Experienced Defense Against DUI Charges in California
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced attorney who has a proven record of successfully representing people with DUI charges. At Rodriguez Law Firm, our San Diego DUI lawyer can build a strong case and a solid defense to protect your rights.
Our firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances of the arrest and the results of field sobriety tests to form the basis of a defense strategy. We strategically apply any discovered information at the most critical stages of DUI hearings as well as at appropriate stages during the ensuing criminal prosecution process.
For a consultationabout your DUI charges, call Rodriguez Law Firm at (619) 332-1703today to get started with our San Diego DUI lawyer.
California DUI Laws
In California, the legal BAC limits for individuals operating a motor vehicle are as follows:
0.08% BAC for Adults: For individuals aged 21 and older, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal. This threshold is a standard across the United States and serves as the legal limit for adult drivers.
0.01% BAC for Drivers Under 21: California has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. Any detectable BAC level can result in legal consequences for drivers in this age group.
0.04% BAC for Commercial Drivers: Commercial drivers operating vehicles such as trucks or buses are held to a lower BAC limit of 0.04%. This stricter standard reflects the increased responsibility and potential consequences of large commercial vehicle accidents.
What are the Penalties for DUI in California?
Facing DUI charges in California can result in severe penalties that may impact various aspects of your life. Understanding the potential consequences is essential for making informed decisions and taking the right steps to protect your rights. The penalties for DUI in California include:
License Suspension: A DUI arrest triggers an automatic suspension of your driver's license. The time of the suspension will depend on factors such as previous DUI convictions and the circumstances of the current arrest.
Fines: DUI convictions come with significant financial penalties, including fines that can amount to thousands of dollars. These fines can place a substantial burden on individuals already dealing with the stress of legal proceedings.
Probation: In many DUI cases, individuals could be placed on probation, requiring them to follow specific conditions such as attending alcohol education programs, submitting to regular drug testing, and avoiding further legal trouble.
Jail Time: Depending on the DUI offense's severity and prior convictions, individuals may face mandatory jail time. A skilled attorney can work to minimize or eliminate this aspect of the penalty.
Ignition Interlock Device: Some individuals convicted of DUI could be mandated to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. This device will require the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before starting the vehicle, serving as a preventive measure against future drunk driving incidents.
DUI School: Completion of a state-approved DUI education program is often a mandatory requirement for individuals convicted of DUI. This program aims to educate offenders about the risks and consequences of driving under the influence.
Criminal Record: A DUI conviction can result in a mark on your criminal record, impacting your employment prospects, housing opportunities, and more.
How To Defend Against DUI Charges
There are many types of legal challenges that can be used in your defense. For instance, it could be argued that there was a lack of reasonable suspicion for a stop. Before law enforcement officials can make a DUI traffic stop, they must have sufficient reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or is being committed. If law enforcement officials do not have sufficient reasonable suspicion, they did not legally make the initial DUI traffic stop, and any and all evidence obtained as a result of that unlawful detention is inadmissible in court.
Your attorney might also argue that the field sobriety test was inaccurate. After a person is suspected of drunk driving, he or she may be asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests. It is up to the police officer to decide if the suspect passes or fails these tests by following a specific procedure for administration and evaluation. However, a person can perform poorly during the field sobriety tests for many reasons other than intoxication.
Rather than alcohol or drug use, a poor test performance might be caused by:
Testing equipment that has not been properly maintained or calibrated, or that has a history of incorrectly reporting BAC levels
Medical conditions that would make it difficult to perform some of the physical tests
Uncomfortable shoes that can make it difficult to perform physical tests
Preexisting vision problems
Low blood sugar caused by diabetes
Contact Our DUI Lawyer in San Diego Today
Because there are countless variables with each DUI arrest, trust the professionals at Rodriguez Law Firm to build a defense that takes the unique details of your situation into consideration. Attorney Rodriguez is a former police officer who has experience with DUI procedures. He knows how to challenge evidence commonly used by the prosecution.
Our integrity is the key to a successful Attorney-Client relationship. We are committed to always serving your best interest with integrity and respect.
Honesty
We understand that clients need to trust their attorney. We work hard to earn your trust by being transparent and honest with our legal advice and proposed solutions.
Commitment
Our commitment to our clients will never waiver. We strive to always provide our clients with professional services and the best legal solutions available.
Mission
We are here to help immigrant families live the American dream. We do this by offering competitive Fees and Payments Plans designed to help you afford our services.
