North County DUI Defense Lawyer

Facing a North County DUI Charge?

North County takes a strong stance against those accused of driving under the influence (DUI) and can impose harsh penalties on an offender for a single charge. The courts do not care if you only had one beer or are going through a hard time: if you are charged with a DUI, they will bring the full weight of the law down upon you.

But at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, our North County DUI defense attorney firmly believes that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty. We have worked with numerous clients to get their cases reduced or dismissed and can provide the same legal assistance in your case. If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI in North County, pick up the phone and call our office at (760) 630-2000.

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How North County Courts View DUI Cases

In the state of California, driving while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs is illegal, but district attorneys tend to file charges in cases where a defendant had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, or if the arresting officer suspected that the driver was under the influence of drugs.

But the type of charge you face may vary depending on the circumstances of your crime. When facing a North County DUI charge, you will need the aid of a defense attorney who has extensive experience defending clients in a variety of criminal trials. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, our lead attorney is a criminal law specialist who can provide a strong defense in cases involving:

• First-Time DUIs
• Multiple DUIs
• DUIs with Drugs
• DUIs with Injuries
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Juvenile DUIs
• Military DUIs
• Commercial DUIs
• Out-of-State DUIs
• Rideshare DUIs
• Boating Under the Influence

Even for first-time offenders, a DUI charge can drastically impact your life, especially if you had a high BAC at time of testing or someone was injured. You may face jail time, significant fines, DUI school, and a license suspension for a single charge. In addition, any subsequent charges can increase your penalties in the future. Bottom line, you should take these charges extremely seriously and get strong legal help to protect your future.

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What Are Penalties for a DUI?

DUIs penalties vary depending on the nature of the crime, whether anyone was injured, and the BAC of your system. In general, for a first-time offender, the charge is a misdemeanor that can result in:

• Between 48 hours and six months in a county jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines plus penalty assessments
• A six-month or longer license suspension based on BAC
• A maximum 30-day vehicle impoundment
• Community service requirements

However, if this is your second charge, the courts can extend your sentence to:

• Between 10 days and one year in a county jail
• Up to $3,000 in fines plus penalty assessments
• A two-year or longer license suspension based on BAC
• A maximum 30-day vehicle impoundment
• Community service requirements
• Three to five years of probation
• Mandatory alcohol treatment enrollment
• Potential ignition interlock device installation

If you are convicted a third time, you could face:

• Between 120 days and one year in a county jail
• Up to $5,000 in fines plus penalty assessments
• A revocation of your license for up to three years
• A maximum 90-day vehicle impoundment
• Community service requirements
• A 30-month alcohol-treatment program
• Ignition interlock device installation

In addition, these charges can be elevated to a felony if you are charged with three or more DUI offenses in a 10-year period or if someone is injured during the crime. Felony charges not only come with imprisonment in a state prison and thousands of dollars in fines, but they also follow you for years: this can include the inability to own a firearm, limits on the types of jobs you can be hired for, and your ability to apply for housing.

However, you should always remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. With the right attorney at your side, you can have your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

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How a North County DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You

At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, DUI cases are our specialty. We thoroughly understand how these crimes are investigated, what strategies the district attorney will use to convict you, and how to fight back in your defense. If you choose to work with us, our lead attorney can build a strong strategy based on several potential defenses:

• The BAC test showed a false positive
• The field sobriety test was not administered properly
• You only showed the objective signs of intoxication
• You were stopped illegally
• The arresting officer did not perform a 15-minute observation after your breathalyzer test
• The arresting officer performed misconduct

As mentioned earlier, DUIs are typically charged in cases where a defendant tests for a BAC at 0.08% or higher. However, if you test below 0.08%, you may be eligible to take a Wet Reckless Plea to avoid significant jail time, fines, and a license suspension. To determine if you are eligible for a Wet Reckless Plea, you should immediately contact an attorney.

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Get Started on Your Defense Today

A DUI charge is a scary prospect, as it comes not only with serious criminal and administrative penalties, but also a serious blow to your reputation. For members of the military, a single charge can drastically impact your career and redefine your entire life. But with the right legal team at your side, you might be able to beat these charges and protect your future.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI, reach out to the legal team at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys. With over 30 years of experience, our North County criminal defense attorney has helped numerous clients achieve positive results in their cases, including reduced charges and total dismissals. We know how to build a strong defense and can provide outstanding support on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (760) 630-2000.

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