DUI Lawyer in Fresno

California DUI Penalties

If you are charged with a first-time DUI offense, the penalties may include:

• Fines up to $1,000,
• Six months in jail
• Immediate license suspension,
• Completion of a DUI program,
• Installation of an ignition interlock device and an SR-22 filing

A first offense will typically be a misdemeanor unless other factors are present in the case. For each additional conviction, the penalties will continue to increase. A DUI conviction will also leave a mark on your permanent criminal record. For a commercial driver, the penalties can differ. Refusing a chemical test can also result in additional automatic penalties, even if you are innocent.

Meanwhile, repeat offenders in California face harsher consequences, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. It's also common to deal with increased probation durations and more rigorous DUI education programs. A Fresno DUI attorney from Sawl Law Group can evaluate your specific situation to mitigate potential penalties by exploring alternative sentencing options that might be available to first-time or non-violent offenders.

When Can a Legal DUI Arrest Be Made?

In California, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol is illegal. However, an arrest can only occur if there is sufficient evidence to prove the suspect was legally intoxicated at the time of the arrest. A police officer may determine intoxication using the Standard Field Sobriety Test to judge the person’s motor skills and concentration. Another option is to have the suspect take a breathalyzer test to determine their blood alcohol content. A legal arrest can be made if the test result is .08% blood alcohol level or higher.

It's crucial to understand that an officer's judgment can significantly impact the outcome of a DUI stop. Circumstantial evidence such as testimonies from witnesses, video recordings, and the conditions under which the tests were conducted can play a pivotal role in your defense. Thus, challenging the reliability of this evidence can often lead to reduced charges or even dismissal. Engaging an experienced DUI lawyer from Fresno will ensure that every possible defense angle is examined.

What Is the Legal BAC Limit?

The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in California is 0.08%. This limit is a fundamental component of California's laws regarding drunk driving and is consistent with the limits set by the vast majority of states in the United States. 

A BAC of 0.08% means that for every 1,000 milliliters of blood in a person's body, there are 0.08 grams of alcohol. This percentage serves as a reference point for law enforcement officers when conducting breathalyzer tests or blood tests to determine if an individual is driving under the influence (DUI). If the test results show a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the individual can be charged with a DUI.

It’s important to note that the consequences of driving with a BAC above the legal limit in California are serious. Penalties for a DUI conviction can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and even jail time. The severity of these penalties can increase if an individual has prior DUI convictions on their record or if they were involved in an accident while driving under the influence.

In addition to the 0.08% BAC limit for adults, California has different rules for certain groups, such as commercial drivers and individuals under the legal drinking age of 21. Commercial drivers, who operate vehicles like trucks and buses, are subject to a lower BAC limit of 0.04% in California. For those under the age of 21, there is a "zero tolerance" policy, meaning they can be charged with a DUI for any measurable alcohol in their system.

Understanding the nuances of BAC limits is vital as they directly impact legal outcomes. It’s also valuable to know that BAC can be influenced by various factors like body weight, metabolism, and food intake prior to drinking. By providing a comprehensive defense, a Fresno DUI attorney can address these intricacies to challenge BAC results, supporting your case effectively.

Field Sobriety Tests

The Standardized Field Sobriety Test consists of three individual tests:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test - During this test, the officer will observe the eyes of the person in question as they slowly move a pen or small object back and forth to look for indicators in each eye that the person is impaired.
• Walk-and-turn test - In this test, the officer instructs the person to take nine steps, touching heel-to-toe in a straight line, and then return. The officer looks for signs that the person is impaired, such as the inability to keep their balance or not following the instructions properly.
• One-leg stand test - The officer instructs the person to stand with one foot off the ground and hold it for about 30 seconds or until told to put it down. The officer looks for signs of impairment, such as swaying, hopping, or using their arms to balance.

