Oceanside DUI Lawyer

Social drinking is intertwined with adult culture and can be an important part of building relationships. Whether you’re having drinks with coworkers or networking at a business event, many occasions incorporate drinking into everyday adult life. While these gatherings are essential for business opportunities and relieving stress, it’s vital that individuals make responsible decisions.

In Oceanside, California, those with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher are too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. If an officer pulls you over, you will encounter a DUI charge and can face severe punishment. When an officer arrests you for a DUI, contact a DUI attorney at Dod Law, APC as soon as possible. We can use our resources to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights from infringement. 

How Much Will a First Time DUI Cost in Oceanside, California

What Are Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)?

Created to examine a person’s physical and mental state, Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) can help determine whether an individual is intoxicated. During these tests, an officer will judge if the person can carry out the instructions given to them. From walking in a straight line to following the officer’s finger, there are many types of FSTs an officer can ask you to complete.

In order to save time and resources, most police officers will ask an individual to perform these tests before administering a breathalyzer test. However, there can be complications if an officer only uses a field sobriety test to determine if the person is intoxicated. It’s important to follow the officer’s directions but contact your lawyer as soon as possible if you note some questionable behavior.

What Factors Can Affect a Person’s Field Sobriety Test?

Field sobriety tests examine the driver’s state and can be helpful to hint that there might be something wrong with the driver. However, FSTs are not an accurate measure of intoxication and can sometimes produce false speculation toward an individual. Consider the following examples of factors that affect a field sobriety test:

• Medical conditions
• Fatigue
• Weight 
• Weather conditions
• Anxiety and stress
• Not understanding the instructions 

A FST cannot act as the sole piece of evidence to determine whether you were intoxicated while driving. Because an individual’s blood alcohol content must be 0.08% or higher, a breathalyzer or other test must be administered to determine the amount of alcohol content in your bloodstream. Your DUI lawyer can help you defend your claim and show your sobriety in legal proceedings. 

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Oceanside, California?

The penalties a person may face after a DUI conviction depends on the number of prior offenses, the severity of the crash, and the level of blood alcohol content (BAC) in the driver at the time of the arrest. The following are punishments you encounter if charged for a DUI in Oceanside, California:

• 1st offense misdemeanor DUI: Up to $1,000 in fines, possible six-month driver’s license suspension, and a maximum of 6 months in county jail. 
• 2nd offense misdemeanor DUI: Up to $1,000 in fines, two-year driver’s license suspension, and up to 1 year in county jail.
• 3rd offense misdemeanor DUI: Up to $1,800 in fines, three-year driver’s license suspension, and up to 1 year in county jail. 

Regardless of the number of prior convictions or severity of the case, having a reliable DUI attorney by your side can help build your defense and protect your rights. Trying to navigate the legal process on your own can put you and your rights at risk. It’s vital that you make sure you have someone to stand by your side every step of the way.

Do You Need a DUI Lawyer for Your Case?

A DUI conviction can come with many restrictions and changes to your everyday life. Picking up your children from school, driving to work, and even going to the grocery store can become difficult with a DUI charge. With the help of a DUI lawyer, you can feel confident that they will do everything in their power to protect your abilities and interests. 

Below are a few of the many ways a DUI lawyer can assist you: 

• Examining and preparing witnesses
• Analyzing the prosecutor’s case
• Assess the potential sentences
• Answering questions about your case
• Researching and gathering evidence
• Formulating a well-written plea

It’s essential to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so they have plenty of time to conduct a thorough investigation and create your defense. They’ll work with you to find the best options possible for your case.

Trust a Dependable DUI Lawyer at Dod Law Today

Our DUI lawyers at Dod Law, APC understand how the consequences of a DUI conviction can turn your life upside down. From college applications to career opportunities, there are many ways a charge can harm your future opportunities. We are prepared to do everything in our power to give you the best possible outcome for your case. 

As a member of the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association and the National College for DUI Defense, Attorney Dod is passionate about helping those within his communities. With over 16 years of experience advocating for the rights of California residents, you can count on him for dependable legal representation. 

Call (619) 814-5110 or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help your case.