Navigating The Legal Consequences Of A DUI: What You Need To Know

Facing a DUI charge can be an incredibly nerve-wracking experience, to put it lightly, especially if you’ve never had a run-in with the law before. If convicted, many possible severe consequences of DUI await you, ranging from crushing fines and having your driver’s license suspended to jail time. Even if you don’t end up in jail, you’ll likely suffer from the impacts that will reach well into your future and affect your job prospects.

Understanding the DUI legal process and knowing what to expect as your case begins can go far in helping you navigate the challenges that lie before you. DUI lawyer Aaron Bortel and the Law Firm of Aaron Bortel, based in San Francisco, CA and San Rafael, CA, aim to equip you with the knowledge you’ll need to do just that. In this guide, Aaron will explain the consequences of a DUI and the crucial role a DUI lawyer plays in your case. This is critical information you’ll need to know if you find yourself having been charged with a DUI in California.

Understanding DUI And Its Consequences

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in the state of California, as it is throughout the entire country. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit is the grounds by which you can be charged with it. In California, this limit is set at 0.08% for drivers 21 years of age or older and 0.04% for commercial drivers. It is illegal for drivers under 21 to have any detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

The consequences of DUI vary based on several factors, including:

• Your BAC level
• If you’ve had any prior DUI offenses
• Whether your impairment resulted in causing injury to others or damaging property

Common penalties for DUI include:

Fines And Court Fees

DUI convictions frequently result in substantial fines. These fines typically escalate proportionally with the severity of the charge and each subsequent offense.

License Suspension Or Revocation

DUI charges come hand in hand with license suspensions or revocations. This will not only make it far more difficult to commute to work if you’re reliant on your car to do so, but you’ll also find it much more difficult to carry out other necessary daily responsibilities and activities.

Jail Time

You may even be sent to jail if charged with a DUI. Whether you do and for how long depends greatly on the severity of your offense and whether you have any prior convictions. Your stay in jail can range from a few days to several years.

Probation

The court may place you on probation if charged with a DUI. This means you’ll need to comply with the conditions it sets, which can range from simply attending a DUI-related educational program to undergoing regular drug and alcohol testing.

Increased Insurance Premiums

Perhaps one of the harshest penalties of a DUI is one that isn’t a direct legal consequence of being convicted: more expensive insurance. Your insurance provider will likely classify you as a high-risk driver, resulting in an increased premium.

Having A Criminal Record

Being convicted of a DUI also means you’ll have a permanent criminal record, which will significantly impact future employment opportunities and personal relationships.

The Role Of A DUI Attorney

Partnering with a DUI attorney is vital to successfully navigating the legal process. A lawyer who is skilled because they specialize in this area of the law will provide you with invaluable, tailored guidance. They’ll also protect your rights as they work to realize the optimal outcome for you. Here are just a few ways how they’ll accomplish this:

Evaluate Your Case

A DUI attorney will conduct a comprehensive review of the details surrounding your case, including the circumstances leading up to law enforcement pulling you over, administering sobriety tests, and handling evidence. Any misstep by them in any of these matters can dramatically impact your case, and usually for the better. Even if this isn’t the case in your situation, this evaluation will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and bolster your line of attack.

Represent You

An attorney will also represent you in court, ensuring your rights are upheld along the way. A fair trial is the cornerstone of our judicial system and an attorney will help realize one for you.

Develop A Strategy

Your lawyer will also develop a defense strategy that is based on your unique case. This plan serves as the blueprint for obtaining the best outcome possible.

A DUI charge is significant. Understanding the legal process and securing skilled representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t keep searching DUI lawyer near me. Take the proactive measures necessary and contact the Law Firm of Aaron Bortel for answers to your questions and representation in your DUI case.