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Facing a drunk driving charge in Santa Monica is a stressful experience with potentially far-reaching consequences. You might feel like no one is on your side right now, but a strong DUI defense lawyer may help you avoid the harshest penalties or get your charges dismissed.
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we stand ready to help in your time of need. Our criminal defense law firm protects the rights of the accused. For over 20 years, we have secured favorable outcomes for clients charged with DUI in Southern California.
Whether it’s a first offense or you have had several DUIs, we can help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Santa Monica DUI attorney.
Why You Need a DUI Defense Attorney in Santa Monica
Your choice of DUI legal representation can mean the difference between significant jail time and minimal penalties. California prosecutes DUI crimes harshly. A defense attorney can help you pursue the best possible resolution for your case. That could mean defending your innocence in court, securing a deal with the prosecution for lesser charges, and/or recovering your driver’s license after a suspension.
What is a California DUI?
A DUI in California is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or some combination of both. With respect to alcohol, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 is the legal limit (CA Vehicle Code, Sec. 23152). Drugs include any substance that can cause impairment, whether they are an illicit substance, legal prescription, or over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
You do not have to be actively moving your vehicle to receive a DUI charge in California. If the prosecution can demonstrate you had moved your car while intoxicated, you can still get convicted of DUI, even if the vehicle wasn’t moving when you were arrested.
Will I Lose My License for a First Offense?
Yes. You will receive up to a six-month license suspension for a first-time DUI conviction in California. Further offenses carry longer suspensions.
Potential Penalties for DUI in Santa Monica
First, second, and third-offense DUIs are usually misdemeanors, and each carries up to a $1,000 fine and up to a six-month, one-year, and two-year license suspension, respectively. Fourth-offense DUIs are felonies and carry up to a $5,000 fine, three years of prison, and a five-year license suspension. CA Vehicle Code Sec. 23536 – 23552 lays out specific fines and penalties for DUIs, while CA Vehicle Code Sec. 13352 – 13392 specifies applicable license suspensions and administrative fees.
All DUI convictions except first-time non-injury offenses require the installation of an interlock ignition device (IID). In California, the lookback period for repeat offenses is 10 years from each DUI conviction.
Contact a Santa Monica DUI Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Every California resident deserves strong and effective legal counsel. If you are currently facing a DUI charge, call or contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for a free consultation.
