DUI Defense Attorney In Sacramento, California
DUI Charges Are Serious
In this day and age, we all know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is bad. But mistakes happen and sometimes human beings make judgment errors. You should know where to turn in Sacramento if you are charged with DUI.
What is DUI?
Under California law, motorists are prohibited from driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more when driving a vehicle or .04% or more while driving a commercial vehicle. Motorists are also prohibited from driving under the influence of any drug, whether legal, illegal, or prescribed.
Penalties for DUI increase with each successive conviction in a 10-year period. A first offense is generally a misdemeanor DUI. Penalties include:
- An approximately $1,800 fine;
- Three to five years of DUI probation;
- California DUI school;
- A suspended driver’s license; and
- Possible jail time.
With successive DUIs penalties increase, and jail time is much more likely. A second DUI can be charged as a felony and a fourth or subsequent DUI is always a felony charge. A felony DUI conviction can be punished with:
- Up to three years in jail; and
- A fine of up to $1,000, or $5,000 if someone was injured.
An arrest for DUI will trigger two separate actions for a driver:
- A criminal prosecution for driving under the influence; and
- An optional administrative hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether or not you can keep your license.
Call The Ward Firm at 916-818-1122 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Can I Fight the Results of a Breath or Field Sobriety Test?
Under California law, drivers are generally considered to have given implied consent to certain chemical tests if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe they are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During a traffic stop or investigation, an officer may ask a driver to perform field sobriety tests, such as standing on one leg, walking in a straight line, or completing other coordination exercises. An officer may also request a breath or chemical test to measure blood alcohol content.
Refusing a required chemical test can lead to immediate consequences, including the suspension of a driver’s license. However, even if a test was taken, the results and the procedures used during the investigation may still be examined. In some cases, issues such as improper testing procedures, equipment calibration problems, medical conditions, or other factors may affect the reliability of the results.
Justin L. Ward represents individuals in Sacramento who are facing DUI-related charges. By reviewing the circumstances of the traffic stop, the testing procedures, and the evidence gathered during the investigation, he works to protect his clients’ rights and address the allegations they are facing. If you have been charged with DUI in Sacramento, contact Justin L. Ward to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.
Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer & Fight Your DUI?
If you have been arrested for DUI, it can be embarrassing and feel shameful. You may be tempted to simply take the penalty, surrender your license, and resign yourself to navigating Sacramento by Lyft or Uber. But first, you should consult an experienced DUI attorney. With even one conviction for a DUI under your belt, if you are charged with DUI again, you can be charged with a felony. This is a serious matter.
There are some medical conditions, substances, or even breathalyzer errors that can cause DUI breathalyzers to have false high readings. Blood tests used to measure blood alcohol can also be prone to errors or can become contaminated during collection or processing. Moreover, police officers in California are required to follow procedures when stopping, evaluating, and arresting someone for DUI. If procedures aren’t followed, an arrest can be made without cause. Founding attorney, Justin L. Ward, is a former criminal prosecutor and an experienced litigator. If you are arrested, you should consult our skilled professionals as soon as possible to protect your rights and obtain the best outcome. The Ward Firm can help. Call us at 916-818-1122 or Email us through our contact form by email right away.
Facing Criminal Charges? Have Questions?
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, the steps you take now can have a lasting impact on your future. Understanding your rights and your legal options is critical. Call The Ward Firm at 916-818-1122 today to speak directly with Justin L. Ward about your situation. Prompt legal guidance can make an important difference in protecting your rights.