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Encinitas DUI Defense Lawyers


Get Aggressive Defense After an Encinitas DUI Arrest

A DUI charge can significantly impact your life, even if you are a first-time offender. Not only can you face jail time and fines, but you can also have your car impounded, license temporarily suspended, and face even more penalties if you encounter one of California’s sentencing enhancements. For Encinitas residents, this can also mean a military DUI conviction if you are a member of the military. At the end of the day, a DUI is no simple charge and can be judged harshly in North County.

If you or someone you loved is charged with a DUI, then you need the very best legal defense to have your charges reduced or dismissed. To get that legal aid, contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys and schedule a free consultation with a skilled Encinitas DUI defense attorney. With over 30 years of experience, our firm can build a strong defense case on your behalf. Call us at (760) 630-2000 to begin preparing your defense case.

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Charges You May Face in Encinitas

Our legal team at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys has handled numerous DUI cases for our clients and achieved positive case results, whether that be a reduced charge, diversion program, or a total dismissal of the case. Our lead attorney can provide sound legal counsel even before you have been charged and negotiate with the district attorney to avoid a trial altogether.

While many clients come to us as first-time offenders, we also have experience handling cases for clients with prior convictions, as well as complex cases like:

  • Underage DUI
  • Wet Reckless
  • DUI & Drugs
  • DUI with Injury
  • Military DUI
  • Out of State DUI
  • Commercial Driver DUI
  • Rideshare DUI
  • Boating Under the Influence
  • Vehicular Manslaughter

Bottom line, if you are facing a DUI conviction in North County, jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is the right firm to handle your defense strategy and protect you from facing serious penalties.

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DUI Penalties Explained

Each DUI case is unique, but there are common circumstances that can be considered when building a defense. The state of California has several DUI laws that outline specific penalties for first-time offenders, as well as those who have prior convictions or are subject to one of the state’s DUI enhancements.

If this is your first DUI offense, then you may face:

  • Between two days to six months in a San Diego County jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • License suspension for up to six months

However, for defendants with a high BAC, the charge can also include DUI school, having your vehicle impounded, or being required to use an ignition interlock system.

For subsequent offenses, the charges can increase dramatically. Second-time offenders often face:

  • Between 10 days and one year in jail
  • Fines of up to $3,000 as well as penalty assessments
  • License suspension for up to two-years
  • Vehicle impoundment
  • Community service
  • Probation for three to five years
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment enrollment
  • Potential ignition interlock device installation

These charges only get worse for third or repeat offenders. In addition, defendants who drive commercial vehicles, are a member of the military, are underage, or commit another traffic violation while intoxicated can face further sentencing enhancements. That means more jail time, higher fees, longer license suspensions, and other DUI penalties. That is why working with an experienced Encinitas drunk driving defense lawyer could be key to having your charges reduced or dismissed.

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How an Experienced Encinitas DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You

Not all DUI charges end in a conviction and there are defense strategies that your attorney can employ to protect your rights. But it will all depend on the circumstances of your case. Luckily for you, our founding attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys has extensive experience handling DUI cases and knows just how to build a defense strategy.

Common methods of fighting DUI charges include:

  • The DUI test was improperly administered, or the results are unreliable
  • There was no 15-minute observation period after the test
  • You only showed the objective signs of intoxication
  • The officer illegally pulled you over
  • The officer illegally searched your vehicle
  • The officer committed some form of misconduct during your arrest

Not all cases are clear-cut, and you should always remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. It is on the prosecution to demonstrate that you committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. When you work with jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys and our Encinitas criminal defense attorney, our legal team will utilize all of our expertise, knowledge, and skill to fight the charges leveled against you. We can negotiate with the DA prior to your trial to have the case dropped or advocate for your defense before a jury. To learn how we can defend you, call us at (760) 630-2000.

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James N. Dicks

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