Many drivers every year are accused of driving under the influence (DUI). DUI charges can be difficult to beat and convictions can lead to fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver’s license. You can take steps to handle a DUI accusation quickly by getting skilled legal help on your side. You can start getting the help you need today from our DUI lawyers in Santa Ana.
The Simmrin Law Group has fought for clients in your position and won their DUI cases.
Charges for Driving Under the Influence in Santa Ana
DUI Definitions
The state of California uses DUI charges to prosecute individuals who operate motor vehicles with a high blood alcohol content (BAC). The state has set BAC limits that can be very harsh for some groups. You could be arrested if your BAC exceeds the following levels:
- Drivers Under 21: .01%
- Non-Commercial Drivers Over 21: .08%
- Commercial Drivers Over 21: .04%
DUI Assessments
Police officers attempt to measure sobriety in a few ways if you are involved in a traffic stop or motor vehicle accident. Some police officers will ask you to perform field sobriety tests, which can include walking in a straight line. You might also be asked to take a chemical test to measure your BAC.
Note that in SOME situations you are legally allowed to decline these tests. However, you have to comply with the tests requested by police officers if you have been arrested. You must always take the tests if you are under 21 or on DUI probation.
Refusal to submit to a legally mandated chemical test can lead to harsh punishments.
DUI Penalties
You can face serious penalties if you are convicted of a DUI. Even a first-time offense can cost you your license for an entire year. You could also be fined up to $2,000 and you could be sent to jail for 6 months. The punishments for a DUI grow more severe every time you are convicted.
Getting help from a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Ana can make fighting a DUI charge easier. Skilled lawyers understand how the court system works and have the resources to build your defense.
Charges for Traffic Infractions in Santa Ana
A DUI lawyer can also help you if you’re charged with a traffic infraction. Traffic infractions are small driving violations that are not considered criminal acts. Individuals commit traffic infractions when they:
- Speed
- Abuse the Carpool Lane
- Run Stop Signs
- Illegally Change Lanes
Many times, police officers give you a ticket after you commit a traffic infraction. You can also receive tickets from red light cameras in the Santa Ana area. These tickets were deemed constitutional by the California Supreme Court, so you must treat them seriously if you receive them in the mail.
Traffic infractions are usually punished with small fines and the addition of 1 point to your driver’s license. Note that your license will be suspended if you get too many points, including:
- 4 Points in 1 Year
- 6 Points in 2 Years
- 8 Points in 3 Years
Charges for Other Traffic Violations in Santa Ana
More serious traffic offenses, including DUIs, are treated as criminal acts in Santa Ana. These acts may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on your situation. Some common examples of criminal traffic violations include:
Reckless Driving
Individuals commit reckless driving if they operate a motor vehicle in a way that endangers others. We see many examples of reckless driving on the roads in Santa Ana, including:
- Racing
- Swerving
- Road Raging
- Illegal Passing
Driving on an Invalid License
You are only legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle in Santa Ana if you have a valid driver’s license. Individuals can face serious legal penalties for:
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving on a Revoked License
Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations
Convictions for criminal traffic violations can lead to fines, jail time, and a probationary period. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will also add 2 points to your license for these serious traffic violations.
Get Protection from a DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana
Convictions for traffic violations can cost you years of your life, money, and your driver’s license. A DUI lawyer in Santa Ana can help you fight any traffic violation charge you’re facing. The Simmrin Law Group has years of experience fighting in Santa Ana courtrooms. We can start advising you about your situation right now with a FREE consultation.
Let us get to work on your defense by calling (310) 997-4688 or filling out our online contact form.