A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in Rancho Santa Margarita can have serious impacts on your life. DUI convictions can result in high fines, time in jail, and the suspension of your driver’s license. You may also be required to attend an alcohol treatment program.
Fortunately, you can get help handling DUI charges by working with the Simmrin Law Group. Our team of DUI lawyers in Rancho Santa Margarita are prepared to begin working on your defense today. Let us take steps to resolve DUI charges in your favor so you can move forward with your life.
Review Rancho Santa Margarita DUI Facts
Many drivers are charged with DUIs every year in Rancho Santa Margarita. You can face DUI charges if a law enforcement officer believes you are driving a vehicle while inebriated. Legally, you are not allowed to operate a vehicle in California after:
- Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
- Using illicit drugs
- Taking some prescription medications
DUI charges in California may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanor charges are more commonly used. Get help from a criminal defense lawyer in Rancho Santa Margarita if you are charged with any type of DUI.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Rancho Santa Margarita, call (310) 896-2723
Focus on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and DUIs
A law enforcement officer may use a test to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) if they suspect you are driving under the influence. According to the legal codes in California, drivers must keep their BAC:
- Below 0.08% if they are over 21
- Below 0.01% if they are under 21
- Below 0.04% if they are commercial drivers
However, BAC charges can apply even if your BAC registers as below the legal limit. This is because California can charge you with a DUI if a police officer believes you to be “inebriated.” Not all drivers have the same tolerance for alcohol, so some drivers may be charged with a DUI while adhering to the state’s regulations on BAC levels.
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BAC Assessments and DUI Charges in Rancho Santa Margarita
Law enforcement officers can use chemical tests to measure your BAC if you are stopped on the suspension that you are driving under the influence. These tests may measure BAC in your:
- Breath
- Blood
- Urine (only if breath and blood tests cannot be used)
Note that there are a few circumstances where you can legally refuse these tests. However, in many cases, you must comply with a law enforcement officer. If the officer informs you that the test is legally required, you must complete it. Refusing a legal test can increase the penalties you face for a DUI conviction in Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Results of Rancho Santa Margarita DUI Convictions
The court system in Rancho Santa Margarita harshly punishes drivers convicted of DUIs. You can face numerous penalties for a first-time DUI offense, including:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- A license suspension of up to one year
- Jail time of up to six months
Note that these are only the penalties for a basic, first-time DUI conviction. If you are arrested for subsequent DUIs within 10 years of your conviction, your penalties will increase. For example, a second DUI conviction can lead to:
- Fines of up to $2,500
- A license suspension of up to two years
- Jail time of up to one year
Your penalties may also be higher if someone was hurt in an accident you caused while driving under the influence. Additionally, if you refused a legally ordered BAC test, you may have time added to your jail sentence.
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Stand Up to DUI Charges in Rancho Santa Margarita
You don’t have to try to resolve a DUI accusation in Rancho Santa Margarita on your own. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can spring into action right away. Let us investigate your case and construct a strong defense for you right now.
We can work to dispute the evidence against you. Many chemical tests used to measure BAC have a reputation for returning inaccurate results, especially if they are not performed properly. Demonstrating that your BAC was not properly recorded can help us get your charges reduced.
A traffic violations lawyer in Rancho Santa Margarita may even be able to get your charges dismissed if you were stopped without due cause. Find out more about how we can help by contacting us today.
Get Help from a Rancho Santa Margarita DUI Lawyer
Take proactive steps to resolve DUI charges in Rancho Santa Margarita by speaking to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Allow us to review all of your legal options today with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Reach out to our DUI lawyers in Rancho Santa Margarita by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form