Insightful knowledge of these tests is crucial, as even sober individuals might not pass them due to stress or nervousness. Factors like footwear, weather conditions, and pre-existing medical issues can impact results, giving rise to false positives. Consulting with a DUI lawyer can help you understand how these factors can be leveraged in your legal defense, underscoring the importance of a meticulous approach to defending against DUI charges.

Understanding the DUI Legal Process

Navigating the complexities of a DUI charge can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first encounter with the legal system. At Sawl Law Group, we’re committed to demystifying the legal process for our clients in Fresno. Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions about your defense.

The DUI legal process typically involves several key stages:

• Arraignment: This is your first court appearance where charges will be formally read.
• Pre-Trial Motions: This phase allows your attorney to address any inaccuracies in your case, including evidence and police procedures.
• Plea Bargaining: Your lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution for a plea that better suits your circumstances.
• Trial: If your case goes to trial, our skilled lawyers will represent you vigorously in court.
• Sentencing: If found guilty, this is when the penalties will be determined.

Each step of this process can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Having an experienced DUI attorney by your side can make all the difference in how your case unfolds. We understand the stakes involved and are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way.

At Sawl Law Group, we also provide personalized consultations to assess your unique situation, enabling us to tailor our defense strategy to your needs. Let us guide you through this challenging time with expertise and compassion.

Contact Our Fresno DUI Attorney Today

If you are facing DUI charges in Fresno, do not hesitate to reach out to Sawl Law Group today. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of DUI lawyers understands how serious these charges can be and are ready to provide a strong legal defense to help protect your rights.

Contact Sawl Law Group today to get started on your defense with our DUI lawyer in Fresno.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are My Rights If I'm Pulled Over for a DUI in Fresno?

When pulled over for a suspected DUI in Fresno, it is crucial to understand your rights to ensure they are not violated. You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Politely informing the officer of your wish to exercise this right can be beneficial. Additionally, you have the right to politely refuse Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), though doing so may increase an officer's suspicion and lead to an arrest. Additionally, declining a breath or blood test post-arrest may result in automatic penalties due to implied consent laws in California.

Moreover, you are entitled to a clear explanation of why you were stopped and the observations leading the officer to suspect intoxication. In situations where your rights are compromised, such as unlawful stops or searches without reasonable cause, these can be grounds for challenging the validity of your DUI charge. Partnering with a knowledgeable DUI attorney ensures these rights are upheld and any violations are leveraged in building your defense.

How Does a DUI Affect My Driving Record in California?

A DUI conviction significantly impacts your driving record in California and can have lasting consequences. Typically, a DUI will stay on your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record for ten years, influencing your insurance premiums and possibly causing them to rise. A conviction can also result in a points increase on your driver's license, which might lead to additional financial penalties or increased insurance rates.

Furthermore, if you accumulate enough points over a certain period, it can result in license suspension under California's driving point system. Each additional DUI conviction within a ten-year span increases the penalties, stipulating harsher consequences such as extended jail time and longer license suspension. A strategic legal approach by our firm can mitigate these impacts, helping you maintain a cleaner record and avoiding the steep consequences associated with a DUI.

Can I Expunge a DUI Conviction in Fresno?

In Fresno, expunging a DUI conviction from your criminal record is possible under certain circumstances, offering a chance to mitigate the impact of past infractions. Generally, expungement eligibility requires that the individual has successfully completed their probation period without any subsequent offenses. The court may then seal the conviction, which can benefit you when seeking employment or other opportunities where background checks are involved.

However, it is essential to note that even if expunged, the DUI conviction may still affect DMV records and insurance rates, as these are not influenced by criminal record expungements. Consultation with an experienced attorney is crucial to evaluating your eligibility and navigating the application process effectively. Sawl Law Group assists clients in understanding their rights and options, empowering you to make informed decisions that can positively affect your future.

Additional Reading:

• Expunging a California DUI Conviction
• Why a DUI is Something You Should Take Seriously
• If You Blow Under The Legal Limit, Can You Still Be Charged With a DUI?