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DUI Lawyer in Lemon Grove, California
The state of California is known to have some of the most stringent impaired driving laws in the United States. In Lemon Grove, these laws are taken very seriously. DUI checkpoints have been known to frequent the Lemon Grove area in recent years, resulting in countless arrests and vehicles being impounded.
Facing a charge for driving under the influence is not to be taken lightly. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Lemon Grove, you’ll want to seek experienced legal assistance as soon as possible so that your lawyer can start building a strong case for your defense. Attorney Dod has over 17 years of experience practicing criminal defense law and has worked with over 6,500 criminal cases in and out of the courtroom in the San Diego area.
Types of DUI Charges in Lemon Grove
Existing California DUI laws prohibit drivers from operating any kind of vehicle (even scooters and bicycles) while they are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Sobriety levels are determined by officers through the use of a breathalyzer, which can determine the alcohol concentration in a person’s blood. Any driver found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher will be classified as driving under the influence.
There are a few different types of driving under the influence charges that drivers have the possibility of facing in California, each of which depends on factors such as accident severity, blood alcohol concentration level, or a presence of prior convictions. They are:
- Commercial DUI
- Underage DUI (under the age of 21)
- Hit-and-run DUI
- Drug DUI
- Aggravated DUI
- Felony DUI
- Manslaughter DUI
- Wet reckless driving
- First, second, third, or fourth offense DUI
Even a first-time DUI can have lasting consequences in the state of California. Thankfully, in the United States, no matter what type of DUI charge you are facing, you are not guilty until you have been proven to be guilty.
If your DUI was the cause of a wreck, you are likely to be spending a considerable amount of time in courtrooms. Your reputation and future are on the line, so make sure you have a skilled DUI attorney on your side when you walk into court.
Punishment for a DUI Conviction in Lemon Grove
Prosecutors and police officers will not give DUI offenders any leniency if given the chance, so don’t give them the opportunity to take advantage of your situation. One of the worst mistakes a person facing a DUI charge can make is to speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Don’t let this happen to you. Attorney Dod can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf to ensure that your rights are being protected at all times. DUI charges in Lemon Grove, California are subject to harsh penalties, and could include:
- Up to $18,000 in fines
- Up to four years in state prison
- Up to five years of probation
- Completion of an alcohol education program
- Driver’s license suspension
- Community service
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Status as a convicted felon
Driving under the influence is considered a “wobbler crime” in California, which means that it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor crime. The classification of your DUI charge will largely determine how you will end up being sentenced. Depending on your case, Attorney Dod and his team may be able to have your charge reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
It is important to note that not every penalty will be served to you in the courtroom. Once a driving under the influence charge is placed on a person’s criminal record, they could face unofficial penalties such as higher insurance costs, lost job opportunities, and a tarnished reputation. Your best chance at skirting these penalties and being able to return to life as it was before your arrest is to hire our experienced DUI defense team of attorneys to defend your case.
Looking for an Experienced DUI Lawyer Near Lemon Grove, California?
Being arrested for driving under the influence is a serious crime that necessitates serious legal help. At Dod Law, we don’t believe that a single mistake should determine the rest of a person’s life, which is why our two favorite words are “not guilty”. We may not be able to turn back time or erase your arrest but partnering with us is the next best thing.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys know all of the ins and outs of criminal defense and have built up extensive knowledge in defending DUI charges in California. Our skilled attorneys will guide you through every step of your case and handle all communications between parties, so you don’t have to. Call (619) 814-5110 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.