A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can have serious legal consequences. If you are arrested after a police stop or a car accident you could end up left with high fines, jail time, and the loss of your license.
You can get help right away from a DUI lawyer in Whittier. The Simmrin Law Group can support you immediately after you are accused of a DUI. Building a case quickly with a highly-trained lawyer can increase your chances for winning your case.
Laws Surrounding DUIs in Whittier
Individuals drive under the influence if they operate a motor vehicle while their blood alcohol content (BAC) is above a set legal limit. This limit is not the same for everyone in California. Instead, the state uses the following limits for different classes of drivers:
- Non-commercial drivers over 21 have a legal limit of .08%
- Non-commercial drivers under 21 have a legal limit of .01%
- Commercial driver have a legal limit of .04%
Police officers can measure you BAC through the use of chemical tests. Sometimes, you may be asked to complete a field sobriety test as well. Note that you are not always legally required to complete these tests. However, you must take the tests asked of you:
- If you are under 21
- If you are on DUI probation
- If you have been legally arrested
Failure to submit to a legally required test can lead to harsh penalties, including the suspension of your license.
Understand the Penalties for a DUI Conviction
Many people underestimate the consequences of DUI convictions. You can face harsh penalties even for a first offense, and the punishments grow more severe with each successive accusation. You can end up having to deal with:
- $2,000 for a 1st offense
- $2,500 for a 2nd offense
- $3,000 for a 3rd offense
DUI Jail Time
- Up to 6 months for a 1st offense
- Up to 1 year for a 2nd and 3rd offense
DUI License Suspension
- Up to 1 year for a 1st offense
- Up to 2 years for a 2nd offense
- Up to 3 years for a 3rd offense
Make sure you know where you stand after a DUI by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Whittier today.
Whittier’s Laws on Traffic Infractions
You can be charged with a traffic infraction for actions such as:
- Running a stop sign
- Changing lanes illegally
- Violating carpool lane requirements
Traffic infractions are not considered criminal offenses in Whittier. As such, they are usually only punished with a ticket and a small fine. Additionally, traffic infractions usually add one point to your license. Your license will be suspended if you accrue:
- 4 points in 1 year
- 6 points in 2 years
- 8 points in 3 years
You can be given a ticket by a police officer or a red light camera in the Whittier area. Any ticket should be treated seriously.
Criminal Charges for Traffic Violations
Some traffic offenses are considered serious enough that they are punished with criminal charges. DUIs are one example of this type of offense, but they are not alone. You could also face criminal charges for:
- Reckless Driving
- Driving on a Suspended or Revoked license
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Hit and Run
Some of these charges are treated as misdemeanors by the court system while others are seen as felonies. No matter the exact nature of the charge, the penalties can be very harsh. You can end up fined and sent to jail or prison if convicted of a criminal traffic violation. You will also have 2 points added to your license for most criminal traffic violations.