You don’t have to try to handle accusations of driving under the influence (DUI) in Laguna Woods on your own. Get professional help in your corner. Contact a dedicated Laguna Woods DUI lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group. Our team can:
- Investigate your case
- Help you handle potential bail hearings
- Review your legal options
- Assess any plea bargains you’re offered
- Take steps to get your charges dismissed
- Defend you in the courtroom
Get the personalized support you need after your arrest by reaching out to our Los Angeles DUI lawyers in Laguna Woods. We’re here to start working on your case right now.
Laguna Woods DUIs and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Many DUI charges in Laguna Woods are tied to alcohol usage. California has set legal limits on the amount of alcohol a driver can consume before operating a vehicle. You can be charged with a DUI if law enforcement officers find your BAC to be:
- At or above 0.01% if you are under 21
- At or above 0.08% if you are over 21
Note that drivers operating commercial vehicles must keep their BAC below 0.04%. You can also face DUI charges in Laguna Woods for operating a vehicle under the influence of some prescription medications or illicit drugs. These charges are treated as seriously as alcohol-related DUIs.
BAC Assessments Used in Laguna Woods
Law enforcement officers can measure your BAC in a number of ways in Laguna Woods. If you are stopped under the suspicion of a DUI, you could be asked to complete:
- Field sobriety testing
- Chemical BAC testing
Field sobriety tests focus on assessing your reflexes and physical responses to determine if you are inebriated. Chemical BAC tests are designed to specifically measure your BAC. You could be asked to complete:
- Breath tests
- Blood tests
- Urine tests (if breath and blood tests are not available)
A criminal defense lawyer in Laguna Woods can help even if your tests reported that your BAC was above the legal limit. Some BAC tests have a reputation for returning inaccurate results. Find out more about your options by speaking to an experienced DUI lawyer in Laguna Woods now.
California Implied Consent Laws for Laguna Woods DWIs
If you have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving (DUI) in Laguna Woods, you will be required to submit to chemical blood alcohol testing. Under California implied consent laws, those arrested for DWI charges will need to consent to the testing of their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels.
If you refuse to consent to a blood alcohol test, whether that be through urine, blood, or saliva, you will face a suspension of your driver’s license for a specific amount of time. You may also face enhanced penalties, including additional jail or prison time, fines, and a prolonged suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
Penalties for DUI Convictions in Laguna Woods
A DUI conviction in Laguna Woods can have serious repercussions for you. Depending upon the number of previous DUIs on your record, you could face:
Fines for DUI convictions:
- First Conviction: Up to $2,000
- Second Conviction: Up to $2,500
- Third Conviction: Up to $3,000
Jail Time for DUI convictions:
- First Conviction: Up to six months
- Second Conviction: Up to one year
- Third Conviction: Up to one year
License suspension for DUI convictions:
- First Conviction: Up to one year
- Second Conviction: Up to two years
- Third Conviction: Up to three years
Laguna Woods DWIs and Your California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Hearing
You can face criminal charges if you are accused of a DUI in Laguna Woods. You will also need to handle a hearing with the DMV. You have 10 days after you are arrested to request this hearing. The DMV can automatically suspend your license if you do not request a hearing.
Fortunately, traffic violation lawyers in Laguna Woods can help you handle your DMV hearing and your criminal trial. Let a Laguna Woods DUI attorney focus on handling all aspects of your DUI charges right now. Getting professional help quickly can improve your odds of protecting your driving privileges after a DUI arrest in Laguna Woods.
Defenses to Laguna Woods DUI Charges
DUI charges do not have to automatically lead to a conviction in Laguna Woods. The Simmrin Law Group understands the defenses that work to successfully resolve DUI accusations. Depending upon your situation, we could argue that:
- You were not inebriated while operating your vehicle
- You received inaccurate test results from a BAC assessment
- You were stopped without reasonable cause by a police officer
Our DUI attorneys in Laguna Woods could work to secure you a fair plea bargain for your DUI charges. In some situations, you can even rely on us to get your charges dismissed entirely. We also represent your best interests in court and during your DMV hearing.
A Laguna Woods DUI Attorney Can Help You
Start building a strong defense against your DWI charges by contacting an experienced Laguna Woods DUI lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group now. You can easily reach us when you need help the most to get a free consultation. Let our DUI lawyers in Laguna Woods assess your unique needs to construct your defense right now.
Take proactive steps to successfully resolve DUI charges by completing our online contact form or calling as soon as you are arrested.