Orange County Huntington Beach DUI Lawyer Lawyer Fighting For Your Freedom
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Throughout California, over 100,000 people are arrested annually for impaired driving offenses. Because it poses a serious public safety issue, state prosecutors often seek the harshest available penalties under the law. Not only will you be fighting a front in criminal court, but you will also be fighting the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain your license. Though you may feel embarrassed and frightened, the best time to seek assistance is immediately following the DUI arrest. A DUI conviction will have lifelong effects: It can cause issues with securing affordable housing, obtaining professional licenses, and even enrolling in college. You can set yourself up for the best possible result by first contacting an experienced DUI attorney.
Huntington Beach DUI attorney Jacqueline Goodman of The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman has over 20 years of experience successfully representing Californians accused of various crimes. Her comprehensive and dedicated approach to legal representation has earned her a proven track record with cases and a 10 Superb Rating on Avvo. Her tenacity and strength will give you the best possible outcome, given the circumstances of your case.
Alcohol can impair your judgment and reduce your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Because of this, California restricts your ability to use motor vehicles while under the influence of excessive amounts of alcohol. They determine this by testing your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). You cannot operate a vehicle with a:
There are even stricter regulations for commercial vehicles. For example, a BAC of 0.04% and higher is illegal for a driver in a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license to operate and in a vehicle that has a passenger for hire present at the time of the offense.
California’s driving under the influence laws do not just apply to drunk driving; they also apply to any drug that can impair your driving ability. Illegal drugs fall into this category, but some prescription and over-the-counter medications are also included. For example, any medication that causes you to experience drowsiness or the inability to concentrate on the road is illegal to use while driving; therefore, it is important to understand how a medication will affect you before you operate a vehicle. In addition, a police officer can legally require you to take a urine or blood test if they suspect you are under the influence of drugs.
As discussed previously, California DUI penalties differ depending on how many DUI convictions you have in the 10 years before the current charges.
As the number of convictions increases, the prosecution and judge in your case will have less patience for your actions and therefore be less lenient. Therefore, although the support of an attorney is important throughout the entire process, it becomes increasingly more important as your number of DUI convictions increases.
There are potential avenues for DUI case dismissal in Orange County, California, but it is a complex method to attempt.
The first step to attempting a DUI charge dismissal is speaking with a criminal defense attorney. They can provide insight into the possibility of overturning the case and then create a plan for the attempt. It is important to note that a case dismissal is not the same as being found not guilty. The arrest will still be on your record, and the DMV can still take action to suspend your license.
A: California Vehicle Code 23612 states that a person has given implied consent to a chemical test if they drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Technically, you can refuse to take a breath or urine test; however, it will result in additional fines and mandatory imprisonment if you are found guilty of driving under the influence. Refusing a breath, urine, or blood test will also result in more administrative penalties concerning your driver’s license suspension.
A: There are three options for representation in a DUI case: doing it yourself, accepting an appointed public defender, or hiring an attorney. A public defender is a licensed attorney appointed by the court to offer legal representation to someone who cannot afford to hire or who does not wish to hire an attorney. This is the best option for someone who is unable to afford the costs of hiring their own attorney, as you do not need to attempt to defend yourself and make harmful mistakes. However, public defenders must carry heavy workloads, so they may not have sufficient time to pay close attention to any one client.
A: A DUI is typically a misdemeanor charge, but certain circumstances can increase the charge to a felony. Before sentencing a defendant in a DUI case, the court will consider any previous DUI convictions the defendant has had within the past 10 years. Three prior DUIs in this period will escalate the charge to a felony. Other factors that may increase the charge to a felony level are a BAC of 0.15% or higher, reckless driving, causing an accident that injures others, and resisting arrest.
A: Lawyers typically charge their clients on an hourly basis. An average hourly cost for California DUI lawyers is between $400 and $800. This fee depends on factors such as the firm’s experience and the severity of your case. Prior DUI or other drug/alcohol-related convictions will make your case more complex and costly, as will being under 21.
It is generally acknowledged that you need a lawyer to handle your DUI case competently, but choosing the right one can be nerve-wracking. Choosing the wrong lawyer can result in a more negative outcome than was possible with an experienced DUI lawyer. On the other hand, hiring a lawyer can help you gain insight into the types of penalties you’re facing from someone with experience in the field. If you’re facing DUI charges, look to the Law Office of Jaqueline Goodman for answers and representation.
