You can end up in severe legal trouble if the criminal court convicts you of driving under the influence (DUI) in Garden Grove. Convictions for DUIs and other traffic infractions can lead to years of incarceration, high fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. These penalties can affect your everyday life, including your job, education, social life, and more. You do not have to accept them without a fight.
You have options if you face DUI charges in Garden Grove, CA. Simmrin Law Group can provide you with immediate legal advice. Our team of DUI lawyers in Garden Grove has years of experience handling DUI cases for clients in your situation. We can work on getting a better outcome in your case right away.
Garden Grove’s Definition of a DUI
According to the state of California, drivers can legally operate their motor vehicles only if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is below a certain level. The current legal codes state that your BAC must be under:
- .01% if you are under age 21
- .08% if you are a non-commercial driver over age 21
- .04% if you are a commercial driver over age 21
Law enforcement most often measures BAC with a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or a blood test. Note that the laws surrounding the use of the breathalyzer can seem complicated. In fact, you have the legal right to refuse the test in some circumstances. You must complete the breathalyzer and other tests if:
- You are under the age of 21
- You are on DUI probation
- Police place you under arrest
Refusal to comply with a test in these circumstances will have legal penalties. You may hear this called the “informed consent” law or the “refusal” law. If you do not agree to a breath or blood test when authorities require one, the penalties could include a license suspension, fines, and more. The penalties are similar to those associated with a DUI conviction.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Garden Grove, call (310) 928-9347
You Could Also Face DUI Charges for Drugged Driving in Garden Grove
Many people think of a DUI as always involving alcohol. However, California law makes drugged driving illegal, too. Driving after using alcohol, drugs, or any combination could land you in jail and facing serious penalties if convicted. You do not want to lose your license, thousands of dollars, and potentially even your job or degree because of this.
You could use a legal professional on your side who can help you fight the allegations against you and pursue a favorable outcome in your case. Our Garden Grove DUI legal team is here for you, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf.
Recreational Marijuana Use Can Lead to Garden Grove DUI Charge
The most common drug involved in DUI-drug arrests is marijuana. Recreational use of marijuana and related products is legal in California, but this does not mean law enforcement has to allow you to drive while under the influence. They handle these stops just like DUI-alcohol arrests, and the consequences of a conviction are the same.
Garden Grove DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
Get Help Handling a DUI Charge in Garden Grove
It’s important that you get legal representation to deal with a DUI charge as quickly as possible for several reasons. You will only have ten days to set up a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after a DUI arrest. This hearing will determine whether the agency will automatically suspend your license. This is separate from your criminal case, and you could lose your license despite winning in court.
Your case in criminal court will also be stronger if you have a legal professional on your side right away. In some cases, we may be able to present evidence before your arraignment and stop charges from occurring. We build strong defense strategies for our clients to avoid the worst outcomes. We have spent years winning DUI cases, and we’re here to put our knowledge to work for you. This could include:
- Disputing breathalyzer results to protect our clients
- Showing police officers stopped them without cause
- Documenting other issues with the stop or mishandling of the case
- Negotiating for a reduced charge or sentence
Waiting too long to get help can have serious consequences. Even a first-time DUI conviction can lead to six months of jail time and fines of $2,000. You could also have your license suspended for one year. The penalties will increase each time the courts convict you of a DUI in California.
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You Need Help for Any Traffic Violation Charge
DUIs are often the serious traffic violation charge people think of first, but other criminal actions can lead to harsh penalties. You could face legal challenges if law enforcement officers accuse you of:
Traffic Infractions in Garden Grove
Traffic infractions are driving mistakes that are not severe enough to be criminal acts. Law enforcement can accuse you of a traffic infraction for many actions, including speeding, running a stop sign, or breaking the rules of a carpool lane. They can also pull you over and cite you for these infractions.
You may receive a ticket for a traffic infraction. Police officers generally give tickets, but you may also get a ticket from a red-light camera in Garden Grove. This can occur if you run the red light, do not stop before turning right on red, or engage in other illegal maneuvers at the intersection.
If found guilty of a traffic infraction, you will generally face a fine. You will also have one point added to your license. Note that you could face a license suspension if you incur four points on your license in a single 12-month period. When you receive a ticket, you usually have the option of paying it and accepting the guilty plea or fighting it in court.
Misdemeanor or Felony Traffic Violations in Garden Grove
Some traffic mistakes are more serious, and the law considers them criminal actions. Depending on the severity of the action, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. DUIs are an example of a misdemeanor or felony criminal violation. A DUI may be a felony when:
- There was a previous felony DUI on your record
- You have repeated DUIs over the past decade
- There was a minor in the car at the time
- You caused an accident and serious injuries
You could also face serious charges for:
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving on a revoked license
- Reckless driving
The penalties for criminal traffic violations can include incarceration and high fines. You will also have two points added to your license if the courts convict you of the crime. Our attorneys can help you protect your rights, fight the allegations, and pursue a positive outcome in your case regardless of the accusations against you.
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Fight for Your Future with a Garden Grove DUI Lawyer
Traffic violations can severely impact your future. A conviction for a DUI or another serious traffic charge can lead to jail time, fines, and the loss of your license. You can get help fighting these charges right away from Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in Garden Grove. Complete our online contact form or call us to find out how we can help.
We can start aggressively working on your case as soon as you contact us for a FREE consultation.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form