Redwood City DUI Penalties Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Redwood City, CA, is a serious offense that carries with it substantial legal consequences. However, being charged with a DUI does not mean a guaranteed conviction. The legal landscape surrounding DUI charges is complex and often fraught with nuances, allowing defenses to be raised on your behalf. 

When you have an experienced Redwood City DUI penalties attorney by your side, it can make all the difference. Let us help you. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Redwood City, California, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law to schedule a free consultation at (650) 299-0500.

How Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law Can Help If You’re Arrested for DUI in Redwood City

Working with a lawyer when you are arrested for a DUI is crucial. Here’s how our Redwood City DUI lawyers can help:

• Analyze Your Case: One of the first things we will do is thoroughly review every detail of your arrest, looking for any errors made by the police that could potentially lead to case dismissal or reduced charges.
• Negotiate Reduced Charges: If there are no grounds for dismissal, we can try to negotiate a plea deal where you plead guilty to lesser offenses that come with lighter penalties.
• File Motions on Your Behalf: We can file motions on your behalf, such as a motion to suppress if evidence was improperly obtained or a motion for discovery in order to get all relevant details of the prosecution’s case.
• Represent You In Court: Should your case go to trial, we will argue on your behalf before the court to present the best possible defense strategy.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Redwood City, California, we understand how scary this time in your life is. Let us help you. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law to schedule a free case review.

Overview of DUI in California

In the State of California, if you are arrested for DUI, there are two primary offenses that you could potentially be charged with according to the Vehicle Code – and you will usually be charged with both for one instance of a DUI:

• Under California Vehicle Code 23152(a), it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, but without mentioning any specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC). To be convicted, the prosecutor must prove that your ability to drive safely has been impaired due to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Under California Vehicle Code 23152(b), it is illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher. 

Other charges may also apply, depending on the case.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Redwood City, California?

When it comes to DUI offenses, the legal consequences are severe and become more with repeated violations or if there is an accident resulting in injury to another person:

First Offense Misdemeanor DUI

If you are convicted of a first-time misdemeanor DUI, you risk spending up to 6 months in county jail. 

Fines could range from $390 to $1,000, an added financial burden on top of your legal expenses. You will also face a suspension of your driver’s license for four months. 

Second Offense Misdemeanor DUI

If convicted of a second misdemeanor DUI, you face between 96 hours to one year in jail. Additionally, you will be fined between $390 and $1,000 and lose your license for one year. 

Third Offense Misdemeanor DUI

For a third-time misdemeanor DUI conviction, you face between 120 days and one year in county jail. The fine remains within the $390 and $1,000 range, but the suspension of your driver’s license gets lengthier – now standing at three years.

Felony DUI 

If convicted of a felony DUI, the penalties can vary drastically based on the facts of the case. Your license could be suspended for as many as ten years, and you could face significant jail time (typically at least 4 years but potentially much more) and fines. Additionally, you might receive a strike on your record that could count toward California’s 3 strikes law.

The consequences can vary, so it’s always wise to speak with an experienced Redwood City DUI penalties attorney to discuss the specifics of your case. 

What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Accused of DUI?

When facing a DUI charge, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of the best course of action. However, there are several legal defenses that you can use to challenge your case effectively:

Questioning the Accuracy of the Breathalyzer Test

Every piece of testing equipment has its margin for error—breathalyzers included. You can question whether the breathalyzer used was properly calibrated and maintained or if it was operated by adequately trained personnel.

Illegal Traffic Stop

Law enforcement officers can’t pull you over without a valid reason; this would infringe upon your constitutional rights. If they stop you without cause (like observing a traffic violation or erratic driving) or arrest you without probable cause, any evidence obtained from that stop or after the arrest can be excluded through a motion to suppress.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions, diets, or even medication might affect breath testing equipment generating inaccurate blood alcohol concentration readings. It is crucial for your lawyer to know if such factors apply in order to potentially discredit BAC results.

Not Under the Influence

It’s also possible to challenge the DUI charge by stating that poor or erratic driving does not automatically equal DUI. This defense focuses on the fact that many factors can cause a person to drive poorly and that it doesn’t necessarily mean they were under the influence.

Not Driving or in Control of the Vehicle

You might raise an argument stating that at the time law enforcement arrived on the scene, they did not observe you driving or in control of a vehicle under the influence. As a result, they lack evidence to prove this claim.

Making use of such defense strategies may feel intimidating, but if you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side, you will be in good hands. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Redwood City DUI Penalties Attorney

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, hiring a skilled Redwood City DUI penalties attorney is extremely important. By understanding your legal options and working closely with your attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected. If you need help, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, to schedule a free consultation.