Arrested for driving under the influence
DUI arrests are conducted after a law enforcement officer has sufficient reason to believe that a driver has exceeded the legal alcohol content while operating a motor vehicle. Although an officer may request blood, urine, or breath tests to confirm the blood alcohol level present in a drivers’ body, it is not a requirement as California state law allows an officer to make a DUI arrest on observational evidence alone. In either event, a skilled DUI attorney from Okabe & Haushalter can often provide a decisive advantage in court with legitimate defense strategies proven to work. Our firm can represent clients in a variety of areas related to DUI.
Overview of DUI Charges
An arrest for DUI can be an intimidating, embarrassing, and overwhelming. Most drivers confronted with the possibility of arrest, attempt to explain their circumstances. In every case, it is best to exercise your right to remain silent. What you say and do can make the difference between incarceration, fines, and loss of driving privileges or the freedom to carry on with your life. The right decision is to consult an attorney from the firm who knows the exact steps the state will take to prepare its case. Taking immediate action our firm can challenge the evidence against you, often successfully dismissing the state’s case at the outset.
Our lawyers have earned the respect of colleagues, judges, and members of law enforcement throughout the region. With this background of trust, we have worked effectively to defend our clients’ whether faced with a first-time DUI charge or more serious offenses. Using our knowledge of the California Vehicle Code, we understand the charges you face and what defenses will be effective. Our team has the investigative and trial experience to defend your rights against every effort the state presents, including charges of:
- First DUI
- Multiple DUI
- Underage DUI
- DUI With Injury
- DUI & Drugs
- Felony DUI
Facing the consequences of a DUI arrest, you may feel powerless. Choosing the right firm who will work in every way to strengthen your defenses and uphold your rights is vital. We pledge to take the time needed to understand your circumstances and guide you to take a causative, proactive role in your own defense while we prepare your case and defense strategy.
Penalties for DUI in San Francisco
There are various penalties in place for DUI convictions, and these penalties are usually dependent on whether or not this is a person’s first DUI conviction or a subsequent offense.
- First Offense DUI
- Misdemeanor Offense
- Up To Six Months In County Jail
- $390 To $1,000 Fine
- DUI School For Three To Nine Months
- Six Months Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
- Second Offense DUI
- Misdemeanor Offense
- 96 Hours To One Year In County Jail
- $390 To $1,000 Fine
- SB 38 Program For 18 To 30 Months
- One Year Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
- Third Offense DUI
- Misdemeanor Offense
- 120 Days To One Year In County Jail
- $390 To $1,000 Fine
- SB 38 Program For 30 Months
- Two Year Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
- DUI With Injury (Misdemeanor)
- 5 Days To One Year In County Jail
- $390 To $5,000 Fine (Plus Restitution To Victims)
- SB 38 Program For 3, 18, Or 30 Months
- Six Month Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement Or License Suspension For One Year
- DUI With Injury (Felony)
- 16 Months To 16 Years In State Prison
- $1,015 To $5,000 Fine (Plus Restitution To Victims)
- SB 38 Program For 18 Or 30 Months
- One Year Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement
- Felony DUI
- 16 Months, 2 Years, Or 3 Years In State Prison
- $390 To $1,000 Fine
- SB 38 Program For 18 Or 30 Months
- Up To Five Years Driver’s License Suspension
In addition to the statutory penalties mentioned above for a first-time DUI conviction, you also need to keep in mind various other consequences of a DUI. A DUI conviction will show up on your criminal record, and this can significantly influence your ability to get a job.
Can You be Arrested for drug DUI
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f) VC, we can see that driving under the influence of drugs is considered a criminal offense. This includes driving under the influence of marijuana, even though recreational use of this drug is legal.
You can most certainly be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. While there is no breathalyzer test that can be used to determine a person’s level of intoxication on narcotics, law enforcement officials will use other means to determine whether or not a person is impaired. The charges and penalties for a DUI based on narcotics will be the same as the penalties listed above.
Do Not Rely on a Public Defender for your San Francisco DUI case
If you or somebody you love have been arrested and charged with DUI in San Francisco, you need to speak to an attorney about your case as soon as possible. Technically, you will have access to a public defender for your case. However, we strongly encourage you not to rely on a public defender in these situations. Public defenders are overworked and will have dozens of cases to handle at the same time. However, when you turn to the San Francisco DUI attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter, you are ensuring that you have a team focused on your case. Our goal is to investigate every aspect of your situation in order to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether. You can contact us today by clicking here or calling 415-448-7992 for a free consultation.
Fighting to Keep Your Record Clean
While being charged is a serious matter, there are viable defenses available that have been used across California to help defendants find a favorable outcome. Our San Francisco attorneys are well-versed in state DUI laws and have found consistent success securing minimized sentences or even getting charges dropped. Our attorneys understand how critical success is for our clients, and we welcome the opportunity to fight for your most urgent legal needs.
Contact a San Francisco DUI lawyer from Okabe & Haushalter to discuss your defense!