If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Palo Alto, California, you might be wondering what to do next. As soon as possible, you should contact a criminal defense attorney. Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at (650) 299-0500 to learn how we can help.
We’ll investigate your case, work to find defenses, and do our best to get your charges reduced or even dropped. Our team is ready to stand behind you from beginning to end. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Palo Alto DUI lawyer.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of a DUI in Palo Alto?
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, has the experience, criminal defense knowledge, and dedication you need to represent you after you are accused of DUI in Palo Alto, CA.
Here’s why you should choose us:
- Experience: Our team brings over 30 years of combined experience to the table.
- Recognition: We have been recognized by prestigious organizations such as Super Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates.
- Service: We are members of organizations such as the California Public Defender’s Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, San Mateo County Bar Association, and the California DUI Lawyers Association..
- Certifications: We have a California State Bar Certified Specialist in criminal law on our team.
Our firm has been proudly serving our community for more than two decades. For competent help, call, contact us online, or stop by our office today to schedule a free consultation with a Palo Alto criminal defense attorney.
What Is a DUI in California?
California’s laws for DUI (driving under the influence) apply to both alcohol and drugs. No matter your age, you can face consequences for driving after:
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in any form. This includes medications like cough syrup.
- Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive. This includes prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
- Using any combination of alcohol or drugs that decreases your ability to drive safely.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measures how much alcohol is in your system. It is illegal to drive if you have a BAC of:
- 0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.
- 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.
- 0.01% or higher at any age if you are on DUI probation.
- 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.
- 0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire.
It is important to note that even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, you can still face DUI charges if your ability to drive safely is impaired.”
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Palo Alto, California?
If you are convicted of driving under the influence in California, you may face:
- Jail time: Depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions, you could serve anywhere from a few days to several years in jail or state prison.
- Fines: You could face significant fines, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
- License suspension or revocation: Your license could be suspended or even revoked for a significant amount of time.
- IIED installation: You may be required to have an IIED (Ignition Interlock Device) on your car. This device prevents your car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
- Vehicle impoundment: In some cases, your vehicle may be impounded at your expense.
- Civil lawsuits: You may face civil lawsuits, especially if you caused an accident that led to injury or death.
- DUI programs: You may be required to attend DUI education programs or substance abuse treatment.
A DUI is a charge that can have long-lasting, far-reaching consequences. Penalties may vary based on prior convictions and other considerations. For example, a first offense DUI may be charged as a misdemeanor, but you may be facing a felony if you have multiple offenses within a certain span of time.
Collateral Penalties
Facing more than just jail time and fines is common when it comes to DUIs. You might also face:
- Difficulty finding employment
- Difficulty finding housing
- Issues with relationships
- Loss of professional licenses
- Higher insurance rates
- Immigration consequences
To learn more about what consequences you might be facing after a DUI and how we can help, contact our firm today.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of DUI?
When you trust our DUI defense attorneys to help you, you can be sure we’ll consider each and every defense that could possibly apply to your case. Some common defenses include:
- Improper traffic stop: Officers must have a valid reason to pull you over. If they did not observe any behavior that would justify a stop, this may be to your advantage.
- Faulty breathalyzer or chemical test: Breathalyzers and/or chemical tests are often used to determine BAC. However, these tests are not infallible, and various issues can arise.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions may make you appear intoxicated, leading an officer to falsely believe you are under the influence.
- Field sobriety test errors: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by many factors.
We’ll listen to your story and come up with a case strategy that gives you the best chance of dropped or reduced charges.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of a DUI
Having a criminal defense attorney on your side after a DUI charge in Palo Alto, California, is the best way to ensure your freedom, rights, and reputation are protected. An attorney will:
- Thoroughly investigate your case: Your attorney will leave no stone unturned in reviewing the facts of your arrest. This includes examining the police report, analyzing video footage, reviewing breathalyzer and blood test results, and identifying any procedural mistakes that may have occurred during your stop or arrest.
- Evaluate any possible defenses: An experienced lawyer will evaluate the unique circumstances of your case and determine which defenses may apply. This might include challenging the validity of field sobriety tests, questioning the accuracy of breath or blood tests, or arguing that your rights were violated during the arrest.
- Support you throughout the legal process: Your attorney will explain each phase of your case, from arraignment to trial (if necessary), so you always know what to expect.
- Communicate with you regularly and keep you updated: A good defense attorney makes communication a priority. They will keep you updated on your case’s progress, answer your questions promptly, and ensure you understand all of your options as your case develops.
- Fight to get your charges reduced or even dropped: Your attorney’s ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. This could mean negotiating a favorable plea deal, getting charges reduced, or even having the case dismissed entirely if legal errors are found. If necessary, they will be fully prepared to defend you in court.
The best way to learn how a criminal defense lawyer can help you is to reach out to schedule an initial consultation with our team.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our DUI Defense Lawyer
When you trust Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, after a DUI, we’ll listen to your story, explain your charges and any penalties you might face, evaluate any possible defenses, and stick by your side throughout the legal process you face.
Our experienced team brings over 30 years of combined experience to work for you. We are members of prestigious organizations and have been recognized as leaders in criminal law in Palo Alto, California.
We have helped many defendants, and we are confident we are the right firm to help you, too. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Palo Alto DUI lawyer and learn more.