DUI penalties in California are amongst the stiffest in the nation. Driving under the influence of alcohol (.08% or greater) or drugs, or a combination thereof, is a misdemeanor offense that stays on your court records for ten years.
The penalty for a first time offense ranges from a suspension of your driver’s license, fines, alcohol education program, to jail time in some instances. For second or third offenders, the punishment can be far greater and can include loss of your driver’s license for an extended period, completion of a long term alcohol treatment program and incarceration for up to a year, sometimes longer.
A DUI charge is a serious offense since it will affect you now and in the future. Loss of your driving privilege may affect your ability to work, earn a living and support your family.
Further, whenever you are arrested for a DUI and your license is taken by the arresting officer, you have a limited time period within which to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver’s Safety Office, and request an Administrative Hearing. Failure to request the hearing within ten calendar days following your arrest likely will result in automatic suspension of your license without an opportunity to be heard. At the Law Office of Leonard Matsuk we have handled hundreds of DUI cases over the years and are very familiar with the changing laws that apply to these cases.
Inexperienced or “cheap” DUI lawyers will often plead you guilty without exploring possible defenses to your case. It pays to hire an experienced attorney who is a savvy negotiator and knows the nuances in this changing area of the law.
Surrounding Communities
- Citrus Heights
- Davis
- El Dorado Hills
- Ranco Cordova
- Vacaville
- Woodland
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