The California Vehicle Code section 23152(a) states that if you are stopped by the police while driving a motor vehicle and you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUI), then you can be arrested and charged with a crime. If you are convicted, there could be severe consequences that will affect you in the future. You could be jailed, get a criminal record, loose your license to drive, be ordered to pay substantial fines, have points added on your DMV record--resulting in higher insurance rates -- and be fired from your job or be prevented from being hired by an employer, or lose a professional license.
The California Vehicle Code section 23152(b) also states that driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. A conviction for driving with a blood alcohol level over .08% could also result in these same consequences.
A conviction of either one of these charges will result in severe penalties. That is why it is so important to hire a DUI attorney in the Los Angeles area.
Typically, if you are stopped by the police, the officer will need to make a determination whether or not you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) by performing one or more field sobriety tests, administering a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test, and by administering a more extensive chemical analysis of your blood, breath, or urine. These are known as chemical tests. If you refuse to take a test, you will most likely be immediately arrested, booked for DUI and jailed.
There are defenses to these charges. A first time DUI is a misdemeanor, but it can result in serious consequences to you. Three or more DUIs in 10 years is a felony, and you could go to state prison.
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI offense in the Los Angeles or Southern California area, call Michael Kraut. Mr. Kraut understands the serious nature of this offense, how best to defend you, and how to resolve your case without you going to jail. Mr. Kraut has extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system. He has developed excellent relationships with law enforcement and law officials throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California.
For more information about the various defenses for your DUI case, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.