situations.
Driving Under the Influence and Blood Alcohol Content
You may be charged with a DUI if a police officers finds your blood alcohol content (BAC) to be above legal limits. California allows drivers over 21 to operate a vehicle only with a BAC of under .08%. Commercial drivers must maintain a BAC of less than .04%, and minors must keep a BAC of less than .01%.
Police officers often use breathalyzers to measure BAC. You may also be asked to perform field sobriety tests. You may be able to refuse these tests if you are over 21, not on DUI probation, and not arrested. In all other cases, you must perform these tests in order to avoid further legal charges.
You Can Face Other Traffic Violation Charges
DUIs are only one of the actions that can cause you serious legal trouble in Fullerton. You might also be penalized for:
Traffic Infractions
Traffic infractions are minor violations that are not charged as a criminal offense. Police officers often give tickets for traffic infractions such as speeding or running a stop sign. You can also receive a ticket from red-light cameras around Fullerton. Typically, you will be fined if you are found guilty of a traffic infraction.
Misdemeanor or Felony Traffic Violations
Some traffic violations are more serious than others. Criminal traffic violations can lead to incarceration and high fines. There are many common examples of traffic violations that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, including reckless driving and driving on an invalid license.
The penalties for traffic violations also include points to be added to your license. You will receive 1 point for traffic infractions and 2 points for criminal traffic violations. Your license will be suspended if you accrue:
- 4 Points in 12 Months
- 6 Points in 24 Months
- 8 Points in 36 Months
Note that this point system only applies to drivers over the age of 18. Minors can have their license suspended if they get 3 points in 12 months.
Our Fullerton DUI Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
You are more likely to win any traffic violation case if you have help from an experienced DUI lawyer in Fullerton. The Simmrin Law Group offers professional legal advice to any individual facing DUI charges. We can take on your case today so that you’re ready to protect your future. You can call us at (310) 997-4688 or complete our online contact form to start getting the help you need.
Contact us for a FREE consultation about your situation.
