Typical DUI Procedures in California

Typical DUI Procedures in California

When you are facing a DUI charge in California or any state, it can be a frightening experience, especially if you are a first-time offender. Although a DUI is a misdemeanor, it is still a criminal misdemeanor and can end up on your permanent record and affect the rest of your life. If you want the best possible outcome, you cannot defend yourself on your own and will want to hire and a knowledgeable and experienced DUI lawyer in San Diego.

Driving under the influence is usually thought of to mean drunk driving or driving after consuming alcohol. However, this charge can also include any type of drug that can alter your mental capacity, whether illegal or legal. However, just because you may have taken a medication or had a glass of wine does not mean you are not fit to drive. If you are under the influence of drugs, you cannot have your blood tested at the scene and will most likely have to perform field sobriety tests if there is a question about your driving ability and mental state. If you are driving after drinking, you will still most likely be asked to take the field sobriety tests, but you may also be asked to take a breathalyzer test which can measure your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). However, even the accuracy of breathalyzer tests have been called into question in recent years. This is why you also might be asked to take a blood test if the breathalyzer found your BAC to be .08% or higher if you are over the age of 21. If you are under the age of 21, your BAC needs to be lower than .01% in California under the zero tolerance law. Your San Diego DUI attorney investigates everything that happened at the scene when he prepares your defense.

Your license will also be confiscated at the scene and you have 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV to get it back. Make sure your San Diego DUI lawyer is there for that hearing and if possible, have him request it for you for the best possible outcome. When you do have your day in court, you know a conviction can change everything. You may be forced to pay fines you can’t afford and face the possibility of jail time or probation. Your entire life can change from one fateful incident you already regret. Make sure you do not need to regret it more than you have to and call a DUI attorney in San Diego today.

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