A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in La Palma can have serious impacts on your life. You could face fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver’s license if you are convicted of a DUI. These charges can quickly spiral out of your control, so reach out to a DUI lawyer in La Palma as soon as you are arrested.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can begin working on our defense today. We know what it takes to help clients in your situation. Let us take steps to resolve your DUI charges in your favor right now.
La Palma DUIs: Basic Facts
Drivers in California may be charged with a DUI if they:
- Operate a motor vehicle
- While inebriated OR
- With a blood alcohol content (BAC) that exceeds the state’s legal limits OR
- After consuming illicit chemical substances or some prescription medications
DUIs are treated as misdemeanors or felonies in the court system in La Palma. Additionally, DUIs are considered priorable offenses in California. This means that DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years. Each conviction counts against you if you are arrested again, increasing the penalties you can face.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving La Palm, call (310) 896-2723
La Palma DUIs: Legal BAC Levels
We mentioned that you could face DUI charges if your BAC exceeds the legal limits set forth by the state of California. According to the state, you must legally keep your BAC:
- Below 0.01% if you are under 21
- Below 0.04% if you operate a commercial vehicle
- Below 0.08% if you are over 21 and a non-commercial driver
However, you can sometimes face DUI charges even if your BAC is below these levels. The court system in La Palma allows law enforcement officers to charge you with a DUI if you are “inebriated.” Some drivers therefore face DUI charges if they fail a field sobriety test but pass a chemical BAC test. A criminal defense lawyer in La Palma can help you handle any DUI charges.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
La Palma DUIs: Testing for DUIs
Law enforcement officers use a number of different assessments during DUI traffic stops. You may be asked to perform:
Field Sobriety Testing
Field sobriety tests require you to demonstrate your reflexes and physical ability to complete certain tasks. Officers often claim that a failure to complete these tests indicates inebriation. However, drivers often fail these tests for other reasons, especially if they are fatigued.
Chemical Testing
Chemical tests are designed to measure your BAC directly. Breath or blood tests are most commonly used. However, in some situations, you could be asked to take a urine test. Note that a DUI lawyer can dispute the results of chemical testing in court.
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La Palma DUIs: Penalties for a Conviction
The court system in La Palma generally hands down very harsh penalties for a DUI conviction. Let’s go over some of the most common results of DUI convictions right now:
First DUI Conviction in La Palma
- Jail time of up to six months
- License suspension of up to one year
- Fines of up to $2,000
Second DUI Conviction in La Palma
- Jail time of up to one year
- License suspension of up to two years
- Fines of up to $2,500
Third DUI Conviction in La Palma
- Jail time of up to one year
- License suspension of up to three years
- Fines of up to $3,000
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La Palma DUIs: Your Legal Options
A criminal defense lawyer in La Palma can help you face DUI charges head-on. Get the professional assistance you need today by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group. We can:
- Support you during legal interviews
- Investigate the facts surrounding your case
- Work to dispute evidence against you
- Take steps to get your charges reduced
- Focus on getting your charges dismissed
- Construct your courtroom defense
We know what it takes to successfully resolve DUI charges in La Palma. Let us take steps to show that you were stopped without cause by a police officer. We could also work to demonstrate that you were not operating your vehicle while inebriated. Find out more by reaching out to us today.
Speak to a La Palma DUI Lawyer Right Now
You can get the professional assistance you need to face DUI charges in La Palma by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Work with our DUI lawyers in La Palma to improve your odds of successfully resolving the charges you are facing. Start building your defense today with a FREE case evaluation.
Reaching us is easy to do. Just complete our online contact form or call (310) 896-2723 to secure the legal support that you need.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form