Charges for driving under the influence (DUI) are often incredibly harsh. The court system and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Huntington Beach have very strict rules about how people operate their motor vehicles. Individuals accused of breaking these rules can be fined and incarcerated. You can even lose your driver’s license.
The legal team at the Simmrin Law Group has experience helping clients dealing with DUIs. We’ll act quickly to start developing your case. You can rely on our DUI lawyers in Huntington Beach to dig into your situation right away. We’ve successfully defended many clients from DUI charges and we can offer the same protection to you.
DUIs Charges from Top to Bottom
The process for handling a DUI can be complex. We can help you understand:
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
You can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded the legal limit set by the state. Generally, non-commercial drivers over the age of 21 must have a BAC lower than .08%. Other groups of drivers are subjected to different regulations:
- Drivers under 21 must have a BAC of less than .01%
- Commercial drivers must have a BAC of less than .04%
DUI Traffic Stops
Many people are charged with a DUI after a motor vehicle accident or other traffic stop. Police officers who suspect a someone is committing a DUI may use field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests can include walking in a straight line and chemical tests such as the breathalyzer.
Your legal rights allow you to refuse these tests in some circumstances. However, you must submit to any test if you are under 21 or on DUI probation. Additionally, your compliance is required once you are arrested.
If you refuse a legally required sobriety test you may end up losing your license and facing additional punishments.
DUI Penalties
You can end up suffering severe repercussions if you are convicted of a DUI. Note that the penalties for DUIs grow harsher each time you are convicted. Common examples of DUI punishments include:
1st DUI Offense:
- Fines: $2,000
- Jail Time: 6 months
- License Suspension: 1 year
2nd DUI Offense:
- Fines: $2,500
- Jail Time: 1 year
- License Suspension: 2 years
3rd DUI Offense:
- Fines: $3,000
- Jail Time: 1 year
- License Suspension: 3 years
The court can also require you to go through an alcohol treatment program if you are convicted of a DUI. You can increase your chances of avoiding these penalties by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Huntington Beach today. Take charge of your future and get the legal advice you need right now.
Additional Traffic Violations in Huntington Beach
Many people think first of DUIs when considering traffic violations, but you can face additional legal hardships for driving mistakes.
Examples of Traffic Violations
You may be charged with a traffic infraction in Huntington Beach. These minor mistakes aren’t considered criminal acts by the court system. Drivers may face traffic infraction accusations for:
- Illegally changing lanes
- Misusing a carpool lane
- Running a stop sign
- Speeding
Some traffic violations, like DUIs, are treated like criminal actions. These charges may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies. Examples of these serious traffic violations include:
- Reckless Driving
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving on a Revoked License
Tickets for Traffic Violations
Many traffic violations are first addressed at a traffic stop. You may be pulled over and given a ticket by a law enforcement officer. You may also receive a ticket from a red-light camera in the Huntington Beach area. These cameras were deemed constitutional by the California Supreme Court, which means you must treat them seriously.
Traffic Violation Penalties
You may end up facing serious penalties for a traffic violation. Traffic infractions are typically punished with fines, while criminal traffic violations are treated more harshly and can involve incarceration. Note that you will also receive points on your license for all traffic violations.
The DMV can suspend your license if you exceed the following point limits:
- 4 points in 1 year
- 6 points in 2 years
- 8 points in 3 years
A DUI lawyer can help you deal with any charge for a traffic violation. You can get the defense you need by contacting a legal professional today.
A Huntington Beach DUI Lawyer Can Protect You
You can end up paying high fines and spending time behind bars if you’re convicted of a DUI. The Simmrin Law Group knows that you need to act quickly to have the best chances for winning your case. We’ll start giving you the advice you need immediately with a FREE consultation. Our team of DUI lawyers in Huntington Beach will build an aggressive defense tailored to your needs.
Learn more about how we can help by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.