El Cajon DUI Lawyer
El Cajon DUI Attorney
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a very dangerous crime in California that can lead to jail time, large fines, or even losing your license. When someone drives while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both, they may be charged with a DUI. Having an El Cajon DUI lawyer can help you protect your rights and build a strong legal defense.
Why Choose Us?
At Lee Law Group, our lawyers have a history of helping clients navigate through the court system and get the greatest results possible in their DUI cases in El Cajon. We give each client individual care and ensure they have a defense plan specifically tailored to their unique situation.
It is very important to know how serious a DUI charge is and how it might affect your life. At Lee Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients protect their rights and get the least amount of time in jail possible.
DUI in California
In California, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher or if the police believe you are under the influence, meaning drugs are seriously impairing your ability to drive. The state has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old, and the largest BAC they can have is .01%.
In California, if a driver is legally pulled over for a DUI, they have to agree to a chemical test, such as a blood or breath test. If a driver refuses to take the test, their license may be taken away automatically.
Penalties for a DUI in California
In California, the penalties for a DUI sentence depend on whether it is your first time or if you have been convicted of DUI before. You need an experienced lawyer to help you limit the damage. For a first-time DUI violation, a driver could go to jail for up to six months and have to pay fines of several hundred dollars. A first offense comes with jail time, fines, and a six-month license suspension.
However, many first-time offenders can ask for a restricted license that limits their driving rather than having their license completely taken away. There are harsher punishments for a second DUI arrest within ten years. You could spend up to a year in jail and have to pay a fine of up to $1,000.
The driver’s license will also be taken away for two years, and an ignition interlock device (IID) will need to be installed in the car for at least a year. This device will only let you drive after passing a breathalyzer test. Individuals found guilty of a third DUI face even harsher punishments. Fines get much larger, and jail time can be anywhere from 120 days to a year. In addition, their driver’s license will be taken away for three years.
Felony DUI Charges
DUI crimes can sometimes be charged as felonies instead of misdemeanors, which can lead to much harsher punishments. In California, most felony DUI charges come from two situations:
- More than one DUI conviction. If you have been convicted of three DUIs in the last ten years, you can be charged with a felony for any later DUI.
- DUI causing injury or death. If a DUI accident seriously hurts or kills someone, the driver may be charged with a felony DUI, which carries a much longer prison sentence and larger fines.
Getting a DUI Charge Dropped
A DUI charge may sometimes be lowered to a less serious crime, like “wet reckless.” A charge of “wet reckless” refers to driving recklessly while drunk, which has lighter penalties than a DUI sentence.
If this is accepted, you could spend up to 90 days in jail, pay fines of $145 to $1,000, and have to go through a program to learn about drugs and alcohol. Even though a wet reckless sentence stays on your record, it is not as bad as a full DUI conviction, which can make it a good choice in some situations.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in California?
A: In California, the cost of a DUI lawyer varies based on a number of variables. These variables could be the lawyer’s experience level, the intricacy of the case, and whether this is a first or second conviction. There may be other expenses, such as court costs, in addition to fees. Fees can vary from flat rates to hourly rates. Employing a knowledgeable lawyer can be a wise investment when dealing with severe charges like a DUI, even though costs vary.
Q: Is It Worth It to Get a DUI Lawyer in California?
A: Yes, engaging a DUI lawyer in California is absolutely worthwhile. A skilled lawyer can assist in reducing penalties, negotiating plea deals, and possibly having charges dismissed or reduced. California has strict DUI laws, and the repercussions can be severe, including license suspension, large fines, and jail time. A lawyer can have a substantial impact on the result of the case.
Q: What Is the Optimal Defense for a DUI?
A: The circumstances of each case determine the most effective defense in a DUI prosecution. Typical tactics include contesting the legitimacy of the traffic stop, casting doubt on the reliability of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests, and examining procedural inaccuracies during the arrest.
In certain situations, contesting the handling of the evidence or maintaining that the defendant wasn’t impaired may also be successful defenses. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer will customize the defense to the particulars of the case.
Q: How Do You Beat a DUI Case in California?
A: Beating a DUI case in California entails uncovering flaws in the prosecution’s case. This could include inappropriate police practices, erroneous breathalyzer results, or a lack of reasonable cause for the traffic stop. Counsel may also question how blood or breath samples were collected or contend that the defendant was not impaired. Negotiating a reduced charge or plea deal, such as a wet reckless, can also help to decrease the repercussions.
Contact Lee Law Group Today
If you have been charged with a DUI, Lee Law Group can help. Contact us today to get started.
