Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California isn’t a very smart thing to do. In addition to the potential for property damage and serious injury to yourself and others, you could be subject to arrest, lose your driver’s license, pay big fines, and even spend time in jail.
If you’ve been arrested on DUI charges in Santa Ana, CA, contact the law offices of Jim Tanizaki through our website or call us at (714) 655-7633 without delay. If you are innocent of the charges, it’s important to take immediate action to clear your name. If you’re guilty, there may be mitigating circumstances that can help reduce the charges against you. Either way, the sooner you speak with experienced Santa Ana DUI attorney Jim Tanizaki the better.
Penalties for Your First DUI Conviction
In California, just like everywhere else, it’s illegal to drive after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol (in any form, including cough syrup), or taking any drug (including prescription medications), or a combination of both that, impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Here’s what could happen if you get your first conviction for DUI in Santa Ana, CA:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines of up to $1000
- Your vehicle may be impounded and subject to storage fees
- Your driving privileges will be suspended for six months to a year
You’ll be required to complete a DUI program, file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P), and pay all fees before your driver’s license can be reinstated and your privileges restored. What DUI program you’ll be required to complete often depends on how high your BAC was at the time of your arrest. You may also face civil lawsuits if you were involved in a DUI accident that resulted in serious injury or death.
Subsequent DUI Convictions
Subsequent convictions can result in:
- A two-year suspension or revocation of up to five years
- A mandatory DUI program
- Having to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
- Being restricted from operating any vehicle without an IID
- Reissue and restriction fees.
Aggravating Circumstances That Could Affect Your DUI Conviction
Several aggravating circumstances can increase the penalties for being convicted of DUI, such as:
- Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test
- You were under the age of 21 when arrested
- Having a BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Causing an accident
- Causing an accident that resulted in serious injury or death
- Driving at excessive speeds
- You were driving with a child under the age of 14 in the car at the time of your arrest
Speak to a Santa Ana DUI Defense Lawyer
Santa Ana criminal defense attorney Jim Tanizaki is a former Orange County prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney. Jim’s unique background and experience give him an edge other lawyers just don’t have. He’s helped clients charged with DUI and other crimes in Santa Ana, Orange, Irvine, Tustin, Fountain Valley, and other Orange County communities.
Contact the law offices of Santa Ana DUI defense attorney Jim Tanizaki through our website, or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free, initial consultation with a leading Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer.