While a night out on the town can provide memories that last a lifetime, sometimes too much celebration could also result in a criminal charge for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). When that happens, a San Leandro DUI lawyer could play an important role in how you approach these serious charges.
Nobody sets out to get a DUI, but a DUI conviction can have negative repercussions. No matter the circumstances surrounding your DUI charge, working with an experienced criminal attorney could help you understand more about the legal process involved, as well as what your rights are. En Español.
In general, someone may be charged with DUI if they are (1) driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs where their physical or mental abilities are impaired to such a degree that they no longer have the ability to drive with the caution of a sober person under similar circumstances or (2) driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. While the blood alcohol concentration is evidence of impairment, it is not the only way a law enforcement officer may determine that someone is impaired by alcohol while operating a vehicle. Swerving, slurred speech, and failure to perform sobriety tests may all be cited as evidence of drunk driving justifying a DUI charge.
For individuals with a commercial driver’s license, the threshold for a DUI charge is a BAC over 0.04 percent. This threshold applies no matter what vehicle the licensed driver is operating at the time of the charge, even if it is their own personal vehicle.
Additionally, any individual under the age of 21 may not have a blood alcohol concentration more than 0.01 percent while operating a motor vehicle. This threshold may also apply if the person in question is on probation for a previous DUI-related offense.
DUI charges can also result from being under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. Such drugs can include illegal drugs like heroin or even over-the-counter cough medicine. While the science behind testing for such impairment is not yet as reliable as it is for alcohol, being charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana and/or other drugs still carries the same significant penalties.
Upon conviction for a first-time DUI, the ensuing consequences can be severe, including but not necessarily limited to:
There are generally other probationary requirements that must be met as a result of a conviction, including alcohol awareness classes as well as formal probation for a number of years. With each subsequent offense, penalties generally increase in severity and duration.
There is a great deal potentially on the line when it comes to facing DUI charges, even for a first-time offender. However, no matter the circumstances of your DUI charge, you have important rights that should be protected throughout the legal process. Furthermore, you do not have to face such charges alone.
Working with a dedicated, experienced attorney could be an important part of your strategy for facing these serious accusations. If you need help with DUI charges, contact a seasoned San Leandro DUI lawyer today to start exploring what options you may have for defending your best results and resolving your case in a positive way.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important