If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), speaking with an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer can give you the clarity and direction you need to handle your case. A DUI conviction can result in serious consequences, including license suspension, heavy fines, and jail time.
Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, can help individuals accused of DUI create a compelling defense tailored to their situation. Our bilingual firm serves clients in Riverside and the surrounding communities.
California DUI laws prohibit operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. DUI charges are generally filed under California Vehicle Code 23152. These charges can include the use of prescription drugs, cannabis, illegal drugs, and other medications that impede a driver’s ability to drive safely.
The state holds strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) standards for drivers. Those under the age of 21 cannot operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.01% or above, and other drivers may not drive with a BAC above 0.08%.
Prosecutors may still pursue charges if the BAC is below the legal limit if they believe other evidence suggests impairment. The state takes these charges very seriously because of the consequences to other drivers or pedestrians sharing the road. In 2021, California reported 110,017 DUI-related arrests in the state.
Across the U.S. in 2022, there were 13,524 people killed in motor vehicle accidents because of DUI, with most alcohol-impaired drivers between the ages of 21 and 24.
DUI penalties can vary based on the facts of the case and supporting evidence. Aggravating factors can make the consequences more severe, as can repeat offenses.
Some of the possible penalties associated with a California DUI include:
In addition to legal penalties, you’ll also likely see your insurance rates increase.
When you’re charged with a DUI, it can also trigger a separate administrative process that involves the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV may choose to suspend your driving privileges. As opposed to your criminal court case, your DMV case has different deadlines and rules.
Issues that can arise include:
These processes move quickly, and your DUI attorney in Riverside, CA can help you meet all deadlines and follow proper procedure with the Riverside DMV on Brockton Avenue to protect your license.
When you choose to hire a DUI lawyer from Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, you gain an experienced legal advocate who understands how California DUI law can affect your future. We pride ourselves on clear communication, assisting both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.
Our firm holds a strong understanding of how criminal cases impact immigration law and status, which influences how we handle each case. We also provide strong mental health advocacy that allows us to thoroughly evaluate all circumstances surrounding your case. Certain mental health conditions, prescription medications, and cognitive disabilities may influence the events that lead to your arrest.
Our team can evaluate every aspect of your case, including the traffic stop, chemical testing procedures, and officer observations. Even cases that seem straightforward can be challenged.
We help you understand your legal rights and options and how to make informed decisions from the beginning of your case to the end. Early intervention is key. When you contact our team, we can immediately begin collecting and preserving necessary evidence in your defense case.
How much a DUI lawyer costs in California depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case, criminal history, and whether the matter proceeds to trial, among other factors. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others ask a flat fee to cover services. During the initial consultation, you can discuss fees in detail to get a better idea of overall costs.
It can be worth getting a lawyer for a DUI in California who can review your case and prepare a strong defense. An attorney reviews whether the traffic stop was lawful, evaluates chemical testing procedures, and looks for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Understanding your legal rights and options is important for moving forward in your case.
Whether it’s worth it to challenge a DUI case or just accept it depends on your case. If there are legal issues involving the traffic stop itself, breath or blood testing, or other procedural errors, it can be worth it to push back against the charges. Accepting a plea deal without knowing all of your options can have lasting consequences on your future opportunities and reputation.
The 3-hour rule for DUI in California generally refers to a legal presumption involving chemical testing that’s performed within three hours of driving. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or above measured during this time creates the assumption that this was the driver’s BAC at the time they were operating the vehicle. It’s not automatic proof of guilt and may be challenged, depending on the facts.
A DUI arrest doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be charged. Every case is different and depends heavily on the procedural process and evidence gathered in the case.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI and are concerned about your driver’s license, criminal penalties, or the impact the arrest could have on your immigration status, Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, provides tailored legal representation to Riverside residents and those located in the surrounding communities.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how an experienced Riverside DUI attorney can help you face your charges with confidence.
Arsany & Barraza Attorneys at Law