“His hard work and dedication has made it possible for me to apply for my U.S citizenship and keep my family together. I am forever grateful to John Rodriguez and his team!!”
After consulting with other attorneys about my case I was told that my criminal/immigration case was extremely complexed. I was turned down by several other attorneys that would not take on my case. I was facing deportation without eligibility for any waivers. After many sleepless nights I came across Rodriguez LawFirm and I am glad I did!! John was very honest, and truthful but also very compassionate. After speaking with John my very first time, I felt like there was hope for my case. John Rodriguez and his team are extremely professional, and effective. John fought for me and my family with a relentless passion and conviction. John kept me well informed walking with me through the whole process. In fact there were several of weekend nights that he would call to update me on my case. He always kept me feeling positive. I believe John Rodriguez is living out his calling in changing immigrant families lives and futures.He was able to vacate my criminal case. His hard work and dedication has made it possible for me to apply for my U.S citizenship and keep my family together. I am forever grateful to John Rodriguez and his team!!
Claudio C.
“I could not have asked for a better group of professionals to work with to get us through to the next stage in the process we cannot thank you enough.”
John, we cannot thank you and all of your team enough for the assistance you firm provided us. Olavo, Susan, Valeria, and you ensured all required requested documents for the processing of E.L and my fiance visa were collected and timely sent to USCIS. Within less than two weeks of submitting our response to the USCIS our case was approved and sent on to the NVC. I could not have asked for a better group of professionals to work with to get us through to the next stage in the process. We cannot thank you enough and look forward to meeting you and your team someday when we visit San Diego.
RK & EL
“The process was fast I’m thankful that they did everything for my case! I’m so happy, thank you again Mr. Rodriguez!”
Lawyer Rodriguez is the best he helped me a lot with my case. The process was fast I’m thankful that they did everything for my case! I’m so happy, thank you again Mr. Rodriguez!
Anibal Rodolfo
“I’m glad I chose to call Rodriguez Law Firm and have Mr. John Rodriguez work on my DUI case while other lawyers had told me it wasn’t going to be possible .”
It’s amazing! I’m glad I chose to call Rodriguez Law Firm and have Mr. John Rodriguez work on my DUI case while other lawyers had told me it wasn’t going to be possible and that I could be facing deportation due to that fact that I’m a DACA Recipient so I had little hopes considering this DUI was with a crash and an alcohol percent of .23 and DACA as well, But yet with the help of Mr. Rodriguez and how he was able to negotiate things he managed to get a wet wreck less which was something that I’m extremely pleased with, thanks to him it won’t affect my DACA and I have a second chance to do things right. I would highly recommend Rodriguez Law Firm they’re outstanding at what they do.
J. M.
“Highly, highly, highly recommend this great firm. Great experience from start to finish. My case was definitely tough and I’m beyond grateful they were able to answer all my questions.”
Highly, highly, highly recommend this great firm. Great experience from start to finish. My case was definitely tough and I’m beyond grateful they were able to answer all my questions. Would honestly give him a call and I’m sure him professional will win you over. Amy working near him is amazinggggggg she was so quick to answer all my questions. My case has finally been approved and they were able to notify me instantly before receiving it In mail which is amazing because it took a huge weight off my shoulders. Will definitely be coming back in the future. I appreciate your hard work guys.
D. V.
“Rodriguez law firm made it possible they won my case. Thank you for your hard work”
Rodriguez law firm are very professional. My case was a very difficult it had a 3% chance of success. Rodriguez law firm made it possible they won my case. Thank you for your hard work.
Jose Ruiz
“I cannot thank you enough John for your professionalism and dedication in fighting and helping win my case.”
Attorney John Rodriguez is a persistent lawyer who is dedicated to fighting your case to get you the best possible outcome. He certainly did for me! He called me at 11:30 pm on a Friday night to give me an update. I do not think there is another lawyer out there who would do this. I could not have received a better outcome in my case. After working with John and his team, I know that I made the best choice for myself. Should I need immigration or criminal representation in the future, John is the first person I would be calling. I cannot thank you enough John for your professionalism and dedication in fighting and helping win my case.
S. K.
“He was kind and empathetic to my husband's situation but also took the time to be honest and explain the risks.”
“This process took over a year because of the court's backlog but through it, all John stayed positive, kept us on track, and my family and I couldn't be more grateful and thankful for all of his hard work.”
