Defending Yourself Against Drunk Driving Consequences in Santa Monica

DUI means driving under the influence. As per the criminal code, it is defined as impaired driving. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, then you are going to face some serious penalties. However, it is not definite that you will be convicted of drunk driving. Hiring a reputable and experienced Santa Monica DUI Lawyer will assist you in building a case to protect you from any legal implications and DUI consequences.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offense in Santa Monica, California. The Criminal Code lays down strict penalties for DUI offenses. Impaired driving, or Over 80 offenses, are dealt in the harshest manner. The consequences of drinking and driving puts a severe impact on the future of the accused.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us If You Have Received A DUI Offense in Santa Monica

Consequences of DUI When Youre Not Criminally Convicted in Santa Monica

The amount of alcohol in your blood known as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determines impaired driving as an offense. The maximum legal limit for the amount of alcohol in the blood in Santa Monica is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood which is 0.08 and any amount above 0.08 is considered as a criminal offense.

The Consequences for impaired driving are defined as per the according to the amount of Blood Alcohol Concentration.

• Certain drivers cannot have any amount of alcohol in their blood such as drivers aged 21 and under and novice drivers regardless of their age. There is a Zero Tolerance Law for DUI offenders below age 21 and if you fall under the said category and you happen to be caught with an alcohol above the limit then your license will be suspended for a period of one year along with a fine which may go up to $300.
• The consequences for drinking and driving can differ depending on the number of instances in the case where the BAC test is in the Warn Range (0.05-0.08) or if you fail a Standard Field Sobriety Test. The penalty will increase with every instance of impaired driving.

First DUI Offense

The first instance of impaired driving includes a fine of up to $1000, jail time that may go up to 6 months, a six months license suspension, probation for a period of 3 years and may have to get an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

Second Instance

The second instance of impaired driving includes a fine of up to $1000, up to one year jail time, license suspension for up to 2 years, probation for a period of 3 years and installation of an ignition interlock device.

Third Instance

The third instance of impaired driving includes a fine of up to $1000 along with penalty assessments, jail term for up to one year, license suspension for up to 3 years, probation for a period of 5 years and installation of an ignition interlock device.

If your test is above the legal limit of 0.08 or if you refuse a drug or alcohol test or you are deemed impaired following the evaluation of a Drug Recognition Expert then, in that case, you will have to face a strict penalties and the consequences can affect you for the rest of your life.

In the event that you have been criminally convicted of impaired driving, the consequences will be much stricter and will increase with every subsequent instance.

First instance

At the first instance, there will be a penalty of mandatory education or treatment program, driving a car equipped with an ignition interlock for a minimum of five months, fine and suspension of license for six months. In this first instance, the jail sentence will go up to 6 months.

Second Instance

At the second instance, you will face a penalty of mandatory education or treatment program, driving a car equipped with an ignition interlock for a minimum of 12 months, up to one year jail sentence, fine which may go up to $1000 and a license suspension of 2 years is imposed.

Third and subsequent instances

At the third instance and additional instances, there will be a penalty of mandatory alcohol education or treatment program, license suspension for a period of 3 years, installation of ignition interlock device depending on the previous convictions which shall be a minimum of 2 years, 120-day minimum jail sentence, fine to the tune of $1000 and may be more at the discretion of the judge.

Legal Representation Can Assist You in Preventing the Harshest Drinking and Driving Consequences in Santa Monica

The criminal code sees drunk driving as a serious criminal offense, and the drinking and driving consequences may include:

• Cancellation of license
• Impoundment of vehicle
• Payment of monetary administrative penalty
• Need to attend an education or treatment program
• Imposition of hefty fine
• Ending up with a criminal record
• Spending time in jail
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in the vehicle
• Face probation for a period that may go up to five years

Santa Monica DUI lawyer makes sure that you create the best chance of protecting yourself from these penalties in the case of a DUI arrest. As one of the most experienced DUI law firms in Santa Monica, California, we fight for our clients and we know how to beat a DUI case.

Tips for Avoiding Impaired Driving Consequences in Santa Monica, California

There are simple ways of avoiding the impaired driving or drunk driving consequences. They include:

• Hiring a driver to get you home whenever you are under the influence of alcohol.
• If you are using any prescription medication, you should inquire if they will have any side effects when combined with alcohol.
• Avoid driving even if the alcohol amount consumed is less than the legal limit.

Do not hesitate to contact us in the event that you find yourself in a situation where you need a Santa Monica DUI Lawyer. We can successfully assist you in building a case to protect you from all implications, and fight for a future free of a criminal record.