Ventura DUI Lawyer

The penalties for DUI are harsh. They can include not only the ones listed above but the collateral damage of increased auto insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record. Make sure that you are well-defended with the competent help of our attorney. Work with a former prosecutor and proven trial lawyer who knows how to present compelling evidence on your behalf based on a thorough investigation into the details of your arrest.

California DUI Charges

At our firm, we handle all types of drunk and drugged driving cases, including:

• Misdemeanor DUI. First offenses through third-offense DUI without injuries and no prior felony DUI convictions are charged as misdemeanors.
• Felony DUI. These involve fourth offenses within the past 10 years, prior felony DUI convictions, or causing someone to be injured or killed when driving while intoxicated.
• Commercial driver DUI. Commercial license holders are held to a higher standard than others in the state which can result in the loss of your job and livelihood.
• Underage DUI. Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero tolerance standard that can mean convictions with any amount of alcohol and/or drugs in their system. 
• Marijuana DUI. These are complex cases in which you will need the skills of an attorney who understands how marijuana law intersects with DUI law. 
• DUI with an injury which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. 
• Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated which is charged as a felony.
• DUI with a minor under the age of 14 in the car which results in increased penalties beyond that of a standard DUI.

Like all other states, California is tough on DUI to protect the public from potential traffic accidents and to send a message that drunk and/or drugged driving will not be tolerated. 

Under California Vehicle Code 23152, DUI consists of:

• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher or
• Driving while “under the influence” of alcohol and/or drugs

You are considered to be under the influence when your physical or mental capabilities have become so impaired that your driving poses a safety risk to others. 

DUI Penalties

The penalties for DUI will depend on whether your conviction is for a first offense, a repeat offense, an offense causing injury or death, or when other aggravating circumstances are involved.

A first-offense misdemeanor DUI can include:

• Probation for three to five years
• Up to six months in county jail
• Fines of $389 up to $1,000
• Attendance at an alcohol or drug education program
• Community service hours
• A license suspension of up to six months

Penalties can vary by county and by the details of your arrest, such as driving with an excessive BAC, causing an accident, or driving with a minor.