Drivers can face criminal penalties if they are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Westminster. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious traffic violations in the state of California, and a conviction can lead to:
- High fines
- Jail time
- The suspension of your license
Fortunately, you can get professional help handling a DUI accusation with the Simmrin Law Group. You can start working on your defense with our DUI lawyers in Westminster, CA right now.
DUI Charges and Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
The state of California has set limits on the amount of alcohol a person can drink before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Generally, drivers over the age of 21 must keep their BAC below 0.08% to legally operate a vehicle. However, this rule does not apply to everyone. For example:
- Commercial Drivers Over 21 Must Keep Their BAC Below 0.04%
- All Drivers Under 21 Must Keep Their BAC Below 0.01%
Drivers may also face criminal charges for driving under the influence if they drank some alcohol and are operating a vehicle unsafely, regardless of their BAC. Finally, drivers can be arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, which will not involve a BAC measurement.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Westminster, call (310) 896-2723
Westminster Penalties for a DUI Conviction
You can face a number of harsh penalties if you are convicted of a DUI in Westminster. The court system can also increase the penalties each time you are convicted of a DUI. In general, individuals charged with a DUI could expect to deal with:
DUI Fines:
- 1st DUI Conviction: Up to $2,000
- 2nd DUI Conviction: Up to $2,500
- 3rd DUI Conviction: Up to $3,000
DUI Jail Time:
- 1st DUI Conviction: Up to 6 Months
- 2nd DUI Conviction: Up to 1 Year
- 3rd DUI Conviction: Up to 1 Year
DUI License Suspension:
- 1st DUI Conviction: Up to 1 Year
- 2nd DUI Conviction: Up to 2 Years
- 3rd DUI Conviction: Up to 3 Years
These penalties may be increased if someone is injured or killed in a DUI collision. You can focus on defending yourself from these harsh penalties by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in Westminster right away.
Collateral Consequences for a Westminster, CA DUI Conviction
Incarceration and fines are just a few of the criminal penalties you will be forced to deal with if you are found guilty of a DUI in Westminster, CA. The collateral consequences, or the impact your DUI will have on your life, may be far more significant in the long run.
For instance, if you are a foreign national or are hoping to secure your green card, a DUI conviction could put you at risk of deportation or visa denial. You may also temporarily lose your right to vote and perhaps even lose your firearm rights, depending on whether your DUI conviction was a misdemeanor or felony offense.
When your criminal background check returns your DUI conviction in Westminster, you can expect to be passed over for job opportunities, find it difficult or impossible to find affordable or safe housing options, and be stuck dealing with the real risk of losing your child custody or visitation rights.
Although jail time and fines are significant, the impact a DUI conviction will have on your entire life should also be considered accordingly.
Westminster DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
DUI Charges and Westminster Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Drivers who are charged with a DUI generally have to face a criminal trial and a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). You must request the DMV hearing within 10 days of your DUI arrest or your license can be suspended automatically.
A professional Westminster DUI lawyer can help you handle both your criminal trial and your DMV hearing. The Simmrin Law Group can ensure your hearing is scheduled and stand up for you during the hearing to protect your driving privileges.
You should be aware that recent adjustments to the legal codes in California may also allow you to keep your license if you agree to the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). IIDs will keep a vehicle from turning on if a driver’s BAC is above legal limits.
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DUI Charges and Your Legal Options in Westminster
You do not just have to accept a DUI conviction in California. A DUI lawyer can go over the facts surrounding your case to help build your defense. Based on your circumstances your Westminster DUI attorney may be able to:
- Block Evidence Against You
- Counter BAC Test Results
- Fight to Have Your Charges Dismissed
Note that you may also be offered a plea bargain by the prosecution. A plea bargain may allow you to reduce your DUI charges to a less severe offense. In fact, some lesser charges – like dry reckless charges – are not priorable, and they will not count against you if you are charged with another DUI in the future.
However, many plea bargains will not be in your favor. You should not accept these deals before allowing a criminal defense lawyer to look the bargain over. Your lawyer can stand up for you in court if your case cannot be dismissed or resolved with a plea bargain. Let the Simmrin Law Group begin developing your defense now!
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Speak with a DUI Attorney in Westminster Today
You can get help handling DUI accusations by contacting an experienced DUI lawyer in Westminster, CA at the Simmrin Law Group. Our DUI lawyers know what it takes to defend clients in your situation. Let us begin focusing on your case right now with a FREE initial case evaluation.
You can take immediate steps to build your legal defense by filling out our online contact form or by calling our office today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form