Driving under the influence (DUI) in Santa Maria can result in harsh penalties through the court system. Even an unfounded DUI accusation can cost you if you are convicted. You could end up facing fines, jail time, and the loss of your license.
Fortunately, you can get help standing up to DUI accusations today by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Allow our DUI lawyers in Santa Maria, CA to build your defense and offer you the legal advice you need before it’s too late.
DUI Charges and Blood Alcohol Content in California
California has set limits on the amount of alcohol you can consume if you wish to legally operate a vehicle. Police officers in Santa Maria can determine whether or not you are over this limit by:
- Using Field Sobriety Tests
- Measuring Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Chemical tests – like the breathalyzer – report back on your BAC. Depending on the results of a chemical test, you could be immediately charged with a DUI. You can face charges anytime your BAC is at or above 0.08%. You may also face DUI charges if your BAC is at or above:
- 0.04% If You Are a Commercial Driver
- 0.01% If You Are Under 21
You should be aware that you can also face charges for driving under the influence of drugs in Santa Maria. This charge can apply if you used illicit substances or some legal substances that can negatively impact your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Santa Maria, call (310) 896-2723
Repercussions of a DUI Conviction in Santa Maria
DUI charges can be prosecuted very harshly in Santa Maria. Prosecutors often push for steep penalties. In fact, even a first time DUI conviction can lead to:
- Up to $2,000 in Fines
- Up to 6 Months in Jail
You may also have your license suspended for up to 1 year. These penalties are only used the first time you are convicted of a DUI. You will face increased charges if you are found guilty of subsequent DUIs in the Santa Maria area.
Make sure that you are ready to protect your future after a DUI accusation by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Maria today. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can help you review your legal options to handle these charges today.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Dealing with the DMV After a DUI Charge in Santa Maria
Many people are prepared for a criminal trial after they are charged with a DUI in Santa Maria, but you may be unaware that you will likely need to face a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as well.
The DMV has the legal right to suspend your license if you are facing DUI charges. Your license can be suspended even if your criminal case is dismissed or otherwise successfully resolved. You will need to set up a hearing within 10 days with the DMV to prevent your license from being suspended automatically.
The DUI lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group can help you with your DMV hearing. You may also be able to prevent the suspension of your license if you agree to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
An IID will measure your BAC every time you try to start your vehicle. If your BAC is too high, your vehicle will simply not turn on. An IID restricted license can allow you to continue operating your vehicle after some DUI convictions.
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Let a DUI Lawyer Help You in Santa Maria
A DUI charge does not have to turn into a conviction here in Santa Maria. A DUI lawyer may be able to show that the chemical tests you took to measure your BAC gave faulty results. Breathalyzers and other chemical tests can be notoriously untrustworthy, in fact.
The Simmrin Law Group may be able to secure you a plea bargain in some cases. Plea bargains that offer dry reckless charges may allow you to reduce the penalties you are facing to reasonable levels. We can also focus on winning your case in court right here in Santa Maria.
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You Can Call a Santa Maria DUI Lawyer Today
You can take immediate steps to handle a DUI accusation in Santa Maria by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Increase the odds that you will beat the charges you are facing by working with a DUI lawyer in Santa Maria. You can start getting the legal advice you need with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Start building your defense today by filling out our online contact form, or by calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form