DUI charges in San Mateo County, California, can lead to serious consequences. Depending on the facts of your case, you might face jail time and other severe impacts on your freedoms. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you fight back.
Our San Mateo County DUI lawyers have 30 years of combined experience and have won thousands of cases. We have earned numerous awards and distinctions because of our dedication to clients and our success in the courtroom. It is always best to get a head start on your defense in a DUI case. Contact us today at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a free consultation today.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Arrested for a DUI in San Mateo County, CA
You can trust Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to vigorously defend you after a DUI arrest in San Mateo County, CA. Many people assume that because DUIs are common, prosecutors will go easy on these cases. That couldn’t be further from the truth. DUIs are taken very seriously.
When clients hire our San Mateo County criminal defense attorneys after an arrest, we will:
- Explain the charges and potential penalties
- Walk you through the criminal court process
- Review the evidence
- Negotiate for dismissal or reduction in charges
- Handle all communications with the prosecutor
- File bond motions and pretrial motions
- Represent you in court and at trial
Even though DUI cases are common, each is different. We will work with you to identify the strongest defense in your case. Call us to get started today.
Overview of DUIs in California
There are two ways to get a DUI in California. Under state law, it is illegal to drive either:
- Under the influence of alcohol, or
- With a BAC of .08% or higher
Many people confuse these for the same thing. The code means that someone can be convicted of a DUI even if their BAC is below .08%. If they are under the influence of alcohol, meaning it is compromising their faculties, then they could get a DUI.
Alternatively, someone can be convicted of a DUI if their BAC is .08% or higher, even if they aren’t showing any additional signs of intoxication.
Types of DUIs in San Mateo County
A first-offense DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are different types of DUIs in San Mateo County. Some may be charged as a felony depending on aggravating factors. The main types of DUIs include:
- First offense DUI
- Subsequent offense DUI
- Felony DUI
- Underage DUI
- CDL DUI
- DUI causing bodily injury
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Marijuana and drug DUI
Generally, people who have prior DUIs, cause a serious accident, or are very intoxicated will face more severe charges.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in San Mateo County, California?
The penalties for a DUI conviction in San Mateo County can vary significantly. Ultimately it depends on the type of DUI charge and whether there are any aggravating factors in your case.
First Offense DUI
For a first-offense misdemeanor DUI, most people will face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Additional penalties may include a driver’s license suspension.
Second Offense DUI
For a second-offense misdemeanor DUI conviction you can expect to spend a minimum of 96 hours and a maximum of one year in jail. Additionally, there is a fine of up to $1,000 and a year-long license suspension.
Third Offense DUI
A person convicted of a third-offense misdemeanor DUI will be sentenced to a minimum of 120 days and a maximum of a year in jail. There is a fine of up to $1,000 and a three-year license suspension period.
Felony DUI
Felony DUIs are very serious. The penalties are highly dependent on the facts of the case. You could face at least 4 years in jail but potentially much more. There is usually a significant fine and license suspension for up to 10 years.
Note that these penalties can increase if certain aggravating factors are present, such as if someone was injured in the course of the incident.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of a DUI in San Mateo County?
DUI cases aren’t necessarily cut and dry. There are usually many defenses that can be raised when someone is arrested for a DUI. Some of the most common defenses are:
- Unconstitutional stop
- Lack of probable cause for an arrest
- Unreliable field sobriety tests
- Inaccurate breathalyzer or blood test results
- Insufficient evidence
- Medical conditions causing the appearance of intoxication
- Not in control of the vehicle
In every case, the prosecutor has the burden to prove that you are guilty of the DUI beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney’s job is to poke holes in that argument. This can take the form of raising one solid defense or chipping away at the evidence through pretrial motions.
We will work with you to identify the best defense(s) suited to the unique facts of your DUI case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Mateo County DUI Attorneys
To get started on your case, call a San Mateo County DUI attorney at Ahmed & Sukaram today to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and begin fighting to protect your rights and freedom.