Talk to a DUI Defense Attorney in South Bay, CA Today

Drunk driving is taken very seriously in California. Drivers who are impaired and are arrested will be facing significant penalties if they are convicted of a DUI. Anyone who is arrested and charged with a DUI will want to get in touch with a DUI defense attorney in South Bay, CA quickly.

General First Offense Penalties

A first offense can lead to up to six months in jail, $390 to $1,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to six months. If the person refused to take a BAC (blood alcohol content) test, they could also face a year with a suspended license. An attorney can help the person minimize the penalties if they’re convicted or help them obtain a plea deal for a lesser charge to further minimize the penalties they’re facing.

Second and Subsequent Penalties

If the arrested person already has a DUI conviction, provided it’s within the last 10 years, they face up to one year in jail, $390 to $1,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to two years. They may be able to get a hardship license so they can still get to work during that time. A third offense can lead to one year in jail, up to $1,800 in fines, and a license suspension of up to three years. For the third offense, defendants may be required to spend a minimum of 120 days in jail.

Underage or Commercial Drivers

In general, a driver with a BAC level of .08% or higher can be arrested and charged with a DUI. Those who are not old enough to drink, however, cannot have a BAC of more than .01%. This is due to the zero tolerance laws in California. Commercial drivers, likewise, have more strict BAC limits, as they cannot have a BAC of over .04% while driving a commercial vehicle.

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, you need help now. Do not hesitate to contact a DUI defense attorney in South Bay, CA so they can help minimize the penalties you’re facing. Visit the website of Shook & Associates Inc today to learn more and to find the help you need.