Individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI) often face a difficult legal battle in South Gate. A conviction for a DUI can result in incarceration and high fines. Luckily, you do not have to face these charges on your own.
The Simmrin Law Group has experience defending clients accused of a DUI. Our DUI lawyers in South Gate understand the strategies that work in court. We’re ready to take on your case today so you can move forward with your life.
What Counts as Driving Under the Influence
The state of California determines whether or not someone is driving under the influence by measuring their blood alcohol content (BAC). There are different legal levels for different groups of drivers, including:
- Drivers Under 21: .01% BAC
- Drivers Over 21: .08% BAC
- Commercial Drivers Over 21: .04% BAC
Generally, police officers try to determine if you are driving under the influence by asking you to complete field sobriety tests or chemical tests.
Field sobriety tests could involve touching your finger to your nose or walking in a straight line. These tests can be difficult for sober people to complete, and often lead to false assumptions about your level of intoxication. Chemical tests directly measure your BAC.
You are legally allowed to refuse to complete these tests before you are arrested IF:
- You Are Over 21
- You Are Not on DUI Probation
If you have been legally arrested you MUST comply with any test that is asked of you. If you refuse the tests while on DUI probation, if you are under 21, or if you have been arrested, you will face additional criminal charges.
DUI Charges in South Gate
You can end up in serious legal trouble if you are convicted of a DUI. A first time DUI conviction can lead to $2,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, and a 1-year long license suspension. The penalties will grow more severe with each conviction.
Getting help right away can increase your odds of winning your case. You can focus on building a solid defense by contacting a skilled criminal defense lawyer in South Gate today. The Simmrin Law Group can start fighting for you right away.
Traffic Infraction Charges in South Gate
DUIs are not the only traffic violations you have to worry about in South Gate. You could also be pulled over and given a ticket for a traffic infraction. Traffic infraction are generally small violations of driving laws. Individuals could be charged with a traffic infraction if they:
- Run a Stop Sign or Red Light
- Illegally Change Lanes
- Abuse the Carpool Lane
- Speed
You could get a ticket for a traffic infraction from a police officer or a red light camera. Tickets generally require you to pay a small fine. You will also have one point added to your license if you are convicted of a traffic violation.
Misdemeanor Charges for Traffic Violations
Some traffic violations are more serious than traffic infractions and are treated as criminal acts. Misdemeanor traffic violations are punished with:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail Time of Up To 6 Months
- 2 Points on Your License
These violations include:
Reckless Driving
Individuals drive recklessly by willfully disregarding the well-being of other people. This broad definition can be used to cover a wide variety of different acts. We commonly see people charged with reckless driving if they:
- Race Their Car
- Swerve Between Lanes
- Drive the Wrong Way
- Drive on a Sidewalk
- Illegally Pass
- Act like a Daredevil
Driving on an Invalid License
You are not legally allowed to drive if your license has been revoked or suspended in South Gate. You can face criminal charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license. The court system uses different charges based on the reason that your license was suspended, but all the charges use very similar penalties.
You can fight back against a misdemeanor charge for a traffic violation by working with a DUI lawyer. Make sure you have expert help in your corner to increase your chances of winning your case.
Let a South Gate DUI Lawyer Help You
Drivers who try to fight DUI charges on their own typically end up heavily fined and incarcerated. You can boost your odds of beating a traffic violation charge by working with the Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in South Gate. We’ll start going over your case right away with a FREE consultation about your situation.
Take charge of your future by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.
