Orange County DUI Defense Attorneys
DUI Guidelines for Orange County Drivers
CASES WE HANDLE
Attorney Jeremy N. Goldman has substantial experience representing individuals charged with the following vehicle crimes:
DUI laws in California are becoming stricter as the years pass by. If you're charged with a DUI, punishments can range from revocation of your driver's license and expensive fines to jail time.
Below are a few guidelines on what to do if you've been charged with a DUI in Orange County.
1. You've Been Stopped for DUI - What Next?
If you are pulled over for suspicion of DUI, do so safely. The police officer may ask you to take any number of field sobriety tests that range from walking a straight line to following the tip of a pen with your eyes. You may even be asked to take a chemical test to determine your BAC. According to California law, if you refuse to take a chemical test, your driver's license will be revoked for one year regardless of whether or not you're found guilty of driving under the influence.
2. Civil Penalties for a California DUI
California DUI civil penalties depend on a number of factors and can range in severity. Some factors that dictate how severe a punishment will be are whether it's your first or subsequent offense, your age and whether or not you submitted to a chemical test.
Your driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a period of time in addition to other penalties.
3. Avoiding a DUI in Orange County
It's no secret that the best way to avoid a DUI is to never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many factors go into determining your BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) including, weight, gender, how quickly you've consumed the alcoholic beverages and whether or not you've eaten or consumed any other liquids. For example, a female weighing 120 pounds will feel the effects of alcohol more intensely than a male weighing 250 pounds.
Disobeying rules of traffic, speeding or erratic driving behavior can be just cause for a police officer to pull you over on suspicion of DUI.
4. To Plead or Not to Plead Guilty to a DUI Charge
People who have been charged with DUI in Orange County may think they have no other choice than to plead guilty, especially if they did poorly on their field sobriety tests. However, if you do plead guilty, you are forfeiting all rights to present a defense case at trial. You are also risking a negative impact on any professional license you may have as well as your driver's license. Do not plead guilty until you've reviewed all of your options with a knowledgeable Orange County DUI lawyer.
5. California DUI Defenses
Exploring your options with your attorney is of utmost importance when it comes to your DUI defense. Were you stopped without probable cause? Was the field sobriety test issued properly? There are a number of questions that need to be thoroughly explored before an offender decides on a guilty plea.
6. A DUI Can Affect Your Professional Life
Most people don't realize that their decision to drink and drive can have a negative impact on their professional lives. Some professions including, mariners, pilots, registered nurses, commercial truck drivers and attorneys are required to report any drunken driving charges to their licensing boards.
7. Out of State Drivers & a California DUI
If you're not from California, but were charged with a DUI while in the state, you are required to participate in all legal proceedings or hire an attorney to attend on your behalf. You can still be penalized both by the state of California and by your home state if you committed a DUI offense.
8. How the Legal Process Works Once DUI Charges are Filed
There are two types of legal actions that take place after a DUI charge is filed. One is the suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
The other is any criminal charges that are filed in addition the DUI offense. The legal proceedings that take place thereafter vary from guilty pleas and plea bargains to getting the charges dismissed altogether or going to trial.
9. Criminal Penalties for a California DUI
Criminal penalties in California for DUI offenses depend on varying factors just like civil penalties do. A first time DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor in Orange County. A typical first time offender can expect to have their driver's license suspended, they will be required to take alcohol education classes, pay a fine, serve a probation period and/or spend two days in jail. If you are a repeat offender, you could receive a jail sentence of up to ten years in jail.
10. Choosing an Orange County DUI Attorney
Make sure to research DUI attorneys in your area to find the one that will be the best one for you. Use the Internet, ask friends and relatives for personal recommendations, and meet with several attorneys before deciding on the one for you. Call the state bar association and see whether or not the lawyer of your choice has any outstanding complaints.
Get all of your questions answered. After all, you want to know that the attorney you hire will represent you to the best of their ability.
The DUI guidelines provided here only touch on the many complex factors surrounding drunk driving in Orange County. If you or someone you care about have been arrested for DUI in Southern California, connect with the Law Offices of Jeremy Goldman. As an aggressive and skilled Orange County drunk driving defense lawyer with years of trial experience, Jeremy Goldman can assist you in retaining your driving privileges and having the charges against you reduced or dismissed completely. Call 1-800-349-1619 today.
